Animal category: Poultry

Report condemning the production of foie gras based on force-feeding. Despite its commercial success and cultural roots in France, this practice is scientifically recognized as a source of illness and significant suffering, has no natural biological grounds, and is banned in several countries.

Analysis of the literature on economic incentives and barriers to the adoption of animal welfare practices animal welfare the perspective of producers. Costs are a major barrier, while certain improvements to the rearing environment can benefit health and productivity.

In response to a parliamentary question on the ban on the transport of live animals, the European Commission acknowledges serious animal welfare problems during transport, particularly at borders, and emphasizes Member States' responsibility to effectively enforce existing rules. It highlights immediate operational measures, such as cooperation with Turkey and Bulgaria and the improvement of procedures via TRACES, along with an ongoing legislative review to strengthen animal protection. While supporting the increased use of trade in meat and genetic materials, the Commission takes the view  that the transport of live animals remains, in certain cases, necessary for the functioning of the relevant sectors.

Scientific article showing that access to a pond significantly improves hygiene, health, and natural behaviors in Muscovy ducks, while also promoting growth and carcass quality that is at least equivalent, if not superior.

Scientific study on hatching on the farm. This strategy appears to improve chick start-up (higher initial weight, less aggressive pecking) without significantly altering performance, mortality, or overall welfare compared to hatchery hatching.

A new tool developed by the University of Reading that assigns well-being scores (0–100) to farming systems and links them to British households' willingness to pay to improve farming conditions.

Synthetic article analyzing behavioral adaptations associated with environmental stressors in livestock and emphasizing the importance of assessment tools and targeted management strategies for the improvement of animal welfare.

Guidance note on reforming European regulations on the transport of live animals

Development of a decision tree to help members of the laying-hen industry to select the welfare assessment protocols that are best suited to their needs.

Open letter, published in Poultry Science, presenting the key findings of global discussions led by the International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) on the future state of poultry welfare to 2050. Involving more than 200 participants, these discussions included housing and management, positive welfare measures, nutrition, artificial intelligence and the sustainability of production systems.