Effect of beak trimming on cannibalism and mortality of Kadaknath chickens

An experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of beak trimming on cannibalism and mortality of Kadaknath chickens at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Madhya Pradesh in completely randomized block design. A total of 300 Kadaknath chickens were allocated to 5 equal groups with 3 replicates in each group viz control with no beak treatment (T₀), beak trimmed at 1 day (T₁), at 7 days (T₂), at 49 days (T₃) and at 84 days (T₄). Beak trimming was done by hot blade method. Cannibalism level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the beak-trimmed birds than control birds. Beak trimming performed at 49 days of age reduced cannibalism at the most. The total mortality and birds dying or culled due to cannibalism was higher in control in comparison to all other treatments. Four birds from the control group (T₀), two birds each from T₁ and T₂ and 3 birds each from T₃ and T₄ groups died during the experimental period.