Hy-Line invests in beak treatment
Layer breeder Hy-Line UK is urging welfarists to embrace the latest infra-red beak treatment technique following the company’s decision to fully equip its hatchery with the machines.
Hy-Line has been trialling the treatment at its modern hatchery in Warwickshire since installing a machine 18 months ago in order to evaluate the process. The company was instrumental in persuading the egg industry—through the BEIC—to carry out a study into the effectiveness and welfare benefits associated with the process.
BFREPA is a major funding partner in this on-going work and last month’s Ranger reported how interim trial results have been described as very encouraging. The egg industry is hoping that infra-red treatment will replace conventional hot-blade trimming which is due to be banned from 2011.
Hy-Line’s confidence in the process was revealed earlier this month at a seminar marking the company’s 10-year anniversary.
“Hy-Line has been working very closely with the government and other industry bodies in trialling this beak treatment process, which we believe is the most accurate, safe and welfare conscious form of treatment available,” said managing director Andrew Hignett. “Following initial trials, which look favourable, Hy-Line has decided to invest in six state-of-the-art machines.”
Mr Hignett explained that the infra-red beak treatment process involved treating the hard keratin of the beak with infrared energy.
“The tip of the beak that is treated falls away in approximately 21 days without mutilation of any kind. Since improving bird welfare is at the heart of this technological advancement, I would like to urge welfare groups to amend their current standards to allow this treatment to be carried out in the hatchery.”
Already in use in the US, Australia and many other countries, Hy-Line UK says it is determined to introduce the modern, cutting-edge equipment to the UK. The company’s Millennium Hatchery is responsible for hatching over 60 per cent of the requirement for layer chicks in the UK.
