Supporting High Welfare Cage-Free Egg Production in China

HIGHLIGHTS: *This report or Guidance Memo is aimed at supporting cage-free egg production operations in China. It provides information regarding international best practices in relation to farm productivity and animal welfare in the context of the Chinese egg industry. *Collaborating and in consultation with local Chinese producers and animal welfare experts, and based on her surveys of cage-free farms in China, the author of this Guidance Memo offers practical information for key housing and management issues, including: Disease management; egg production; the provision of an appropriate environment; maintaining normal hen behaviors and avoiding mortality; humane killing on farm. *There is an emphasis on the importance in understanding, training and investment in key management aspects, particularly the prevention and control of severe feather pecking and infectious diseases in order to maintain a healthy flock and operate a successful and profitable production business. *This report shows compellingly that improving cage-free layer hen welfare in China is quite feasible and such improvement is hugely beneficial for producers and layer hens. Higher welfare cage-free systems are indeed increasing in China even though the vast majority of eggs in China are still produced in facilities with cages. *A Chinese translation of this Guidance Memo is available in late 2020

Severe feather-pecking in free-range ISA Brown laying hens

Severe feather-pecking (SFP) is a multifactorial behaviour whereby birds peck at and pull out the feathers of conspecifics. It can result in extensive feather loss, wounds, and death in affected birds. Many causal factors have been identified in contributing to the expression of SFP, yet the underlying motivations for the behaviour are not fully understood. Despite over five decades of research, SFP persists as a highly deleterious and prevalent problem in the egg industry worldwide, with no effective method of control. SFP can occur at extremely high rates, with studies reporting between half and three-quarters of flocks surveyed as affected. SFP therefore represents a significant risk to hen welfare. In the last half century, increased intensification of animal production has taken place. Concurrently over recent years, there has been an increase in non-cage housing systems for laying hens. Since SFP is thought to be socially transmitted throughout a flock, it has been found to be particularly difficult to control in non-cage systems. SFP is thought to be inversely correlated with use of the outdoor range area, although few studies have investigated this relationship and factors which affect range use. Research to investigate why SFP occurs, and how it may be managed, is critical for the future of the egg industry, as well as hen welfare. Some research suggests that SFP is an abnormal behaviour, and may be used as an animal model for obsessive compulsive disorder in humans. Other studies hypothesise that it is triggered by the inhibition of ground-pecking, a foraging behaviour. Still others suggest that SFP has a nutritional basis, and is primarily performed with the intent to ingest feathers. Fearfulness is thought to play a role in the expression of SFP, but the causal relationship has not been determined, as well as whether the recipients or those performing SFP are more fearful. It is also not clear whether the gentle form of feather-pecking (GFP), which does not cause damage to the birds, acts as a precursor to SFP later in life. SFP has been widely controlled by beak-trimming (BT), whereby the tip of the beak is removed. BT does not address the cause of the behaviour, and is the subject of controversy and banned in a number of countries due to welfare reasons. Its effectiveness has also been questioned. There is a need for research to investigate the current need for BT, and potential alternatives. Chapter 1 gives a general introduction to the topics covered in this thesis. Chapter 2 provides a consolidated review of the research on the motivational basis for SFP, how SFP is affected by the environment, and how feeding behaviour and feather-eating are implicated. It was concluded in chapter 2 that more research should be conducted to investigate types of environmental enrichment (EE) that may enhance foraging behaviours as a method to reduce SFP. In addition, research is required on individual bird variation, and the underlying behavioural characteristics related to the expression of SFP. Further, while feather-eating is thought to be important in the expression of SFP, more research is required to understand the specific role it plays, and why some birds may have a greater appetite for feathers. Chapter 3 studies the effects of BT and EE during the rearing period, and plumage damage due to SFP later in life. Chapter 4 investigates some behavioural traits of pullets during the rearing period, how these are affected by the BT and EE treatments, and whether they may be predictive of SFP later in life. Sixteen pens of 50 ISA Brown laying hens were used (n = 800). The BT and EE treatments were applied in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Half of the birds were BT at 1 d of age using an infra-red laser, and a follow-up light-trim was performed at 11 weeks of age with a hot blade. Half of the birds received EE which comprised pecking strings, whole oats in the litter, and greater litter depth. Four focal birds were selected at random per pen, at 11 days of age (n = 64). In chapter 3, focal birds were subject to in situ behaviour observations from 3 to 14 weeks of age. BT birds performed less ground-pecking (P = 0.003), less SFP (P = 0.02) and more GFP (P = 0.02) than their non-BT counterparts during the rearing period. These birds also exhibited less feather damage at 43 weeks of age (P 0.1). In the OFT, feather-peckers made more vocalisations (P < 0.001) at higher volumes (P < 0.001) than ‘victims’ of SFP, and also made more escape attempts (P = 0.03). In the TI test, victims had longer latencies to right themselves than peckers (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the