Project coordination

Subproject 4

Improving performance, animal health & welfare, environmental impact and product in organic and ‘low input’ LAYING HEN production systems

Responsible

Dr. Ferry Leenstra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Livestock Research, The Netherlands
Dr. Veronika Maurer, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerland (Deputy)

Work packages

WP 4.1 Development of ‘FARMER PARTICIPATORY’ breeding systems to improve productivity, health and welfare and egg quality related traits; comparing standard with farmer participatory breeding systems

WP 4.2 Effect of, and interactions between, laying hen genotypes, feeding regimes, ‘welfare-friendly’ moulting protocols and prolonged use of layers on performance, and animal health and welfare

WP 4.3 Effect of, and interaction between, laying hen genotypes and management innovations on egg quality

Laying hens: Interactions of genotype, nutrition and prolonged laying period (Work package 4.2)

Work package 4.2 'Effect of, and interactions between, laying hen genotypes, feeding regimes, ‘welfare-friendly’ moulting protocols and prolonged use of layers on performance, and animal health and welfare' has two sub work packages.

WP 4.2.1 Effect of laying hen genotypes with contrasting pre-disposition for feather pecking and feeding regimes on animal health and welfare parameters
WP 4.2.2 Effect of ‘welfare-friendly’ moulting and/or prolonged laying period (to extend the lifespan of laying hens) on animal health and welfare

Contact: Dr. Veronika Maurer, FiBL, CH-Frick (Deputy)