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In this study, it was aimed that to evaluate the effects of season, genotype, and various semi-intensive production systems on broiler welfare. Fast-growing and slow-growing broilers were used, different semi-intensive production systems (extensive indoor, free-range, and traditional free-range) were applied according to EU standards, and trials were carried out in spring and summer in Antalya beside the Mediterranean Sea. Some welfare parameters were collected on day before slaughter (81 d for the traditional free-range, 55 d for the other systems). Recorded data were deal with fear and stress parameters, leg health, bruises on the breast and thighs, breast feather dirtiness, and certain blood parameters. Additionally, outdoor use was identified. The proportion of chickens on the outside was higher in spring than in summer, and slow- used more of the outdoor area than fast-. As a conclusion, the high ambient temperature decreased prominently the welfare of the birds, the welfare of the slow-growing chickens was clearly higher than fast- ones and the welfare-improving effect of grazing was limited.
In this study, it was aimed that to evaluate the effects of season, genotype, and various semi-intensive production systems on broiler welfare. Fast-growing and slow-growing broilers were used, different semi-intensive production systems (extensive indoor, free-range, and traditional free-range) were applied according to EU standards, and trials were carried out in spring and summer in Antalya beside the Mediterranean Sea. Some welfare parameters were collected on day before slaughter (81 d for the traditional free-range, 55 d for the other systems). Recorded data were deal with fear and stress parameters, leg health, bruises on the breast and thighs, breast feather dirtiness, and certain blood parameters. Additionally, outdoor use was identified. The proportion of chickens on the outside was higher in spring than in summer, and slow- used more of the outdoor area than fast-. As a conclusion, the high ambient temperature decreased prominently the welfare of the birds, the welfare of the slow-growing chickens was clearly higher than fast- ones and the welfare-improving effect of grazing was limited.
Due to concerns about the welfare of fast-growing (FG) strains of broiler chicken, animal welfare organisations have advocated the use of certain slower-growing (SG) strains that meet key welfare targets under test conditions. However, a widespread transition to SG strains could negatively affect sustainability because these birds tend to have higher feed conversion ratios and longer production cycles. It is important therefore to review the extent and limits of SG welfare improvements under test conditions and on commercial farms, to support the best policy decisions. Following a systematic literature search, 63 source papers were identified. Most reported comparative welfare outcomes for at least one SG strain with at least one FG counterpart, whilst a minority examined the suitability of various SG strains for niche production. The literature review considered different types of study design and accounted for confounding factors such rearing environment and diet. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of effect size for mortality, gait score and contact dermatitis was conducted across studies that had compared birds under similar rearing conditions and that had used SG strains with an average daily growth rate of at least 40g/day. Modern, commercial SG strains performed better on most relevant welfare traits than FG strains. This was the case even when the ‘fairest’ comparisons were made at equivalent bodyweights (when SG birds were older), under matched-environmental conditions, experimentally or on farm. The quantitative analysis found that FG strains had a higher estimated incidence rate ratio for mortality (risk of death over a given period of time) of between 1.69 and 2.16, contact dermatitis affecting 15-25% more birds, and a mean gait score 0.65 points higher than SG strains. FG strains were also less active but other differences in behaviour were inconsistent with some behaviours (e.g. dustbathing) often absent altogether. Growth rate was generally, but not always, predictive of welfare problems. Alternative strategies, such as the slaughter of birds prior to the onset of any welfare decline, could be evaluated in future in terms of welfare improvement and efficiency of production.
Slower-growing broilers on organic farms have replaced fast-growing hybrids to increase bird welfare. Due to limited knowledge of broiler welfare and management on organic farms in Sweden, the study aim was to gather information regarding health, housing and management routines, in order to describe the current situation on these. Farm visits performed in 2018 included 8 out of 12 established organic farms, on which either Rowan Ranger or HubbardJA57/HubbardJA87 were reared. Chickens in the observed flocks were 55 ± 6 (44–62) days of age. Observations included farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, clinical examinations and gait scoring. Clinical examinations revealed no severe remarks, however minor to moderate plumage dirtiness, food pad dermatitis and hock burns were found in 47%, 21% and 13% of the birds, respectively. Although no severe walking impairments were observed, minor to moderate gait abnormalities were seen in two-thirds of the birds. Gait in birds assessed outdoors was significantly better than in birds observed indoors. Body weight uniformity was low in all flocks. This study provides increased knowledge of certain chicken health and welfare aspects, housing and management on Swedish organic farms. Future research should further investigate important aspects related to bird welfare, such as the high mortality rates observed.
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