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Beak Trimming Effects on Performance, Behavior and Welfare of Chickens: A Review

Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602; Phone: (404) 542-9151; FAX: (404) 542-8383

Correspondence: D. L. Cunningham

Beak trimming is a management practice that has long been employed by the poultry industry to reduce the deleterious effects of cannibalism and feather pecking among flockmates of chickens. Most studies of beak trimming have concentrated on the production and economic performance aspects of this practice. Because of the current animal welfare debate, behavioral and physiological responses of animals exposed to this procedure have been examined recently in an effort to measure the effects upon "well being." These investigations have provided some interesting and useful results. Nevertheless, beak trimming continues to be a sensitive and difficult issue for the poultry industry due to the concerns of individuals who promote animal welfare. The purpose of this article is to review some of the research findings regarding beak trimming of chickens as related to industry usage and the animal welfare debate. Several avenues of research that could prove beneficial to the poultry industry in the future will be discussed.

Key Words: Beak trimming • welfare • behavior • chicken