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Allen S, Parker C, Verheyen K, Nicol C, Chang Y. Effects of external ambient temperature at loading, journey duration and flock characteristics on the dead-on-arrival rate in broiler chickens transported to slaughter in Great Britain. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102634. [PMID: 37011467 PMCID: PMC10090708 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Broiler mortality during transport and lairage, prior to slaughter, has negative welfare and economic implications. Knowledge of the factors affecting the dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate can help identify risk-mitigating strategies. The objectives of this study were to determine the DOA rate in broiler chickens transported to slaughter in Great Britain and associated risk factors. Requested data for all loads of broilers transported to slaughter by 5 large British commercial companies on 57 randomly-selected dates in 2019 were obtained and combined with weather data extracted from the Met Office MIDAS Open database. The DOA rate was described overall and per load using summary descriptive statistics. Mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to evaluate considered flock-, journey- and weather-related risk factors. Results were reported as incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). On the selected dates, 25,476 loads transported 146,219,189 broilers to slaughter. The overall mean DOA rate was 0.08%. The median DOA rate per load was 0.06% (interquartile range 0.03-0.09%; range 0.00-17.39%). Multiple risk factors were identified including loading temperature and catch method. At relative humidity ≤80%, the DOA rate was 16.89 (95% CI 15.25-18.70, P < 0.001) times higher for loads loaded in external ambient temperatures >30.0°C compared to those loaded in temperatures between 10.1°C and 15.0°C. When relative humidity was >80%, there was a 43% increase in DOA rate for loads loaded in temperatures below freezing compared to those loaded in temperatures between 10.1°C and 15.0°C (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35-1.52, P < 0.001). The DOA rate was 32% higher for loads caught mechanically compared to those caught manually (IRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23-1.42, P < 0.001). The overall DOA rate was lower than that previously reported in Great Britain and for other European countries. Most identified risk factors had a marginal effect, however, loading temperatures >30°C substantially increased DOA rate. Internal thermal environmental conditions were not evaluated. Avoidance of loading during periods of hot weather would improve the welfare of, and reduce economic losses in, broiler chickens.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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Aituganov K, Assanova G, Saginbayeva M, Aitkhozhin S, Nurpeissov D, Shaimerdenova A. A model for increasing the business activity of personal subsidiary farms based on small-scale poultry meat production. POTRAVINARSTVO 2022. [DOI: 10.5219/1761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The basis of this article is the study of such a form of farming in rural areas as personal subsidiary farms (PSF). The importance of private farming is actualized both in matters of a social nature in rural areas and issues of sustainable development of entire sectors of the economy. The article clarifies the main socio-economic functions of individual subsidiary farms. The basics of motivation and goal setting for entrepreneurship are considered. And in this regard, a model is given for increasing the business activity of personal subsidiary farms based on small-scale poultry meat production. The model is described both from the point of view of the mechanisms of interaction of participants and from the organisation's point of view. The financial mechanisms of this model and its features are also given. Many economists consider PSF the most massive, and economically stable; one might even say the surviving producer of agricultural products sustainably. This phenomenon lies in the economic nature of PSF. In these conditions, personal subsidiary farms are additional for those who are engaged in hired work. For the majority, this is about 3 million people who are considered "self-employed", the only source of income. Of particular interest is the financial model of this project, which was developed by the project's authors and tested for three years. This model allows you to reduce the price of finished products and keep it 15% below the market. The project showed that personal subsidiary farms without special conditions could not transform massively into individual entrepreneurs or peasant farms. To do this, the state needs to organize prototypes of such operators on the ground, which will begin to perform all intermediary functions to improve the business environment of each rural locality.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Mitchell M, Vinco LJ, Voslarova E, Candiani D, Mosbach-Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Velarde A. Welfare of domestic birds and rabbits transported in containers. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07441. [PMID: 36092767 PMCID: PMC9449994 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This opinion, produced upon a request from the European Commission, focuses on transport of domestic birds and rabbits in containers (e.g. any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used for the transport of animals, but not the means of transport itself). It describes and assesses current transport practices in the EU, based on data from literature, Member States and expert opinion. The species and categories of domestic birds assessed were mainly chickens for meat (broilers), end-of-lay hens and day-old chicks. They included to a lesser extent pullets, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails and game birds, due to limited scientific evidence. The opinion focuses on road transport to slaughterhouses or to production sites. For day-old chicks, air transport is also addressed. The relevant stages of transport considered are preparation, loading, journey, arrival and uncrating. Welfare consequences associated with current transport practices were identified for each stage. For loading and uncrating, the highly relevant welfare consequences identified are handling stress, injuries, restriction of movement and sensory overstimulation. For the journey and arrival, injuries, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation, motion stress, heat stress, cold stress, prolonged hunger and prolonged thirst are identified as highly relevant. For each welfare consequence, animal-based measures (ABMs) and hazards were identified and assessed, and both preventive and corrective or mitigative measures proposed. Recommendations on quantitative criteria to prevent or mitigate welfare consequences are provided for microclimatic conditions, space allowances and journey times for all categories of animals, where scientific evidence and expert opinion support such outcomes.
