16 Sep 2008 13:30
Unit:
Wageningen University
Location:
Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation:
Wageningen University
Promotor:
prof.dr.ir. M.W.A. Verstegen (Animal Nutrition (Monogastric Nutrition))
Promotor:
Prof.dr.ir. L.A. den Hartog
Co Promotor:
Dr.ir. R.P. Kwakkel
Increasing feeding related behavior and satiety by dietary manipulation are successful strategies in preventing feather pecking behavior, as long as this behavior is not developed in an earlier stage. In laying hens, nutrient dilution and addition of (coarse) insoluble NSP increase feeding related behavior, as expressed by prolonged eating time and decreased eating rate. Providing 15% diluted diets to rearing hens results in less feather damage during the laying period. Although dilution of the rearing diet does not prolong eating time in this stage, this might stimulate imprinting of pecks on feed, rather than on feathers of flock mates. The most perspective feeding strategy to prevent feather damage is the supply of a 15% diluted diet during the rearing period, followed by a 10% diluted – coarsely ground – high NSP diet during the laying period.
Title thesis: "Effect of nutritional factors on eating behavior and feather damage of laying hens"