A survey of layer-type pullet rearing in Switzerland

Battery cages for laying birds were banned in Switzerland in 1981. Several new systems were developed in the years that followed, but to date only the deep litter and aviary systems have complied with both the regulations of the Swiss Animal Welfare Act and given satisfactory production results. The ways in which layer replacements are reared has been found to be crucial if they are to be able to cope optimally with the new aviary system. For this reason, the Federal Veterinary Office commissioned a survey to investigate how layer replacement pullets were reared in Switzerland. Sixty six out of a total of 155 farms that had facilities to rear 500 or more chicks at one time were visited between April and December 1997. Data were gathered on the type of housing system, management methods and the prevalence of feather pecking. The results of the survey are presented in a descriptive way and discussed in relation to the conditions during the laying period.