Animal category: Poultry

Scientific review that recaps the French decree banning the killing of male chicks from laying-hen lines, and sets out the three possible alternatives. Of these, in ovo sexing is the only route that is currently technically and economically viable, and this is presented in depth.

Scientific paper demonstrating the effectiveness of a mixture of synthetic and phytogenic substances in countering the negative effects of heat stress in breeding hens on production, blood chemistry, sperm survival in the oviduct, antioxidant properties, gene expression and offspring quality.

Review of current knowledge on variables that can be useful in determining how long poultry can be deprived of water during transport before their welfare starts to deteriorate.

Article describing the effects of heat stress on the feeding behavior, physiology and metabolism of laying hens, particularly oxidative stress. It sets out the benefits of phytogenic feeds in mitigating the adverse effects of high heat on the welfare and production of laying hens.

Scientific article reporting that hens with access to elevated platforms during the rearing phase make better use of the space in laying aviaries when they are first transferred there than those reared on the ground. The latter acclimatize within 1-2 weeks, but continue to make little use of the highest level of the aviary.

Answer to a question concerning the measures taken to control the conditions under which animals are transported over long distances and those that France intends to put forward to improve these conditions when the European regulation on the subject undegoes revision.

Update of a guide originally published in 2012 by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the laws and regulations protecting farm animals at shows and markets, with particular reference to compliance rules for pens, cages and hutches.

Report on technologies with the potential to help end the culling of newly hatched male chicks. It identifies the possible risks to welfare posed by their use, and puts forward alternative  ideas and views on the matter.

Scientific article testing whether humans can distinguish between chicken calls produced in different contexts (ie. chickens either expect or don't expect a reward), identify emotional valence (positive or negative) and intensity, and assess how excited chickens are, based on their calls. 

Update of the guide originally published in 2012 by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), on how to manage the health and welfare of poultry during transport, at market and at slaughter