Animal category: Poultry

Review highlighting the potential of machine learning to optimize poultry production, improve animal welfare and detect disease at an early stage using sophisticated predictive and monitoring tools. It does, however, highlight the challenges surrounding the quality and interpretation of data and models, and their use on the ground. 

Hungarian study showing that the reduction in  the transport density of broiler chickens recommended by the EFSA to improve their welfare can nevertheless result in higher mortality, and more injuries and condemned carcasses. The results suggest that increasing the space allowance does not necessarily improve welfare under moderate temperature conditions and that further research is required.

A study of regenerative farming in the northwestern United States, highlighting tensions between the relational values expressed by ranchers and certain culturally-rooted practices. It highlights the potential of this model to improve human-animal relationships, provided that animal welfare is explicitly integrated into agricultural decision-making and policies.

Systematic review showing that environmental sounds and animal vocalizations have promise as non-invasive indicators of animal welfare. Despite technological advances, challenges remain in terms of standardization, physiological validation and practical application under real-life commercial conditions.

Study comparing the preferences and levels of consensus of non-farmers and farmers on a set of agricultural policy objectives using surveys conducted in Switzerland. Farmers and non-farmers agree on the importance of food production and farm incomes, but non-farmers place more importance on low food prices and agri-environmental objectives than farmers.

Meta-analysis comparing the effects on laying hens of beak trimming with a hot blade or  infrared radiation. The infrared method would appear to be a less invasive option, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Survey of 6,000 German consumers showing that multi-level animal welfare labels allow better product differentiation and greater willingness to pay. The latter varied according to meat type, income and gender, being notably higher for beef and chicken, as well as among women and affluent households.

Government answer to a question raised by a Deputy on the urgent need to ban cage farming in France, reminding the government of its unfulfilled commitments and of the strength of public expectations. In it, the government reaffirms its support for an end to the use of cages as part of a progressive Europe-wide approach, based on scientific, economic and social analysis. France will support the transition through the provision of research, aid to farmers and consultation with all stakeholders.

Answer from the French Government to a question from a Deputy calling for a national audit of abattoirs following the L214 group's exposure of cruel practices. The government replies that abattoirs are already tightly controlled, with regular inspections, annual audits and reinforced inspection, and is looking into the roll-out of video surveillance despite the constraints involved.

Answer from the European Commission to a question from MEPs on how it plans to implement and monitor compliance with binding mirror measures that ensure a level playing field on animal welfare standards between importers of meat and European producers. The Commission responds that its future legislative proposals on animal welfare will include equivalent requirements for imported products, in compliance with WTO obligations.