Poultry welfare – problems and research to solve them

Abstract

In Western Europe public awareness of ethical problems associated with farm animal production began to be seriously aroused in 1964 by the publication of Ruth Harrison's book Animal Machines. Although the restriction imposed by the battery cage system on laying hens was seen as a major cause for concern, it was not until the mid-1970s that applied research into improved or alternative production systems for laying hens began. Following initial small-scale trials in the UK on what became known as the ‘get-away cage’ the concept was developed, especially in Germany. Investigations were initiated into other alternatives, including aviaries, percheries and combinations of raised wire floors, and these continue in Denmark, the FRG, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Switzerland. It has yet to be seen how far the benefits of such systems, chiefly the enhanced range of behaviours observed in the birds, can outweigh the disadvantages, especially the higher costs and some disbenefits, including feather pecking and cannibalism. Except where legislation forces the issue, as in Sweden and Switzerland particularly, the adoption of alternative egg production systems will depend on the willingness of consumers to pay a higher price for the product. Reference is also made to welfare problems associated with other classes of poultry.