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Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Welfare of broilers on farm
EFSA journal, Vol.21(2), pp.1-236
02/2023
PMID: 36824680
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Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
Details
- Title
- Welfare of broilers on farm
- Creators
- EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare)Soren Saxmose NielsenJulio Alvarez - University of Veterinary MedicineDominique Joseph Bicout - VetAgro SupPaolo Calistri - University of Veterinary MedicineElisabetta Canali - University of MilanJulian Ashley Drewe - University of Veterinary MedicineBruno Garin-Bastuji - University of Veterinary MedicineJose Luis Gonzales RojasChristian Gortázar SchmidtMette S HerskinMiguel Angel Miranda Chueca - University of Veterinary MedicineBarbara PadalinoPaolo Pasquali - University of Veterinary MedicineHelen Clare Roberts - European Food Safety AuthorityHans Spoolder - University of Veterinary MedicineKarl Stahl - University of Veterinary MedicineChristoph Winckler - University of Veterinary MedicineInga TiemannAntonio Velarde - University of Veterinary MedicineArvo Viltrop - University of Veterinary MedicineIngrid de JongSabine Gabriele Gebhardt-HenrichLinda KeelingAnja Brinch RiberSean AsheDenis CandianiRaquel Garcıa MatasMichaela HempenOlaf Mosbach-SchulzCristina Rojo GimenoYves Van der StedeMarika Vitali - University of BolognaElea Bailly-CaumetteVirginie Michel - University of Veterinary Medicine
- Publication Details
- EFSA journal, Vol.21(2), pp.1-236
- Publisher
- Wiley-VCH GmbH
- Identifiers
- 991013293349502368
- Copyright
- © 2023 European Food Safety Authority.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Veterinary Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article