Abstract

Egg production, in response to animal welfare concerns has shifted towards the use of open environments and there has been increasing interest in egg production systems with access to pasture. However, ectoparasite infestation is one of the main health problems affecting poultry. The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite species (lice) in cage-free ISA Brown laying hens in a tropical sub-humid environment. Ninety hens of 45 weeks of age and an average weight of 1,850 g were inspected, of which 44 were found to be positive for a prevalence of about 50%. According to the taxonomic keys used, the specimens were identified as the louse Menacanthus stramineus. A low prevalence of lice in free of cage hens without ectoparasiticide treatment, was observed. Future studies are suggested to compare prevalences in other production units, as well as to evaluate possible clinicopathological conditions and their repercussions on the productive performance of the birds.

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