Abstract
Scientific literature on broiler chicken welfare in Brazilian industrial systems is scarce. This study aimed at assessing broiler chicken welfare on industrial farms in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, using the Welfare Quality(r) assessment protocol for poultry, to provide directly applicable scientific information. Results are presented as criteria scores ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better welfare; and percentages of prevalence. The scores classified as excellent (above 80) were absence of prolonged thirst, absence of prolonged hunger, litter quality, breast blister and touch test. Enhanced scores (between 55 and 80) were comfort around resting, plumage cleanliness and dust sheet test. Acceptable scores (between 20 and 55) were thermal comfort, stocking density, absence of injuries, footpad dermatitis and hock burn; and unacceptable scores (below 20) were lameness and qualitative behavioral assessment. The median percentage of mortality and culled birds were 5.2% and 0.6%, respectively. This study provides useful information to select priorities of action on assessed farms and may contribute for setting up legal standards and guiding decisions related to animal welfare issues in Brazil.
Highlights
Brazil is the third broiler chicken meat producer in the world, and the South is the main production region (ABPA, 2014)
The report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW, 2000) presented several animal- and environmental-based problems related to fast growth rate chicken strains reared in commercial settings
This report promoted the development of the European Directive 2007/43 (EC, 2007), which was the first regulation to limit stocking density in broiler chicken production in European countries, and linked maximum densities to outputs, such as mortality and contact dermatitis
Summary
Brazil is the third broiler chicken meat producer in the world, and the South is the main production region (ABPA, 2014). In many European countries, citizens have already demonstrated concerns about farm animal welfare standards worldwide, resulting in the development of regulations, certification schemes and assessment protocols for animal welfare. This report promoted the development of the European Directive 2007/43 (EC, 2007), which was the first regulation to limit stocking density in broiler chicken production in European countries, and linked maximum densities to outputs, such as mortality and contact dermatitis. Considering the assessment protocols, the Welfare Quality® (2009), developed by the EU, proposes four main principles of animal welfare: good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior. It includes animal-based measures, in addition to farm
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