LPM 221: Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management (1+1)

REASONS

Following are some of the causes responsible for cannibalism

• Overcrowding in the poultry house which gives less opportunity for exercise and the less active birds pick up vices.
• Cannibalism tends to be more common in some breed of birds and may have genetic predisposition.
• Haemorrhages in the external genitalia due to laying of large eggs by new hens attracts other birds and once the birds develop taste for blood and meat they develop the habit of cannibalism.
• Protein deficiency in the diet or provision of less diet or excess of corn in the diet are said to be important factors.
• Deficiency of arginine and methionine are supposed to be more responsible for development of cannibalistic activity.
• Some say that the deficiency of salt and minerals may be responsible for this condition.
• Loss of feathers from the body or haemorrhage from the skin due to parasitic infestation may predispose to cannibalism.
• Wounds inflicted by fighting between the birds may also serve as a stimulus for cannibalistic activity.