Applied Research Note: Comparison of different methods for beak measurements in laying hens

Abstract

SUMMARY: The measurement of beak lengths in poultry can be used to study the effects of beak trimming and to evaluate different abrasive methods for beak treatment. Various methods are used in research, and different measurements on the beaks are performed. The present study compared different methods for measuring beak values using a flexible measuring tape, digital caliper, and image analysis. The measurements were performed on 100 severed heads of laying hens. Different beak lengths, heights, and widths were recorded, and the agreement between methods was calculated. The most consistent measurements were obtained using image analysis and calipers when measuring the length from the rictus to the tip of the upper beak. These methods showed 67% agreement. Since there was very low agreement between the methods, it is generally not advisable to use 2 different methods in 1 study. In addition, several measurements should be carried out, and overall, measurement processes should be described in detail in order to make the results comparable.

Keywords

• beak length
• beak dimension
• measurement method
• measurement reliability