Common welfare problems in meat birds

Master Animal Ethics and Welfare – Notes, Case Studies and Practical Insights – with Rahul

Common welfare problems in meat birds

Area	Criteria	Common welfare problems in meat birds ( Appleby et al., 2004)
1. Good feeding	No prolonged hunger	Genetics; competition
2. Good housing	Comfort around resting	Lack of adequate resting area ( Space, bedding)
	Ease of movement	Little ease of movement
	Thermal comfort	Ammonia and dust
3. Good health	Free from disease	Joint disorders and muscle weakness Contact dermatitis- feet, hocks, chest Cardiac insufficiency ( Gentle, 2011)
	Should not suffer pain caused by procedures	Beak-trimming; in cockerels, de-toeing and spur removal, comb and wattle removal, caponisation/ castration
4. Appropriate behavior	Able to express species-typical behaviours	Expression of species-typical behaviours, especially in parent stock
4. Appropriate behavior	Good human-animal relationships	Fear