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Törmä K, Kaukonen E, Lundén J, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M, Laukkanen-Ninios R. A comparative analysis of meat inspection data as an information source of the health and welfare of broiler chickens based on Finnish data. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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6
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Saraiva S, Saraiva C, Oliveira I, Stilwell G, Esteves A. Effects of age, weight, and housing system on prevalence of dead on arrival and carcass condemnation causes in laying hens. Poult Sci 2020; 100:100910. [PMID: 33518312 PMCID: PMC7936178 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Causes of condemnation and dead on arrival (DoA) birds were studied at the slaughterhouse and effects of age, BW, and housing system were investigated. A total of 1,156 (0.18%) birds were found DoA and 20,754 carcasses out of 629,331 (3.30%) were condemned during postmortem inspection. The main reasons for condemnation were peritonitis, septicemia, salpingitis, emaciation, and tumors. The mean percentages of condemnation by septicemia and emaciation differed according to age and BW groups and were more common in batches of younger (≤87 wk) and lighter (≤1.88 kg) birds. Moreover, peritonitis and ascites differed significantly between age groups, occurring more frequently in batches of older hens. The presence of tumors of the reproductive system was more frequently observed in older and heavier hens. This result raises the possibility of tumors being correlated with the higher number of prior ovulatory events. The total condemnation rate was lower in hens from organic systems, followed by free-range, and differed significantly from barns and cage systems. Carcasses with ascites and peritonitis were found more commonly in hens from cages and barns and both differed significantly from organic systems. Salpingitis was statistically more prevalent in barns, presenting differences from organic and free-range systems. Monitoring condemnation causes of end-of-lay hens at slaughter provided a better understanding of health and welfare issues in different housing systems and allowed to identify potential welfare problems, which can be used to improve management and welfare on farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Saraiva
- School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, DCV, CECAV, Center of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal.
| | - C Saraiva
- School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, DCV, CECAV, Center of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
| | - I Oliveira
- CEMAT-IST-UL, Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Stilwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Center of Interdisciplinary Investigation in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A Esteves
- School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, DCV, CECAV, Center of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
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7
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Mönch J, Rauch E, Hartmannsgruber S, Erhard M, Wolff I, Schmidt P, Schug AR, Louton H. The welfare impacts of mechanical and manual broiler catching and of circumstances at loading under field conditions. Poult Sci 2020; 99:5233-5251. [PMID: 33142439 PMCID: PMC7647865 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Loading of broilers for transport to the processing plant poses a notable injury risk for broilers. Therefore, the poultry industry has developed mechanical methods as alternatives to manual loading methods. Our objective in the present study was to compare manual loading (MAN) of broilers with the mechanical loading (MECH). We assessed the injuries of broilers of 12 MAN and 12 MECH flocks on-farm before and immediately after loading, documented the numbers of broilers dead on arrival reported by the processing plant, and assessed the circumstances at loading. A smaller number of broilers with a hematoma (≥0.5 cm in diameter) on the wing were observed after MAN compared with MECH using the examined harvester (MAN vs. MECH odds ratio: 0.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.28). The number of broilers with severe wing injuries did not differ between the loading methods. The number of broilers dead on arrival was greater in mechanically loaded flocks (MAN vs. MECH odds ratio: 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.68), but lower than in comparable studies. We observed a lower average stocking rate than targeted in the drawers of MECH containers, most likely because the used harvester can adapt to short-term changes in weight and adjust the stocking rate during the loading process. A longer total loading duration in MAN was associated with an increase of wing hematomas, and the involvement of more working people per 10,000 broilers during MAN was associated with a lower occurrence of hematomas. The total loading duration in MECH had no notable influence on the occurrence of injuries. Physical conditions of the involved personnel might play a larger role in MAN than in MECH. The harvester that was examined should be further developed to reduce the occurrence of hematomas. Our results indicate that the choice of loading method alone does not determine the injury risk, and multiple factors are associated with broiler welfare during loading. It is important that the chosen method is performed under the most adequate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mönch
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Rauch
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Sandrina Hartmannsgruber
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Erhard
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Inga Wolff
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Schmidt
- Paul Schmidt, Statistical Consulting for Science and Research, 13086 Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela R Schug
- Chair of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Helen Louton
- Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
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8
