Development of pecking damage in turkey hens with intact and trimmed beaks in relation to dietary protein source

摘要

In conventionally kept fattening turkeys, beak trimming is a common method to reduce skin damages due to cannibalism. In Germany it is planned not to grant exemptions for beak trimming in turkey hens from 2019. There are several hypotheses as to why domestic turkeys injuriously peck. However, very little is known about the abnormal behaviour in turkeys. One effect on the incidence of cannibalism is also attributed to the composition of feed, in particular the use of animal protein diets. This study represents the first attempt to examine the effects of dietary protein source and beak status on turkey hens housed under practical conditions.