Animal category: Poultry

Decree to eother small companion animalst the new framework governing the killing of chicks in hatcheries and outside abattoirs, confirming the legal cessation of the culling of male chicks at birth by the end of 2022.

Presentation of the results of an AHDB survey, demonstrating that animal welfare is a growing concern for British consumers. However, the latter are not prepared to pay more for their meat because they overestimate the quality of welfare conditions on British farms,. They are nevertheless increasingly aware of the health problems associated with farming practices.

White paper compiling the published scientific evidence on violations of broiler-chicken welfare in intensive farming in the EU and the UK.

Technical Instruction specifying changes to the procedures associated with the official monitoring of animal protection in the abattoir at the time of slaughter in France

Technical instruction listing existing training that is now recognised as being of an acceptable standard to qualify animal welfare advisors in pig and poultry farming, being part of the framework for the implementation of the French ministerial decree on such training.

Conclusions of the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the protection of animals during transport. Its recommendations include reductions in journey times, better protection of young animals and pregnant females, conditions placed on the export of live animals to third countries, and better information for consumers. It stresses the need to improve and supplement existing EU legislation.

Scientific review of the advantages and disadvantages of different chicken production systems in terms of animal welfare, showing that all systems, even if they take animal welfare into account, affect the behaviour, health and productivity of the birds to different degrees.

Technical article setting out the results of ITAVI's work on a multi-criteria analysis of different types of enrichment available on the market that take into account the needs of birds: exploration, perching, dust bathing, self protection and rest.

Scientific review of the various precision farming systems that can be used to manage the needs, health and monitoring of grazing livestock, allowing any threat to care plans or welfare to be quickly remedied.

Technical paper discussing the importance of heat stress in poultry farming, its impact on laying hens, and strategies to combat heat stress.