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The value of a retrospective analysis of slaughter records for the welfare of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020; 99:5222-5232. [PMID: 33142438 PMCID: PMC7647861 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of transport risk factors on deaths on arrival (DOAs; %) and carcass rejections (%) on broiler chickens transported to a slaughterhouse in Southern Spain were assessed using information routinely collected at the slaughterhouse. A total of 2,284 flocks and 10,198,663 broiler chickens, transported in 2,103 commercial transports from 217 different farms to a single slaughterhouse, were studied using the information of veterinary service and slaughter records. Studied risk factors were transport condition at arrival score (good/bad) and plumage condition score (good/bad) at arrival at the slaughterhouse, mixing loads (yes/no), transport duration (min), and season of the year (spring/summer/autumn/winter). Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine the effects of risk factors and their interactions on DOA and carcass rejections. The interactive nature of risk factors affecting both variables was revealed. Mixing loads interacted with transport duration (P < 0.0001), amplifying the negative consequences of long transports on DOA. Mixing loads also interacted with transport conditions at arrival (P = 0.0005), with the impact of bad transport conditions at arrival being particularly negative in the case of mixed loads. These facts raise questions about the suitability of mixing loads both from the animal welfare and economic standpoints. Transport duration interacted with season (P = 0.0003), with the detrimental effect of long distances on DOA being particularly evident during summer and winter, which highlights the need for alternative management measures when hot or cold temperatures are foreseen during transport. Long transports also increased carcass rejections (P < 0.0001). Mixing loads and bad plumage condition exacerbated the overall, detrimental effect of autumn transports on DOA (P = 0.0084 and P = 0.0009, respectively) with respect to summer transports. Similar results were obtained for the interactions between mixing loads and transport season (P = 0.0043) and transport conditions at arrival and transport season (P = 0.0014) on carcass rejections. Overall, results highlight the value of slaughter records to produce information useful to reduce the impact of transport risk factors, improve broiler chicken welfare, and improve slaughterhouse economic results.
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9
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Buzdugan SN, Chang YM, Huntington B, Rushton J, Guitian J, Alarcon P, Blake DP. Identification of production chain risk factors for slaughterhouse condemnation of broiler chickens'. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105036. [PMID: 32505027 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Slaughterhouse condemnation of broiler chickens results from identification of polymorphic pathological conditions during meat inspection from arrival and on the slaughter line. While conditions that result in condemnation are multifactorial, identification of factors that are common for a number of categories could be valuable for developing strategies to reduce total condemnation. This study aimed to identify those condemnation categories that were most common in batches of broiler chickens and to determine and compare associated risk factors. In the first step, retrospective meat inspection records for 55,918 broiler batches from one large broiler integrator for 2015-2017 were used for association rules analysis. Results identified a network of nine associated condemnation categories: whole carcass condemnation for ascites, abnormal colour, perihepatitis, cellulitis, hard breast, tumours and dead on arrival, and liver only and heart only most often associated with hepatitis and pericarditis, respectively. Secondly, a longitudinal study collected data on 109 explanatory variables from broiler parental flocks to slaughterhouse characteristics between January 2015 and December 2017. Condemnation outcome data were obtained from meat inspection records for 539 broiler batches participating in the study. Parental flock-, rearing farm-, shed- and transport-level risk factors were assessed for each outcome using mixed-effects multivariable Poisson regression including shed and farm as random effects. A Poisson regression tree method was used as the first step to identify variables most relevant for analysis and comparison across the outcomes. No single production factor was associated with all nine of the condemnation outcomes investigated in this study, although some were shared across multiple outcomes: age of parental flock at time of lay, flock-level Campylobacter spp. frequency, broiler chick weight at seven days of age, weight at slaughter, type of broiler removal (i.e. thinning, final depopulation), catcher team, number of birds per transport crate, slaughterhouse shift number, and type of slaughterhouse line. Broiler chickens removed during final depopulation were at greatest risk of condemnation. Condemnation rates for cellulitis and tumours were found to be higher in broilers inspected by night shift at the slaughterhouse. Discovery of an apparent protective effect of a higher number of broilers per transport crate was unexpected. These findings provide information for the broiler industry on production chain factors that might be amenable to targeted intervention to improve future efforts for control of condemnation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Buzdugan
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Y M Chang
- Research Support Office, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - B Huntington
- Liverpool Science Park, Innovation Centre 2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - J Rushton
- Epidemiology and Population-Health, Liverpool University, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - J Guitian
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - P Alarcon
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D P Blake
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde Calvo A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Candiani D, Fabris C, Van der Stede Y, Michel V. Slaughter of animals: poultry. EFSA J 2019; 17:e05849. [PMID: 32626156 PMCID: PMC7008870 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The killing of poultry for human consumption (slaughtering) can take place in a slaughterhouse or during on-farm slaughter. The processes of slaughtering that were assessed, from the arrival of birds in containers until their death, were grouped into three main phases: pre-stunning (including arrival, unloading of containers from the truck, lairage, handling/removing of birds from containers); stunning (including restraint); and bleeding (including bleeding following stunning and bleeding during slaughter without stunning). Stunning methods were grouped into three categories: electrical, controlled modified atmosphere and mechanical. In total, 35 hazards were identified and characterised, most of them related to stunning and bleeding. Staff were identified as the origin of 29 hazards, and 28 hazards were attributed to the lack of appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or to fatigue. Corrective and preventive measures were assessed: measures to correct hazards were identified for 11 hazards, with management shown to have a crucial role in prevention. Ten welfare consequences, the birds can be exposed to during slaughter, were identified: consciousness, heat stress, cold stress, prolonged thirst, prolonged hunger, restriction of movements, pain, fear, distress and respiratory distress. Welfare consequences and relevant animal-based measures were described. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origins, and preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences were also proposed.
