Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 5: Beak trimming is practiced in Poultry farms to control injurious pecking and cannibalism. The process of beak trimming of poultry birds uses a hot blade procedure which is a violation of section 11(1)(1) of the prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which prohibits mutilation of an animal. This can be replaced with a humane alternative where automated machinery is used to treat day old chicks at the hatchery with a focused infrared beam and the beak tip sloughs off naturally within 2 to 3 weeks with no open wound. Infrared-treated birds show better body weight, feed in-take, feed conversion than hot blade-trimmed birds.
All commercial hatcheries and poultry chick suppliers are advised to ensure compliance with the following guidelines and promote humane and welfare-oriented poultry farming practices:
Prohibition of Routine Hot-Blade Beak Trimming: Hot-blade beak trimming causes pain, tissue damage, stress and potential long-term complications, including chronic pain and impaired feeding. Hence, it shall be discouraged as a routine management practice in view of animal welfare concerns and the applicable provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Adoption of Infrared Beak Treatment (IRBT): Wherever beak treatment is considered necessary, hatcheries are advised to adopt Infrared Beak Treatment (IRBT) at the hatchery level as a comparatively humane alternative to conventional hot-blade trimming, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Promotion of Bird Welfare and Productivity: Adoption of humane beak treatment practices can help improve feed intake, body weight gain and overall flock performance, while minimising avoidable pain and suffering in poultry birds.
Improved Husbandry and Management Practices: Poultry farmers shall be sensitised to prevent injurious pecking and cannibalism through adequate space, appropriate stocking density, balanced nutrition, suitable lighting and proper environmental management.