ForewordCannibalism is a significant problem for layer farm managers in Australia. It is a source of production loss and reduced welfare of birds. There are a number of strategies to reduce cannibalism, with the main one being hot blade beak trimming. Although this strategy helps to control cannibalism, it can also affect production and bird welfare and is the source of debate innd outsidehe egg industry. This Beak Trimming Handbook provides farm managers with a tool to revise the strategies they use to combat cannibalism. It offers an overview of the problem and various solutions available now or likely to become available in the near future. The handbook can be used by farm managers as a enchmark�tool to compare their current strategies with those considered to be best practice. Because hot blade beak trimming is the dominant method of combating cannibalism, the handbook concentrates on the farm manager role in ensuring it is carried out to best practice standards. The handbook describes how, when and why birds are trimmed and their responses to trimmingnformation that can help managers to better care for beak-trimmed birds. It also examines current industry views, including those of farmers, industry consultants and researchers. Although mechanical beak trimming has been the norm for the last 60 years in Australia, newer technologies are likely to become more prevalent in the next 10 years. The handbook considers these methods, as well as alternative management strategies that do not require any trimming. These different methods and strategies may become increasingly viable as further research is carried out to ensure their effectiveness in reducing cannibalism and maximising bird welfare. Michael Bourke Program Manager Intensive Agriculture Primary Industries and Natural Resources Division TAFE NSW