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11
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore lameness and the associations between lameness and health/production measures of animal welfare in commercial broiler production, using the Welfare Quality® protocol for broilers. A total of 50 flocks were included in the sample and farm visits were conducted for lameness scoring at a mean age of 28.9 days. The percentage of animals (n=7500) in the six different gait score (GS) categories were GS0: 2.53%, GS1: 44.19%, GS2: 33.84%, GS3: 16.32%, GS4: 2.36% and GS5: 0.53%. Production and other welfare data were collected for each flock after slaughter. Higher gait scores were associated with increased hock burn score (P<0.02), increased footpad dermatitis score (P<0.01), reduced bird cleanliness score (P<0.01) and peat litter (P<0.01). Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for increased flock gait score being associated with wet litter (P=0.07). In addition, condemnations at postmortem inspection were associated with increasing gait scores (P<0.05), indicating that at least a portion of the lameness cases display pathological changes on the carcasses. In conclusion, 19%of the birds showed moderate-to-severe lameness, which was associated with several production or health and welfare observations including feather cleanliness and condemnations as unfit for human consumption at slaughter. Although stocking density and growth rate are already known key factors for lameness, associations of lameness with hock burns, footpad dermatitis and cleanliness of the birds suggest that a suboptimal physical environment (e.g. litter- and air quality) may be detrimental to leg health. Further studies are needed to explore these associations in more detail.
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12
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Cockram MS, Dulal KJ, Mohamed RA, Revie CW. Risk factors for bruising and mortality of broilers during manual handling, module loading, transport, and lairage. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple factors can affect the risk of bruising and mortality of broilers during loading, transport, and lairage. The risk factors affecting the percentages of broilers in each load that were “dead-on-arrival” (DOA) or bruised were studied from records provided by a processing plant, by undertaking direct observations during on-farm loading and then carrying out multivariable analyses. Selected loads between 2014 and 2015 from seven producers were included in the study. The median DOA per load was 0.13% (Q1 = 0.06, Q3 = 0.25, n = 212), the median total duration from loading to unloading was 8.6 h, and the external temperature ranged from −22 to 22 °C. Although it was not possible to adequately characterise thermal conditions within each load, the analysis indicated that the main risk factors for increased mortality were in spring and winter, an increased duration between loading and end of lairage, and a period of feed withdrawal before loading longer than 6 h. The risk of mortality increased with the weight of the birds and with an increase in rearing mortality. No relationships were found between the manner in which the broilers were handled and the percentages of DOAs or bruised birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Cockram
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Ketan Jung Dulal
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Radi A. Mohamed
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Crawford W. Revie
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
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13
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Cockram MS, Dulal KJ. Injury and mortality in broilers during handling and transport to slaughter. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2017-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple factors affect the risk of broiler injury and mortality during loading, transport, and lairage. These include the physical and pathophysiological condition of broilers before loading and the type of handling procedures used. The external environmental conditions have a major influence on the risk of mortality. Combinations of high stocking density, insufficient ventilation, and high temperature and humidity pose a risk of hyperthermia. Combinations of wet conditions, cold temperature, and air movement, increase the risk of hypothermia. However, protection from cold and wet conditions involves the use of side protection that restricts the trailer ventilation that can cause heat and moisture to build up in the load, increasing the risk of hyperthermia. Modular systems reduce the risk of injury and facilitate unloading into a lairage where temperature and ventilation can be controlled. The duration of loading, transport, and lairage increases the mortality risk. Deaths can occur during each stage and interactions between the duration of the preslaughter stages, the thermal environment, fasting, ill-health, and injury can reduce the physiological capacity of the birds to maintain homoeostasis resulting in exhaustion and death. Quality control and action on the identified risk factors should reduce injury and mortality during preslaughter handling and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Cockram
