Cannibalism, Pick-Outs and Methionine

IN THE period, 1950–53, with flocks of a meat strain of New Hampshires, feather pulling and cannibalism were so severe that debeaking was practiced. Neal (1955) reported that methionine supplementation increased the proportion of settable eggs laid by these flocks and initially caused a distortion of egg shape. Shell texture and pigmentation were improved as well as egg size. Flock mortality has been excessive with most of the birds posted showing an enteritis and often nephritis. Copper sulfate and high levels of antibiotics (aureomycin and terramycin) have been used in attempts to control enteritis, with indifferent success. Three brands of mash have produced varying degrees of cannibalistic tendencies. Any restriction of feed intake has aggravated cannibalism so that such feeding practice was abandoned. During the current season, 1954–55, two flocks of Rhode Island Reds beginning with 800 and 900 chicks, respectively, were raised. Flock A, hatched March 8, …