The Effect of Lipt, Floor Space, and Form 



of Feed Upon Cannibalism, Body Weight, 



Feed Conversion, and Mortality in Broilers 



By W. C. Skoglund 



One of the problems which has plagued the Poultry Industry throughout 

 the years has been that of cannibalism. This is a vice wherein birds are 

 attacked by their associates, resulting in partial injury and even death. 

 Cannibalism may be manifested in several ways, including feather pulling 

 and picking in various areas of the body. 



The rapid expansion of the broiler industry, including the introduction 

 of new breeds and crosses with Cornish blood in them, new feeding methods, 

 such as pelleted feed, and mass production methods have made the problem 

 of cannibalism a continuing serious one. Broiler growers are constantly 

 faced with serious losses in income due to the lower price they receive 

 when barebacked broilers are marketed. Several theories, including that 

 of light intensity, have been developed as to the cause of cannibalism, but 

 the actual cause is still unknown. 



This study was initiated to investigate the following: 



( 1 ) The role which light intensity and length of light period might play 

 in producing cannibalism in broilers. 



( 2 ) Whether light intensitv, combined with form of feed and/or floor 

 space allotment, causes an interaction resulting in cannibalism in broilers. 



(3) The effect of light on other factors besides cannibalism, including 

 body weight, feed conversion, mortality rate and uniformity of weight in 

 broilers. 



Clark (1953) listed the following as possible causes for cannibalism: 

 nutritional deficiencies, such as low protein, low fiber content of ration and 

 lack of salt; faultv management such as high temperature in the brooder 

 house, lack of fresh air, crowding, insufficient feeding and watering space 

 and excessive light. Kennard and Chamberlain (1944) found that when 

 pullets consumed too much whole grain and too little mash with its high 

 protein, mineral, and vitamin ingredients that feather picking followed by 

 cannibalism would result. 



This publicatiun includes |)ortiori-; (if a thesis suhmitteil to the Graduate School in 

 partial fulfillment of the re(|uirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Depart- 

 ment of Poultry Husbandry at the Penn^^ylvania State University, University Park, 

 Pennsylvania. This investigation is part of the New Hampshire contribution to The 

 NE-8 "Essentials of Poultry Housing for the Northeast", regional project. 



