Welfare Issues with Conventional Manual Catching of Broiler Chickens and Turkeys

Authors

Abstract

Approximately 9 billion chickens and 270 million turkeys are raised for meat annually in the United States. When these farmed birds reach market weight, they must be caught and crated for transport from production facilities to slaughter plants. Conventional manual catching results in severely compromised welfare. Birds experience stress and fear, and can be physically harmed, suffering bruises, broken bones, dislocated joints, and other injuries. Alternatives to conventional manual catching practices that improve bird welfare exist, including mechanical harvesters, gentle manual catching, and, for turkeys, herding into specially designed transport crates.

Recommended Citation

(2009) "Welfare Issues with Conventional Manual Catching of Broiler Chickens and Turkeys," Agribusiness Reports: Vol. 2009, Article 3.
Available at: https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/agreports/vol2009/iss2009/3