Abstract
Simple SummaryIntensive broiler systems using fast-growing broiler strains at relatively high stocking density (higher than 38 kg/m2) are being criticised in Western countries because of risks for animal welfare. To address this criticism, alternative middle-segment production systems were introduced in North-West Europe in the 2000s. These middle-segment systems contain indoor housed slower-growing broiler strains housed at stocking densities ≤38 kg/m2 and claim to have increased animal welfare at a limited increase in production costs. In this study we aimed to analyse the level of animal welfare and production costs of these middle-segment production systems in different parts of the world (the Netherlands, United States and Brazil). Results show that in the Netherlands, United States and Brazil a change from conventional towards these middle-segment systems provides a considerable increase in animal welfare at a relatively small increase in production costs, i.e., has a high cost-efficiency. Overall, it can be concluded that in general middle-segment production systems entail a considerable increase in animal welfare at a relatively small increase in production costs and therefore offer good global prospects for a cost-efficient improvement of broiler welfare.In the 2000s, the idea of a so-called middle-segment arose in North-West Europe to address the criticism on intensive broiler production systems. Middle-segment systems being indoor housing of slower-growing broiler strains at a stocking density ≤38 kg/m2. Previous literature showed that Dutch middle-segment systems entail a relatively large gain in animal welfare at a relatively low increase in costs, i.e., have a high cost-efficiency. The question is to what extent these findings are applicable to other countries. Therefore, the aim of this study is to gain insight in the global prospects of middle-segment systems by exploring the cost-efficiency of these systems in other parts of the world. A set of representative countries, containing the Netherlands, United States and Brazil were selected. Cost-efficiency was defined as the ratio of the change in the level of animal welfare and the change in production costs. The level of animal welfare was measured by the Welfare Quality (WQ) index score. Data was collected from literature and consulting experts. Results show that in the Netherlands, United States and Brazil a change from conventional towards a middle-segment system improves animal welfare in a cost-efficient manner (the Netherlands 9.1, United States 24.2 and Brazil 12.1). Overall, it can be concluded that in general middle-segment production systems provide a considerable increase in animal welfare at a relatively small increase in production costs and therefore offer good prospects for a cost-efficient improvement of broiler welfare.
Highlights
Broiler meat is the most consumed meat product worldwide as it is relatively cheap, low in fat as compared to other meat products and faces limited religious and cultural barriers [1]
The results show that the level of animal welfare in the GWS system is similar in each country, but the production costs differ which can be attributed to different prices
The results show that in each country a relatively cost-efficient improvement in animal welfare can be achieved by changing from the conventional to the GWS system
Summary
Broiler meat is the most consumed meat product worldwide as it is relatively cheap, low in fat as compared to other meat products and faces limited religious and cultural barriers [1]. Further increase of broiler meat production is expected due to population growth and increasing individual consumption in developing countries [2]. Broiler meat production mainly optimized on cost-price by improving the production efficiency [3,4]. -called intensive broiler production systems, using fast-growing strains at relatively high stocking densities (above 38 kg/m2 ), are being criticized in Western countries because of risks for animal welfare (e.g., EFSA Panel [5]; Bessei [6]). Increasing attention for animal welfare is arising in emerging countries such as China [7]. The passing of the first global guidelines for animal welfare in 2005 by 167 countries signalled that animal welfare was no longer a concern only of prosperous nations, but had become an issue for official attention at a global level [8]
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