Document type: Written answer from the European Commission
Authors: question: Jan Huitema (Renew). Answer: Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Energy saving opportunities in poultry farming
Poultry farming requires a lot of energy for heating the housing. Placing temporary inflatable walls in poultry houses in the first part of the fattening period can save a lot of energy as it reduces the area to be heated. However, this innovation cannot be used by extensive poultry farmers, as Regulation (EU) No 543/2008 provides that no more than 15 birds per square metre may be kept, and does not take account of only the number of kilograms liveweight per square metre. As a result, this innovation is hardly made use of, despite research showing that higher stocking rates in the first weeks of the fattening period do not affect animal welfare negatively.
(1) Is it correct that Regulation (EU) No 543/2008 does not allow free-range poultry farmers to keep more than 15 birds per square metre?
(2) Does the Commission agree that keeping more animals per square metre in the first weeks of the fattening period can save a lot of energy without affecting animal welfare, as long as the stocking density remains below 25 kg liveweight per square metre?
(3) Is the Commission prepared to find a solution for extensive poultry farmers who wish to increase the stocking rate in the first weeks, for example by tolerating higher stocking rates in the first weeks or changing the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 543/2008?
Answer: Stocking rates for free-range poultry farming are laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 (marketing standards for poultry meat).
According to point c of Annex V to this regulation, the stocking rate for free range chicken is determined by two components: a maximum of 13 birds per m2 and not more than 27.5 kg liveweight per m2.
The number of birds per m2 sets the limit in the first weeks and the weight per m2 towards the end of the fattening period. Abolishing the limit of a maximum number of birds per m2 and just maintaining a maximum stocking density in kg liveweight per m2 would during the first weeks of fattening result in very high stocking rates, which certainly would raise animal welfare concerns.
The birds would face restrictions in performing natural behaviour such as playing and running, which is a need particularly in the first weeks of their lives.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently developing a scientific opinion on the welfare of chickens which will also include up-to-date scientific data on space requirements.
The Commission is currently reviewing EU animal welfare rules within the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy. If the outcome of this review suggests amendments to the marketing standards for poultry meat, the appropriate steps will be taken.