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Ketan Jung Dulal
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
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Carvalho RH, Honorato DCB, Guarnieri PD, Soares AL, Pedrão MR, Oba A, Paião FG, Ida EI, Shimokomaki M. Assessment of turkey vehicle container microclimate on transit during summer season conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:961-970. [PMID: 29362871 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the formed microclimate commercial truck transport practices effects on the turkeys' welfare by measuring Dead on Arrival (DOA) index and pale, soft, and exudative (PSE-like) meat occurrence. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a 6 × 2 factorial arrangements (two truck container compartments × six water shower groups) with birds positioned at superior front (SF), inferior front (IF), superior middle (SM), inferior middle (IM), superior rear (SR), and inferior rear (IR) and two bath treatments: with water shower (WiS) and without water shower (WoS) with eight replications for each treatment. The animals were transported for 95 min' journey from the farm to the slaughterhouse under hot-humidity conditions. The results shown herein indicated the formation of a thermal core at the inferior middle and rear truck container regions, because the heat produced by the birds and the influence of developed microclimate consisting of temperature, relative humidity, and air ventilation. The IM and IR container compartments under the WoS treatment presented the highest (P < 0.01) numbers of PSE-like meat incidence and DOA index values compared with those located at the front under WiS treatment as the consequence of the altered to birds unbearable conditions within the container microclimate in transit. The formed microclimate during the commercial transport practices under hot-humidity conditions affected the bird's welfare consequently turkey meat qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael H Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Londrina State University, PO Box 6001, Londrina, PR, 86010-951, Brazil.
| | - Danielle C B Honorato
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana L Soares
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Mayka R Pedrão
- Paraná Federal Technological University in Londrina, Campus Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Oba
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Londrina State University, PO Box 6001, Londrina, PR, 86010-951, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Paião
- Paraná Federal Technological University in Londrina, Campus Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Elza I Ida
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Massami Shimokomaki
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Londrina State University, PO Box 6001, Londrina, PR, 86010-951, Brazil
- Paraná Federal Technological University in Londrina, Campus Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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15
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Factors affecting mortality risk during transportation of broiler chickens for slaughter in Atlantic Canada. Prev Vet Med 2017; 147:199-208. [PMID: 29254721 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mortality of broilers during transport and lairage before slaughter represents an economic loss to the poultry industry and a welfare issue that needs to be addressed. In Canada, broilers can be transported long distances and be exposed to environmental factors, such as cold temperatures, that can affect the percentage of dead-on-arrivals or DOAs. Slaughter plant records for loads transported over a 19-month period in 2009-2010 were examined to identify factors affecting mortality risk (% DOA) during transportation from the rearing barn to the slaughter plant. Information from 2007 loads was analysed using a multilevel linear model. Most of the variation in the mortality risk occurred at the load level rather than at the producer or barn level. There were significant effects of bird sex, age and weight, catching team, journey duration and holding barn duration on mortality risk. The following environmental risk factors increased mortality risk: cold temperatures during the journey and in the holding barn, low crate stocking density during journeys at cold temperature and increased trailer temperature when in the holding barn. The analyses identified risk factors that can be used to refine management practices to mitigate some of the mortality risk. Increased mortality in some loads was associated with environmental conditions that caused deaths from hypothermia, whereas in other circumstances, some deaths likely occurred from hyperthermia. The climatic conditions in Atlantic Canada were responsible for significant risk factors that affected the mortality risk. Although refinement of the management practices described in this study, such as reduced journey and lairage durations, and increased crate stocking density can mitigate some of the mortality risk, the extreme cold conditions experienced during some parts of the year exceeded the capacity of the systems of transportation used to provide environmental conditions that minimise mortality.
