Call for evidence: phasing out the use of cages in the gamebird and quail sectors - Section 2: management practices - Scottish Government consultations

Section 2: management practices

Q1. So we are able to better understand the production methods used across the sectors in Scotland. Please list the production methods you use for each species during breeding, rearing, egg and meat production (if applicable).

i) Please list the production methods you use for each species during breeding, if applicable.

ii) Please list the production methods you use for each species reared, if applicable.

iii) Please list the production methods you use for each species during egg production, if applicable.

iv). Please list the production methods you use for each species for meat production, if applicable.

Q2. Please specify the design and size of the accommodation used for each species kept during the periods below and if there is any provision of enrichment used? We would also welcome images of the accommodation, if available, which can be emailed to: animal.health@gov.scot a) During breeding b) During rearing c) During overwintering d) Egg production e) Meat production

i) During breeding

ii) During rearing

iii) During overwintering

iv) During egg production

v) Meat production

Q3. Can you provide information on litter management, how much and what type is used? How often is the litter changed and what triggers this change?

i) Type of litter and how much is used?

ii) How often is the litter changed and what triggers that change?

Q4. What do you consider are the advantages and disadvantages of breeding gamebirds and quail egg and meat production in pens? Please also specify which species and the type of pen you are referring to.

i) What species are you referring to? Please list all that are applicable.

ii) Please specify the type of pen you use for each species.

Q5. If you keep partridges, how many seasons are the breeding pairs kept together?

Please specify how many seasons are the breeding pairs kept together?

Q6. Do you use any of the management practices described in the Codes of Practice (e.g. bits / spectacles / hoods / brailles)? If so, please specify;

i) Please specify which you use for each species, why they are used and for how long during the breeding season, if applicable.

ii) Please specify the management tool used, why they are used and for how long during the rearing season, if applicable

iii) Please specify the management tool used, why they are used and for how long during egg production, if applicable.

iv) Please specify the management tool used, why they are used and for how long during meat production, if applicable.

v) What are the advantages and disadvantages of these management practices?

Q7. If you breed or rear gamebirds and quail for egg and meat production, what hygiene and biosecurity practices do you implement to control or limit disease? Please specify for all.

i) Please provide details of your current hygiene and biosecurity regime.

ii) Please provide details of the contingency plan/s you have in place, should an issue occur.

iii) Please provide details of the species and where you source health/biosecurity advice from.