Effect of Beak-Trimming Regimen on Broiler Performance

Trial 1 evaluated no beak-trimming (NBT) vs. normal (N) or severe (S) hot-blade beak-trimming in broilers housed at normal vs. crowded density. Density had no significant effect on weight gain or gain/feed, and there was no significant beak-trimming × density interaction. Weight gains (pooled across density) expressed as a percent of NBT controls were 100, 96.7, and 95.3% from 0 to 21 days and 100, 100, and 99.5% from 0 to 49 days in NBT, N, and S broilers, respectively. Gain/feed values were 100, 100.1, and 100.7% from 0 to 21 days and 100, 101.8, and 102.3% from 0 to 49 days in NBT, N, and S broilers, respectively. In Trial 2 the effect of no beak-trimming (NBT) vs. hot-blade (HB) and electric arc (EA) beak-trimming was evaluated in both fast- and slow-feathering broilers. Feathering type did not significantly affect weight gain, but fast-feathering broilers exhibited better (P<.05) feed efficiencies than slow-feathering broilers. There was no significant feathering × beak-trimming interaction. Weight gains (pooled across feathering types) were 100, 97.1, and 95.6% from 0 to 21 days and 100, 99.0, and 97.7% from 0 to 49 days in NBT, HB, and EA broilers, respectively. Gain/feed values were 100, 99.5, and 100.1% from 0 to 21 days and 100, 100.6, and 101.5% from 0 to 49 days in NBT, HB, and EA birds, respectively. No significant differences in mortality due to treatment were detected in either trial. The results of these trials indicate that beak-trimming had either no effect or only a modest depressing effect on body weight gains and that feed utilization efficiency was consistently improved by beak-trimming.