01.08.2014

Scholz et al. (2014) Poult Sci 93:1877-1882

New research published in the Poultry Science journal suggests that feed are not suitable litter material for laying hens because they lead to lipid accumulation on the plumage.
Within the European Union, dustbathing material in cage-housing systems for laying hens became compulsory in 2012. In practice, most producers use food particles as litter substrate. The feed is dropped in small amounts on scratching mats by an automatic transporting system. However, because dustbathing behavior is meant to remove stale lipids from hens' plumage, food particles may not be a suitable substrate due to their fat content.