Feeding to prevent feather pecking in layers

In laying hens, animal welfare is particularly focused on feather pecking behaviour. In this respect nutrition plays an important role. Feed form, feeding strategy and nutritional factors all seem to have their influence on the birds satiety and pecking behaviour. By Dr Marinus van Krimpen, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands From 2012 onwards, a ban has been introduced on cage housing systems for laying hens in the European Union with some countries planning a ban on be