higher levels of vocalisations and escape attempts made by peckers in the OFT may have been due to greater social motivation. The results of this chapter are therefore in agreement with the findings in chapter 4, that birds performing more SFP may be more socially motivated. When the results from chapters 4 and 5 are considered together, it appears that SFP causes increased fearfulness in victims, rather than fearfulness predisposing birds to perform SFP. Chapter 6 compares feather-eating between six SFP pens and six non-SFP pens (n = 12 pens, 600 hens). SFP was determined by feather-scoring and in situ behaviour observations. A second experiment in chapter 6 investigates the temporal relationship between feather-eating and SFP in 16 pens (n = 800 hens) to determine whether feather-eating may predict SFP. This was done by assessing feather-eating prior to the development of SFP, at 15 weeks of age, and again after SFP was apparent, at 40 weeks of age. In the first experiment, there was a clear relationship between SFP and feather-eating, where birds in pens with plumage damage had a higher probability of feather ingestion (P = 0.02), and showed shorter latencies to peck at, and ingest loose feathers (P < 0.001). Birds also ingested feathers from some birds faster than others (P < 0.001). In the second experiment, birds tended to peck feathers taken from the rump more times than feathers sourced from the back at 40 weeks of age (P = 0.06). These findings demonstrate that birds may preferentially ingest feathers from some birds and particular body areas. This was in line with anecdotal observations of plumage damage occurring mostly on the rump area. Birds pecked at the feathers more (P < 0.001), had a higher probability of ingesting feathers (P < 0.001), and pecked and ingested feathers more quickly (P < 0.001) at 40 than 15 weeks of age. This suggests that birds had a heightened interest in ingesting feathers once SFP was occurring at an older age, although a predictive relationship was not determined due to a lack of variation in plumage damage between pens in this experiment. Chapter 7 investigates the relationships between fearfulness, plumage damage, and range use. Two pens of 50 hens (n = 100) were fitted with Radio Frequency Identification transponders at 26 weeks of age. The hens’ use of the outdoor range was then tracked continuously over a period of 13 days. Two subpopulations were then identified at the end of the trial: high range users (n = 15) and low range users (n = 15), based on their total time spent outside. These birds were subjected to TI tests and feather-scored at 29 weeks of age. There was no relationship between plumage damage and time spent outside on the range (P = 0.68), but there was a negative association between TI duration and range use (P = 0.01). This negative association suggests that fearful birds are less likely to use an outdoor range area. Chapter 7 indicates that Radio Frequency Identification technology provides a potential means for quantifying range use in laying hens, on which there is currently very little information. This thesis supports a relationship between fearfulness and SFP (chapter 5). SFP appeared to cause higher levels of fearfulness in the recipients, rather than fearfulness predisposing birds to perform SFP (chapters 4 and 5). Fearfulness was also negatively associated with time spent on the outside range area (chapter 7). While previous studies have found range use and plumage damage to be inversely correlated, this was not found in chapter 7. The relationships between fearfulness, SFP, and range use warrant further research, particularly in larger flock sizes. Social motivation appears to be implicated in the expression of SFP. Birds that performed more SFP (chapters 3 and 5) also demonstrated higher levels of social motivation in the OFTs (chapters 4 and 5). GFP did not predict plumage damage later in life (chapter 3), but was positively associated with SFP (chapter 5). Results from chapters 3 and 5 do not support the hypothesis that SFP is redirected ground-pecking. BT significantly reduced plumage damage. While there were no effects of EE on plumage damage, it appeared to enhance the behavioural repertoire during the period in which it was provided (chapter 3), and tended to reduce SFP received in the laying period (chapter 5). Feather-eating may play an important role in SFP (chapter 6), although investigation of a predictive relationship was precluded, and future research should focus on elucidating the relationship between feather-eating and SFP. This thesis provides information on: The short and longer term effects of EE and its interaction with BT. This knowledge could contribute to the development of appropriate husbandry and housing conditions for laying hens to minimise the expression of SFP. Feather-eating and its positive association with SFP. It is suggested that birds may have preferences for feathers from particular body areas and birds. Behavioural characteristics of pullets prior to the development of high rates of SFP and plumage damage, the usefulness of behavioural tests as predictors of SFP, and the congruency between two behavioural tests, the OFT and the TI test. Behavioural traits in birds expressing SFP compared with victimised birds. This information is important in developing standardised phenotypic characteristics of birds that perform SFP. Associated phenotypic characteristics may be utilised in breeding programs to control SFP on a broader scale. Range use, fearfulness, and plumage damage. Little is known about range use, why birds access the range area differentially within a flock, and how it may be related to SFP. Information in this area is therefore important to contribute to the understanding of laying hen behaviour and how best to manage and house laying hen flocks. Therefore, this thesis was successful in 1) increasing the understanding of why SFP occurs; 2) providing information on some of the underlying motivations of birds that perform SFP, 3) providing information on some potential methods for control, and 4) identifying avenues for further research

