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Imprint
Experiment to protect grass in runs of laying hens
Project
Project code: FAL-TT-02-14
Contract period: 01.01.2001
- 30.04.2003
Purpose of research: Applied research
The aim is to find a possibility for farmers with free-range hens to fulfil the commission regulation (EEC) on certain marketing standards for eggs. That means, a) that hens have continuous daytime access to open-air runs and b) that the ground to which hens have access is mainly covered with vegetation. The production period lasted longer than 1 year. Even if each hen had 0.8 m² free range instead of 4 m² according to the regulation, vegetation remained complete - with exception of the first 1 to 3 m at the house - in those cases where a plastic grid (accessible also for persons) was 10 cm over the soil. A thick layer of manure was on the vegetation of the first 1 to 3 meters. Hens destroyed all the vegetation where the run had no grid. The pop-holes were open all the time from sunrise to one hour after sunset. Averaged each hen used the run more than 25 % of the time. The destruction of the vegetation could be prevented in the run, however costs of material per m² were very high.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Agricultural Technology Animal Production
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
FLI - Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry (FLI - ITT)
