Broilers welfare

 

The sub-page is dedicated to the welfare priority area 1. Broiler chicken on farm.

The sub-page includes welfare indicators, factsheets and methods, reports on experimental studies, good welfare practices, training, webinars, scientific studies and guidelines.

 

Welfare indicators

List of the relevant indicators for the assessment of the welfare of broiler on farm.
Description of the considered validated indicators among the identified ones, broilers, and associated methodology.
Identification of gap of knowledge regarding missing/not validated indicators, broilers welfare on farm.

Factsheets and Methods

On farm assessment of feather cleanliness
Method for assessing gas concentrations in broiler farms. 
How to assess gas concentrations in broiler farms?
Method for assessing light intensity in broiler farms.
Foot Pad dermatitis in Broiler Chicken
Indicators at slaughter to assess broiler welfare on farm

Review

Review of existing methods for assessing walking ability in broiler chickens

GOOD WELFARE PRACTICES

List of the identified potential demonstrators of examples of succes that is selected for visits
Mobile housing in broiler chicken
Design and management of covered verandas for optimal use
Automatic assessment FootPad Dermatitis
Mobile cart with head only electric stunning device, for on farm culling and carcass collection

Experimental study

Ascertain different indicators and methods for broiler chicken welfare assessment under different housing conditions

The experiment aimed to know the impact of enrichments with two different stocking densities for fast growing broiler chickens reared indoor by using Animal Based Indicators and, Resource Based Indicators. A scientific paper was published based on this experimental study: Mocz et al. 2022. Positive Effects of Elevated Platforms and Straw Bales on the Welfare of Fast-Growing Broiler Chickens Reared at Two Different Stocking Densities

Report of the study in experimental facilities to ascertain different indicators and methods for broiler chicken welfare assessment under different housing conditions.

Scientific study 2023-2024

Validity, reliability and repeatability of two visual scoring methods of assessment of the litter quality

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, the reliability between several assessors and the repeatability for a same assessor of three visual scores from the Welfare Quality (one score) and the ClassyFarm protocols (two complementary scores: Friability and Humidity scores).

Scientific study on the validity, reliability and repeatability of two visual scoring methods of assessment of the litter quality

Training

Review of existing courses and materials for poultry
Report about some minimum standards for training courses on animal welfare assessment useful during official controls in broiler farms

Webinar

Assessment of counsciousness after waterbath stunning of broiler chicken

Guidelines

Refined draft guidelines based on indicators identified in Activity 2 and feedback of its application on field in 10 broiler chickens farms.

Last updated on 04.10.2024.