Cage egg producers' perspectives on the adoption of cage-free systems in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

Asia is responsible for ~60% of global egg production. As in most of the world, nearly all of the egg-laying hens are housed in cages. While there is growing demand for cage-free eggs in many regions of the world, challenges have been reported when transitioning to these systems, which may affect the willingness of producers to transition. The aim of this research was to investigate the views of Asian egg producers on the feasibility of cage-free systems and what they perceive to be the main challenges and proposed solutions in adopting cage-free systems. A total of 224 egg producers (165 cage egg producers) completed questionnaires containing a mix of free-form, Likert scale and demographic items. Data were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis and descriptive quantitative statistics. Responses indicated that cages are primarily used for their efficiency and ease of management. The most common reasons to consider adopting cage-free systems included improved animal welfare, increased market access, and increased product quality. A majority of producers (65%) responded “yes” or “maybe” when asked if they consider cage-free systems to be feasible in their country. Perceived challenges in adopting cage-free systems included reduced profitability, higher costs, and biosecurity and disease. Potential solutions included the development of the cage-free industry and market development. Most producers (72%) said more support is needed to establish cage-free farms, mostly pertaining to technical advice, training and resources. The findings of this study provide an enhanced understanding of the egg industry in these countries and potential areas for producer support in transitioning to cage-free systems

Improving hen welfare on cage-free egg farms in Asia: Egg producers’ perspectives

There is a trend towards the adoption of cage-free housing systems in the egg industry across Asia. While cage-free housing systems can hold significant animal welfare advantages over cages, there can also be challenges in managing these systems. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the perspectives of egg producers on the main challenges and proposed solutions associated with cage-free systems in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Cage-free producers found disease prevention and maintaining a healthy profit margin more difficult than producers from cage farms, while it was less difficult to provide environmental enrichment in cage-free systems compared to cage farms. The top challenges for cage-free producers were the cost of production, system management, disease, sales, and egg production, and the top proposed solution was to improve on-farm practices and efficiencies. Eighty-one percent of egg producers believed that more support is needed to maintain their farms than is currently available, and support was most needed in helping to improve sales, improve farm operations, lower farm costs, and provide information for producers in the form of education and training. Most responses identified the government as the stakeholder that should offer support. These results may help direct further studies in this field as well as supplying information to develop relevant initiatives with an emphasis on education and training, thereby improving animal welfare on cage-free farms and increasing the uptake of high welfare cage-free farms across the region

Mapping Stakeholders to Drive the Transition to Cage-Free Egg Systems in the Chinese Industry

