THE EFFECT OF BEAK TRIMMING ON 2 STRAINS OF COMMERCIAL TOM TURKEYS .2. BEHAVIOR TRAITS

The influence of beak trimming of two strains of-commercial male turke ys (Strains A and B) on behavior during the growing period was investi gated Poults were either left with beaks intact or are beak trimmed at hatching. Strain by beak treatment interactions were generally lackin g, indicating that these two strains responded similarly. Beak trimmin g did not influence tameness (as measured by response to a novel objec t at 16 wk), fearfulness (as measured by tonic immobility response at 18 wk), or resting behavior from 3 to 15 wk of age. When compared to b irds with intact beaks, birds with trimmed beaks spent more time stand ing during the week of hatching and were observed eating more often at 2 wk of-age. Strain B birds were more tame, less fearful, and rested more at 8 and 11 wk of age than Strain A birds. Results of the current study indicate that the influence of are beak trimming at hatching on behavior of male turkeys is transitory. Are beak trimming of male tur keys at hatching did not appear to have a lasting negative impact on t heir well-being.