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16
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Arikan MS, Akin AC, Akcay A, Aral Y, Sariozkan S, Cevrimli MB, Polat M. Effects of Transportation Distance, Slaughter Age, and Seasonal Factors on Total Losses in Broiler Chickens. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Y Aral
- Ankara University, Turkey
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17
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Jacobs L, Delezie E, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Tuyttens FA. Impact of the separate pre-slaughter stages on broiler chicken welfare. Poult Sci 2017; 96:266-273. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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18
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Comparison of flock characteristics, journey duration and pathology between flocks with a normal and a high percentage of broilers ‘dead-on-arrival’ at abattoirs. Animal 2017; 11:2301-2308. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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19
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Jacobs L, Delezie E, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Tuyttens FAM. Broiler chickens dead on arrival: associated risk factors and welfare indicators. Poult Sci 2016; 96:259-265. [PMID: 27702922 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pre-slaughter phase of the production process has potentially important animal welfare implications, including mortality (recorded as "Dead on Arrivals"; DOA: ). To reduce DOA%, specific risk factors need to be identified. DOA% can also be used as a first and quick screening of pre-slaughter broiler welfare under commercial conditions. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for DOA% in commercial broiler flocks and to find associations between DOA% and animal-based indicators of broiler welfare during the pre-slaughter phase. Eighty-one transported flocks to five slaughter plants were assessed. Farmers provided information on the flock and observers gathered data on pre-slaughter factors. DOA% was recorded by slaughter plant personnel. The association between risk factors and DOA% was tested using linear mixed models, with slaughter plant as the random effect. Mean (± SE) DOA% was 0.30 ± 0.05% and median was 0.19% (range 0.04 to 3.34%). Two risk factors for DOA% were identified, both related to flock health status during the production phase. Higher DOA% was found when farmers did not check chick quality upon arrival (P = 0.011), although one extreme DOA% caused this significant effect. In addition, on-farm mortality during production (including selective culling) was negatively associated with DOA% (P = 0.011), potentially due to the selective culling on farm. Further research is needed on the impact of on-farm health status on welfare during the pre-slaughter phase, as the current study provided some evidence that on-farm factors are linked to mortality during the pre-slaughter phase. No specific characteristics of the pre-slaughter phase could be identified as risk factor for increased mortality. DOA% was positively associated with five welfare indicators, including indicators of thermal stress, which indicates the potential to use DOA% as a quick, cost-efficient screening tool for those welfare aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Jacobs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Klara Goethals
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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20
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Part CE, Edwards P, Hajat S, Collins LM. Prevalence rates of health and welfare conditions in broiler chickens change with weather in a temperate climate. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160197. [PMID: 27703686 PMCID: PMC5043304 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change impact assessment and adaptation research in agriculture has focused primarily on crop production, with less known about the potential impacts on livestock. We investigated how the prevalence of health and welfare conditions in broiler (meat) chickens changes with weather (temperature, rainfall, air frost) in a temperate climate. Cases of 16 conditions were recorded at approved slaughterhouses in Great Britain. National prevalence rates and distribution mapping were based on data from more than 2.4 billion individuals, collected between January 2011 and December 2013. Analysis of temporal distribution and associations with national weather were based on monthly data from more than 6.8 billion individuals, collected between January 2003 and December 2013. Ascites, bruising/fractures, hepatitis and abnormal colour/fever were most common, at annual average rates of 29.95, 28.00, 23.76 and 22.29 per 10 000, respectively. Ascites and abnormal colour/fever demonstrated clear annual cycles, with higher rates in winter than in summer. Ascites prevalence correlated strongly with maximum temperature at 0 and -1 month lags. Abnormal colour/fever correlated strongly with temperature at 0 lag. Maximum temperatures of approximately 8°C and approximately 19°C marked the turning points of curve in a U-shaped relationship with mortality during transportation and lairage. Future climate change research on broilers should focus on preslaughter mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chérie E. Part
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Phil Edwards
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Lisa M. Collins
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
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21
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Saraiva S, Saraiva C, Stilwell G. Feather conditions and clinical scores as indicators of broilers welfare at the slaughterhouse. Res Vet Sci 2016; 107:75-79. [PMID: 27473978 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare of 64 different broiler farms on the basis of feather conditions and clinical scores measures collected at the slaughterhouse. A 3-point scale (0, 1 or 2) was used to classify dirty feathers, footpad dermatitis and hock burns measures, and a 2-point scale (present or absent) was used to classify breast burns, breast blisters and breast ulcer measures. Flocks were allocated into three body weight (BW) classes (A, B, C): class A (light) ≥1.43 and ≤1.68kg, class B (medium) ≥1.69 and ≤1.93kg; class C (heavy) ≥1.94 and ≤2.41kg. The absence of hock burns was more common in class A, while mild hock burns was more common in class B flocks. Breast ulcer was observed in class C flocks. The association observed for mild hock burns, breast burns and severe footpad dermatitis can indicate a simultaneous occurrence of these painful lesions. Very dirty feathers and severe footpad dermatitis relationship suggest litter humidity to be the common underlying cause. In conclusion, it was shown that clinical indicators can be used at the slaughterhouse to identify welfare problems. In the studied flocks, footpad dermatitis, feather conditions and hock burns were the main restrictions for good welfare and should be considered significant welfare indicators of the on-farm rearing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Saraiva
