The feathers and skin in birds are the first line of defence, but are
also important in helping the bird to maintain a stable internal
temperature, facilitate integral mobility and ensure successful mating
in some species. For poultry, the physical conditions of feathers and
skin are important barometers to assess the impact of management and
ensure health and welfare. Based on the proceedings of a recent
symposium, this book documents the significant developments that have
been made in our understanding of the importance of the integument to
poultry species. The book:
- Traces the development of the integument over time and discusses our
current understanding of its embryonic development.
- Includes a broad range of studies covering genetics, welfare, health,
nutrition, and management.
- Promotes research opportunities in an under-studied field.
Providing a comprehensive yet concise summary of the available research,
this book is an invaluable resource for both the poultry industry and
for researchers in animal science and welfare at undergraduate and
graduate levels.