The effects of method and time of debeaking on weight gains and food consumption of chickens

Abstract

Three methods of debeaking broiler chickens were compared: conventional (removal of one-half of the premaxilla), partial (a cauterized cut part-away through the premaxilla halfway between the beak tip and the anterior margin of the nares) and block (removal of one-half of the premaxilla and a similar length of the mandible). The use of these methods at day-old and at five days old was compared. Block debeaking was unsatisfactory because it reduced liveweight gain. Conventional debeaking also tended to reduce liveweight gain. Partial debeaking was the preferable method for use. Debeaking at five days old gave heavier liveweights than debeaking at day-old particularly when the more severe methods, block and conventional debeaking, were used.