Differences and variation in welfare performance of broiler flocks in three production systems

Jong, I.C. de; Bos, A.P.; Harn, J. van; Mostert, Paul S.; Beest, Dennis E. te

doi:10.1016/j.psj.2022.101933

Cited by 19 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 36 publications

(61 reference statements)

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“…Scratches as well as irritation or inflammation and blisters of the breast skin might also be found (Dinev et al., 2019 ) although breast blisters and breast irritation seem not to be very prevalent nowadays (e.g. de Jong et al., 2022 ). In breeding birds kept in cages, there may be damage to the feet caused by standing on the wire floor for long periods of time, and toes or nails may become trapped resulting in toe injuries.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the breast muscle is rather small which leads to a slender shape of the broiler (Aviforum, 2015 ). In general, hybrids with a weight gain above 60 g per day are considered fast‐growing, a maximum weight gain of 50 g per day as intermediate, and a maximum growth rate of 45 g per day as slower‐growing broilers (de Jong et al., 2022 ).…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Without doubt, other factors besides growth rate, like the health of the birds, management, and housing, influence animal welfare conditions leading to variation between flocks within hybrids. Some of these factors interact, such as slower‐growing hybrids in lower stocking densities and provided with enrichment achieve on average higher welfare scores than the fast‐growing hybrids (de Jong et al., 2022 ).…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Welfare of broilers on farm

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2023

EFS2

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This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under-and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.

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Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Welfare of broilers on farm

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2023

EFS2

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show abstract

“…Interestingly, Taylor et al (2020) found a relationship between range use and welfare, with better welfare scores with higher range use. In literature often systems are compared where the provision of an outdoor area or veranda is confounded with breed ( Sans et al, 2022 ; de Jong et al, 2022 ) which makes it impossible to determine the exact contribution of the outdoor area or covered veranda to broiler welfare. Environmental complexity can also be increased by applying various types of environmental enrichments which may have several functions, such as elevated resting areas combined with materials stimulating dustbathing and/or exploratory or foraging behavior.…”

Section: Environmental Enrichment For Broiler Chickens – Are There Be...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing their quality of life: environmental enrichment for poultry

Jacobs

Blatchford²,

Jong³

et al. 2023

Poultry Science

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“…BLS has more strict welfare requirements as compared to DRB, and also has a covered outdoor run ( Vissers et al, 2019 ). De Jong et al (2022) showed that DRB and BLS production systems had a higher average total welfare score on flock level compared to conventional. From 2023 onward, Dutch retailers will source their fresh broiler meat only from BLS production systems ( Dierenbescherming, 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%