Intensive egg production in conventional cages causes enormous negative impacts on animal welfare. The living conditions of farmed animals are particularly poor in some leading livestock producers, including the People’s Republic of China (hereafter referred as to China). China is the world’s largest egg producer for the past three decades and raised nearly 2.9 billion laying hens in 2018. However, 90% of them are housed in conventional battery cages. Fortunately, hundreds of food businesses have committed to improving animal welfare in their supply chains by transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs. In China, dozens of international food businesses have made the public pledges to exclusively source cage free eggs in the Chinese market. Nevertheless, these corporations are facing challenges in implementing these policies, due to lack of cage-free supply in the region. Whilst some international animal welfare organisations have been striving for encouraging the industry to transition to cage free production, Chinese egg producers are not fully committed to the conversion. A lack of identification of the key stakeholders and engagement with them have been identified as a major barrier to driving the change in the region. A detailed stakeholder map will serve for accurate identification of the key actors, efficient resources allocations, strategic engagement with the most influential stakeholders, which all contribute to the success of implementing the cage-free initiative in China. Therefore, our goal is to fill this gap in research and practice by developing a detailed key stakeholder map which impact the transition to cage free production systems in Chinese egg farming industry. The goal will be achieved by the completion of an executive summary on the identification and mapping of key stakeholders in the Chinese egg framing sector, with recommended prioritized stakeholders and engagement strategies

Lack of access to an open water source for bathing inhibited the development of the preen gland and preening behavior in Sanshui White ducks

As a species of waterfowl, ducks rely on access to water to facilitate feeding behaviors. Further, wet preening behavior in ducks relies on access to water and is a key behavior for duck welfare. Traditionally, Chinese duck farms provide not only free access to drinking water in the duck house but also an open water pool outside of the house. However, recent restrictions prohibit the use of an open water pool for raising ducks in some areas of China. Little is known about the effects of not providing an open water pool on duck welfare, in particular, the development of the preen gland and wet preening behaviors. The preen gland secretes oil which is crucial for maintaining plumage conditions. A total of one hundred twenty 1-day-old Sanshui White ducks (SSWD) were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed for 6 wk with access to a water pool (WP) or without access to a water pool and provided drinking water only (LWP). The live body weights of ducks from the WP group were significantly increased compared with those of ducks in the LWP group starting from 3 wks of age (P < 0.05). Feed intake was increased in the WP group at 2 wk of age and from 4 to 6 wk of age (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly different only at 4 and 5 wks of age, when the FCR was increased by 5.7% and 9.5%, respectively, in the LWP group compared with the WP group (P < 0.05). Lack of access to an open water pool significantly inhibited the growth of the preen gland based on its weight, size, and quantity of oil secretions (P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of ducks exhibiting wet preening behavior was significantly reduced in the LWP group compared with the WP group (5.5 ± 0.2% vs. 24.8 ± 2.1%, P < 0.05). This study indicated that a lack of access to an open water source had negative impacts on the development of the preen gland and on the preening behavior of SSWD

Cage egg producers' perspectives on the adoption of cage-free systems in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

Asia is responsible for ~60% of global egg production. As in most of the world, nearly all of the egg-laying hens are housed in cages. While there is growing demand for cage-free eggs in many regions of the world, challenges have been reported when transitioning to these systems, which may affect the willingness of producers to transition. The aim of this research was to investigate the views of Asian egg producers on the feasibility of cage-free systems and what they perceive to be the main challenges and proposed solutions in adopting cage-free systems. A total of 224 egg producers (165 cage egg producers) completed questionnaires containing a mix of free-form, Likert scale and demographic items. Data were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis and descriptive quantitative statistics. Responses indicated that cages are primarily used for their efficiency and ease of management. The most common reasons to consider adopting cage-free systems included improved animal welfare, increased market access, and increased product quality. A majority of producers (65%) responded “yes” or “maybe” when asked if they consider cage-free systems to be feasible in their country. Perceived challenges in adopting cage-free systems included reduced profitability, higher costs, and biosecurity and disease. Potential solutions included the development of the cage-free industry and market development. Most producers (72%) said more support is needed to establish cage-free farms, mostly pertaining to technical advice, training and resources. The findings of this study provide an enhanced understanding of the egg industry in these countries and potential areas for producer support in transitioning to cage-free systems