title: Improving animal well-being through genetic selection.
abstract: This paper reviews the possibilities of adapting laying hens to cages by means of genetic selection. By selecting separately for rate of lay and longevity using a kin selection method, a strain of laying hen has been developed that shows much less feather pecking and cannibalism than a control strain, and with no decrease in productivity. This experimental strain enjoys a higher level of welfare in cages because it does not require beak trimming.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. bmuir@hub.ansc.purdue.edu
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Muir
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D010058:Oviposition; D012641:Selection, Genetic