Brussels, 28/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 28 July, the scientific group of EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) on the health and welfare of animals recommended that the welfare of broiler and breeder chickens be improved. The scientific opinions of these experts on the influence of genetic selection on the welfare of broiler chickens, and on the influence of the housing and management conditions on the welfare of broiler breeders, will help the European Commission to prepare a report on the influence of genetic parameters on the shortcomings identified which are detrimental to the wellbeing of these chickens. This report will be published in line with the provisions of Directive 2007/43/EC of the Council laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production.
Broiler chickens are a type of chicken raised for meat production. Broiler breeders are grandparent and parent stocks. Over the second half of the 20th century, the growth speeds of broiler chickens have increased fourfold, mainly due to the effects of genetic selection, EFSA explains in a press release.
Influence of genetic selection on the welfare of broiler chickens. For broiler chickens, the main welfare concerns identified and related to genetic selection are skeletal disorders leading to problems such as lameness, contact dermatitis, irregular body shape and sudden death syndrome. These concerns are mostly linked to fast growth rates and lead to poor welfare. The experts noted differences between countries, regions, and different farming systems. They highlight that the welfare of broilers could be improved, particularly if birds are genetically selected to withstand the environment they live in; for example, birds that grow more slowly should be selected for hot climates as fast growing broilers are susceptible to heat stress. Moreover, in the genetic selection of chickens, “high priority” should be given to decreasing the number of lame birds and reducing contact dermatitis. These are important welfare problems which involve genetic predisposition and environmental conditions (for example, wet bedding is a key underlying factor in the development of contact dermatitis).
Influence of housing and management conditions on the welfare of broiler breeders. Due to selection for fast growth and high muscle yields, breeders have a very high food intake. Feed restrictions are therefore necessary to limit growth rate to maintain good health. The experts recommend that competition for food (which can be observed among chickens when feed is not provided) should be minimised, thereby reducing related injuries. They also recommend that birds requiring fewer feed restrictions should be selected as future breeders.
For breeders, the experts identified five major risks factors having an impact on welfare related to management or genetic selection. Management factors are barren environment, density of animals, feed restriction and limited sources of light, and the genetic factor is fast growth rate. There are also welfare concerns resulting from the interaction between genetics and the environment. The opinion states that providing stimuli such as perches and raised nest boxes are beneficial for the welfare of broilers kept for breeding.
They also recommend that management practices aimed at reducing injuries - such as removing part of the toe or comb - should either not be carried out or, if necessary, only by trained personnel using the least painful method.
The director of the NGO “Eurogroup for animals”, Sonja Van Tichelen, stated in a press release that “this report presents a catalogue of suffering for the birds from birth to the slaughterhouse. This suffering is hidden and far away from the eyes of the consumer. The industry can no longer claim that it cares for the welfare of their animals if they allow this to happen and they can no longer act in such a cavalier manner”. “Eurogroup for animals » calls on the European Commission immediately to propose legislation which covers all animal breeding practices for food production. (L.C./transl.fl)