Animal category: Poultry

Technical report presenting the results of a meta-analysis on the impact of climate change events (e.g. heat stress) on livestock welfare and productivity and on the effect of heat-control strategies on animal performance.

New technical instruction cancelling and replacing that of 30 December 2021, and giving a new list of training courses recognised as equivalent to authorised animal welfare courses, if they have been followed by persons designated as animal welfare advisors between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2022.

Conclusions of the monitoring committee for the video-monitoring pilot carried out in 5 volunteer abattoirs, all of which were satisfied with the system and wished to keep it. The advantages and disadvantages of this system are listed, and suggestions are made for improvements.

Article on a guide produced by the OSAV and the Swiss Association of Canton Veterinarians, which sets out the criteria for assessing an animal's suitability for transport and describes precautionary measures to ensure careful treatment of the animals. 

Answer to a question on mobile abattoirs, whether they should be authorised by the EU and, if so, whether the EU should provide financial support and launch a pilot project.
Document type: Reply from the European Commission

Scientific paper showing that enriching the environment of laying hens by providing pumice stone or alfalfa hay reduces stress and improves production, but does not reduce pecking behaviours.

Article setting out the benefits and limitations of smart farming for the improvement of the living conditions of farm animals. While it makes the farmer's work easier, it is less clear that it has a positive impact on animal welfare.

Scientific paper comparing animal stress responses and meat quality in a small local abattoir and in an industrial abattoir. Values for several stress indicators were lower in the animals treated in the local abattoir, and the appearance and organoleptic qualities of the local abattoir meat were superior.

DG SANTE report concluding that the Spanish administrative and legal framework is generally sufficient to ensure effective official controls on animal welfare. It points out minor differences in some of the procedures of the autonomous States and suggests how they could be remedied. 

Answer to a question on the measures that the French Minister of Agriculture and Food intends to take to bring an end to the denigration to which the senator believes the foie gras industry is subjected.