- School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, DCV, CECAV, Center of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Directorate-General of Food and Veterinary, Campo Grande 50, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - C Saraiva
- School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, DCV, CECAV, Center of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - G Stilwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Center of Interdisciplinary Investigation in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Alto da Ajuda, Portugal
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22
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Kittelsen KE, Granquist EG, Kolbjørnsen Ø, Nafstad O, Moe RO. A comparison of post-mortem findings in broilers dead-on-farm and broilers dead-on-arrival at the abattoir. Poult Sci 2016; 94:2622-9. [PMID: 26500266 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Broiler mortality during transport to abattoirs (dead-on-arrival/DOA) evokes concern due to compromised animal welfare and associated economic losses. The general aim of this study was to characterize pathological lesions associated with mortality in broilers close to slaughter. The specific aim was to investigate whether disease at the end of the growth period may be a predisposing factor for DOA by describing and comparing the pathological findings in broilers dead-on-farm (DOF) in the final days of the production cycle and in broilers DOA from the same flocks. Gross post-mortem examinations were performed on 607 broilers from 32 flocks, either DOF (371) or DOA (236). In DOF broilers, the most common pathological lesions were lung congestion (37.7%), endocarditis (29.4%), and ascites (24.0%), whereas the most common findings in broilers DOA were lung congestion (57.2%) and trauma (24.6%). Lung congestion was more prevalent among DOA broilers compared to DOF broilers (P-value of > 0.001). A possible cause behind the pathological finding lung congestion is sudden death syndrome (SDS). The study indicates that steps in the transportation process per se cause the majority of pathological lesions such as lung congestion and trauma that may have led to the mortalities registered. Pre-existing diseases such as ascites and osteomyelitis may also predispose for DOA. Thus, factors relating to on-farm health, catching, and transportation are all areas of future investigation in order to reduce transport mortalities and to enhance welfare in broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Kittelsen
- Animalia- Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, NO-0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - E G Granquist
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ø Kolbjørnsen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology, NO-0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - O Nafstad
- Animalia- Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, NO-0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - R O Moe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway
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23
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Contribution of Meat Inspection to the surveillance of poultry health and welfare in the European Union. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:2459-72. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn the European Union, Meat Inspection (MI) aims to protect public health by ensuring that minimal hazardous material enters in the food chain. It also contributes to the detection and monitoring of animal diseases and welfare problems but its utility for animal surveillance has been assessed partially for some diseases only. Using the example of poultry production, we propose a complete assessment of MI as a health surveillance system. MI allows a long-term syndromic surveillance of poultry health but its contribution is lowered by a lack of data standardization, analysis and reporting. In addition, the probability of case detection for 20 diseases and welfare conditions was quantified using a scenario tree modelling approach, with input data based on literature and expert opinion. The sensitivity of MI appeared to be very high to detect most of the conditions studied because MI is performed at batch level and applied to a high number of birds per batch.
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24
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Lund VP, Kyvsgaard NC, Christensen JP, Bisgaard M. Pathological manifestations observed in dead-on-arrival broilers at a Danish abattoir. Br Poult Sci 2014; 54:430-40. [PMID: 23906216 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2013.804173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
1. The mortality of broilers during pre-slaughter handling, including harvesting and transport, is an issue of increasing public concern which has led to the adoption of Council Directive EC/43/2007 implementing abattoir surveillance regarding the number of dead-on-arrival (DOA) broilers. 2. Pathological lesions and causes of death of DOA broilers at a Danish abattoir were investigated in a cross-sectional study comprising 300 DOA broilers (25 broilers from each of 12 randomly selected flocks). Major pathological manifestations of DOA broilers included severe pulmonary congestion (51.5%), lung congestion in combination with trauma (12.5%), trauma (10.2%), nephropathy accompanied by dehydration and/or discolouration (8.8%), morbus cordis (2.0%), septicaemia (1.7%) and suspected septicaemia (1.0%). Lung congestion accompanied by circulatory disturbances in other tissues was suggested to be due to suffocation. 3. Analyses of pathological diagnoses revealed that DOA broilers can be divided into two main categories, lung congestion and trauma, based on the chronicity of the lesions, both of which are primarily related to management and handling procedures. Most DOA broilers examined (74.2%) were estimated to have died as a consequence of events during pre-slaughter handling underlining the importance of increased focus on handling-related factors to reduce DOA rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Lund
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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25
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Shen Y, Shi S, Tong H, Guo Y, Zou J. Metabolomics analysis reveals that bile acids and phospholipids contribute to variable responses to low-temperature-induced ascites syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:1557-67. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00137k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic metabolomic profiles of low-temperature induced ascites syndrome showed disturbances in the metabolism of bile acids and phospholipid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiru Shen
