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The Ethics of Laying Hen Genetics

Fernyhough, M; Nicol, C J; Van De Braak, T; Toscano, M J; Tønnessen, M

Authors

M Fernyhough

C J Nicol

T Van De Braak

M J Toscano

M Tønnessen



Abstract

Despite societal concerns about the welfare of commercial laying hens, little attention has been paid to the welfare implications of the choices made by the genetics companies involved with their breeding. These choices regarding trait selection and other aspects of breeding significantly affect living conditions for the more than 7 billion laying hens in the world. However, these companies must consider a number of different commercial and societal interests, beyond animal welfare concerns. In this article we map some of the relevant dilemmas faced by genetics companies in order to outline the scope of opportunities to improve welfare under current market conditions. This includes identifying cases where different animal welfare concerns conflict. We discuss the moral responsibility of laying hen genetics companies and the welfare implications that derive from the choices they make and the policies they follow. In addition to evaluating a selection of predominant current practices and breeding goals, we outline different angles from where to assess the moral legitimacy of various industry practices and policies. We discuss specific issues such as injurious pecking, bone health, induced moulting, chick culling and the circumstances of breeding stock.

Citation

Fernyhough, M., Nicol, C. J., Van De Braak, T., Toscano, M. J., & Tønnessen, M. (2019). The Ethics of Laying Hen Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-019-09810-2

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 11, 2019
Publication Date Nov 22, 2019
Deposit Date Nov 26, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-019-09810-2
Public URL https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1379667

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