Poultry: Behavior and Welfare Assessment

Abstract

Poultry behavior is a useful tool in the assessment of the welfare of poultry. A unique challenge of assessing poultry welfare via behavior is that poultry welfare cannot be assessed via behavior alone. The assessment of the welfare of poultry occurs at the confluence of various disciplines such as ethology, ethics, genetics, poultry science, and veterinary medicine. The proper assessment of poultry behavior and welfare requires an interdisciplinary and integrative approach. This article is designed to be an introduction to practical items in the use of behavior in the assessment of the welfare of poultry and to serve as a guiding tool in the pursuit of further knowledge and experience.