Animal category: Poultry

Scientific synthesis highlighting the anatomical and physiological alterations undergone by high-production livestock, leading to an imbalance between their natural capacities and the demands of industrial production. It calls for an ethical approach to animal welfare, focusing on their physiological limits, for more sustainable and respectful production.

Dissertation examining the role and evolution of the Conseil national de l'alimentation (CNA) and its management of the Comité national d'éthique des abattoirs (CNEAb), which deals with topics related to animal protection and abattoir ethics in a context of societal crisis. The CNEAb, initially a temporary body, has been made permanent, becoming a unique forum in Europe for constructive debate on animal protection, particularly in connection with the revision of the European regulations on animal transport.

Technical summary outlining the challenges involved in meeting public expectations and private sector specifications when installing winter gardens on standard broiler farms. These areas, recommended by the EFSA to improve animal welfare, offer advantages but also pose technical, economic and management challenges, particularly in terms of ventilation and investment costs.

Case study on how Norwegian producer Norsk Kylling has adapted its chicken production to comply with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) criteria, combining  profitability, animal welfare and sustainability. The measures described include lower stocking densities, slower-growing breeds and more humane slaughter methods.

Scientific overview exploring environmental enrichment, designed to improve the welfare and cognitive abilities of animals in captivity. Enrichment provides animals with the means to acquire information by interacting with their environment, thereby promoting adaptation. This approach suggests that complex and varied environments are more enriching than simply prolonging exposure to stimuli, even if the former are neutral or slightly negative.

Study evaluating the impact of different LED light colors on the welfare of Muscovy ducks. Blue light proved particularly beneficial, reducing feather pecking, tonic immobility time, and cortisol levels, while it improved feather condition without affecting growth.

Article proposing a non-anthropocentric justification for a tax on meat consumption to improve animal welfare. Functioning like a Pigouvian tax, this tax takes into account externalities on farm animals and could make intensive livestock farming unprofitable. Taxes would be particularly high for chickens and pigs, reflecting the differences in welfare between the species.

Conclusions du travail du réseau mixte technologique Alimentation locale concernant la justification de l’application du règlement européen sur la protection des animaux au moment de leur mise à mort dans les petits abattoirs volailles et lagomorphes. Plus spécifiquement, la formation exigée d’un Responsable de la Protection Animale en petits abattoirs (< 150 000 oiseaux) semble disproportionnée. Une instruction technique de la DGAL pour mieux cadrer cela devrait être publiée courant 2024.

EFSA opinion assessing the suitability of high expansion foam in container as a new stunning and killing method for poultry and pigs. It concludes that, for laying hens and broilers and for pigs weighing between 15 and 41 kg, this is an effective and animal-friendly alternative method, subject to compliance with the specified technical conditions and procedures, and to staff training.

The document describes the four strategic axes of the industry plan: guaranteeing France's food sovereignty, meeting societal sustainability challenges (including animal welfare), strengthening links between all participants in the industry, and promoting innovation to enhance the adaptability of the various links in the food chain.