Management tool (MTool) for laying hen rearing and husbandry
Breeders and laying hen farmers have a significant influence on the condition of the flock and thus on the welfare of each individual animal. This is particularly true when it comes to preventing or minimising plumage damage, injuries and losses caused by feather pecking and cannibalism. Chicks, pullets and laying hens indicate through their behaviour and physical condition whether the husbandry, feeding and management are adequate and whether there are any infections. Quickly noticing changes, identifying the causes and taking appropriate action as soon as possible are the most important prerequisites for animal welfare and economic success. The ‘MTool’ management tool for rearing and keeping laying hens is designed to help farms and consultants quickly identify and record changes in the animals.
Assessment cards, recording lists, evaluation aids and a tablet app are available for this purpose. A subsequent risk analysis using a comprehensive questionnaire can be used to identify weaknesses in the business. The ‘Basic Knowledge MTool’ provides easy-to-understand background information and suggests measures to be taken.
The work was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture as part of the ‘Guideline for the Promotion of Measures for the Transfer of New Findings from Research and Development Projects (R&D Projects) into Agricultural Practice in the Context of Model and Demonstration Projects on Animal Welfare’ of 4 June 2013.
Basic Knowledge MTool Handbook (138 pages, pdf)
Further MTool materials (assessment cards, app, Excel applications) can be found here.