- Poultry Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Yangzhou, China
| | - Shourong Shi
- Poultry Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Yangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition
- Department of Animal Science and Technology
| | - Haibing Tong
- Poultry Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition
- Department of Animal Science and Technology
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100093, China
| | - Jianmin Zou
- Poultry Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Yangzhou, China
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26
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Technical assistance to the Commission (Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) for the preparation of a data collection system of welfare indicators in EU broilers’ slaughterhouses. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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27
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Sample Size Considerations for Hierarchical Populations. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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28
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Kalmar ID, Vanrompay D, Janssens GPJ. Broiler ascites syndrome: collateral damage from efficient feed to meat conversion. Vet J 2013; 197:169-74. [PMID: 23628419 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chickens have been raised as food for human consumption for over 4000 years. Over this time they have been continuously selected for specific desirable characteristics by active selection of parents to produce birds which fit perceived needs. Despite this long history of selective breeding and improvements in rearing techniques, the efficiency with which broiler meat is produced has shown a remarkable leap in recent decades. Persistent selection for rapid growth, high feed utilisation efficiency and large cut yield has resulted in modern meat-type poultry lines with superior genetic potential with regard to productivity. However, mortality and the incidence of metabolic diseases has increased in parallel with growth rate. One such disease is broiler ascites syndrome, which has been shown to be closely associated with the fast growth and high meat yield resulting from intense selection and with modern rearing techniques. The review is focused on the historical background, pathogenesis, epidemiology and prevention of broiler ascites syndrome in modern broiler production.
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29
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Lupo C, Le Bouquin S, Balaine L, Michel V, Péraste J, Petetin I, Colin P, Jouffe L, Chauvin C. Bayesian network as an aid for Food Chain Information use for meat inspection. Prev Vet Med 2013; 109:25-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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30
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Weeks CA, Brown SN, Richards GJ, Wilkins LJ, Knowles TG. Levels of mortality in hens by end of lay on farm and in transit to slaughter in Great Britain. Vet Rec 2012; 170:647. [PMID: 22678619 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The average mortality for end of lay hens dead on arrival (DOA) was 0.27 per cent (median 0.15 per cent) in a survey of 13.3 million hens transported during 2009. A statistical model of the data indicated main risk factors for DOA to be slaughter plant, distance travelled and external air temperature, with longer journeys and low external air temperatures increasing the risk. Other highly significant risk factors (P<0.001) related to the condition of the birds on farm, where an increased risk of DOA was positively associated with poor feather cover, lower body weight, cumulative mortality of the flock and poor health (indicated by a high proportion of the load rejected at the plant for traumatic injury and disease state). However, the data indicate that by taking risk factors into consideration it is possible to transport hens up to 960 km with low losses in temperate conditions. Mean levels of on-farm mortality, during the laying period, for a total of 1486 flocks were significantly lower in cages (5.39 per cent) than in barn (8.55 per cent), free-range (9.52 per cent) or organic flocks (8.68 per cent) according to producer records a median of seven days before depopulation, with considerable variation between flocks in all systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Weeks
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK.
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31
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Abstract
In recent years, broiler mortality during transport to the slaughterhouse has become a cause for concern because of animal welfare considerations and associated economic losses. A descriptive and analytical epidemiological study was carried out to estimate the extent of DoA in poultry broiler production in the main producing regions of France and to determine factors influencing the DoA rate. Data regarding animal characteristics and rearing, catching, transport and lairage conditions were collected on farm and at the slaughterhouse for 404 chicken broiler flocks processed during 2005. The average DoA rate was 0.18% (from 0% to 1.4%). Variables found to be associated (P < 0.05) with the DoA rate in a multivariable negative binomial model were flock cumulative mortality on farm, the catching system (mechanical being more at risk than manual), the density in crates (more space allowance being associated with less mortality) and climatic conditions (rain and wind being associated with more DoA). Mortality during transport is thus related to all production steps from the farm to the slaughterhouse. Efforts have therefore to be made by all professionals to contain mortality on farm and during catching and transportation.
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32
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Hepworth PJ, Nefedov AV, Muchnik IB, Morgan KL. Hock burn: an indicator of broiler flock health. Vet Rec 2011; 168:303. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.c6897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Hepworth
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; University of Liverpool, Leahurst; Neston Cheshire CH64 7TE
| | - A. V. Nefedov
- DIMACS Center; Rutgers University; Busch Campus Piscataway NJ USA
| | - I. B. Muchnik
- DIMACS Center; Rutgers University; Busch Campus Piscataway NJ USA
| | - K. L. Morgan
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; University of Liverpool, Leahurst; Neston Cheshire CH64 7TE
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