Mini Singh

I. INTRODUCTIONSupplementation of amino acids to reduce feather pecking behaviour and improve plumage condition has been previously studied and found to be successful (Savory, 1998, van Hierden et al., 2004). Feather eating behaviour performed by feather pecking birds suggests that feathers (predominately composed of keratin protein) may be consumed as an alternative source of amino acids, if dige ...

IntroductionRecent legislation in Australia, that came into effect from March 2017, states that eggs labelled ‘free-range’ need to be laid by hens with meaningful and regular access to the outdoors and that there would be a ceiling on outdoor stocking density of 10000 hens/hectare [1]. However, earlier model Code of Practice [2] and standards from animal welfare bodies [3, 4], as well ...

Free range poultry egg and meat production is a rapidly growing sector in Australia. Establishing free range production enterprises that meet retailer and consumer demands remains a challenge for the poultry industry. Furthermore, Australia is characterised by a wide array of climatic and topographic regions, some of which may expose free range birds to conditions that may affe ...