On Tuesday 21 February, scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended ending the use of cages and waiving mutilation and feed restrictions, in order to improve the welfare of laying hens and broilers on farms.
The two published scientific opinions include advice on space allowances, density, lighting, dust, noise, bedding and structures such as elevated platforms.
The experts assessed the farming systems used in the EU for broilers and laying hens and identified the hazards to which poultry are exposed and the associated welfare implications. They recommended tools to assess bird welfare based on animal responses, and proposed ways to prevent or mitigate the identified negative consequences for animal welfare. These two assessments cover the whole production cycle, from the breeding and rearing of young birds, to the rearing of broilers and laying hens. The scientists also address some of the issues brought forward by the European citizens’ initiative ‘End the Cage Age’.
The NGO Compassion in World Farming EU, which was satisfied with the scientific advice, noted that laying hens should be housed in cage-free systems. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)