Meat Chickens
What are the animal welfare challenges associated with meat chicken production?
Chickens grown for meat production are genetically very different from layer hens bred to produce eggs. Meat chickens have been selectively bred to grow and gain weight very fast to maximise production, with birds reaching slaughter weight at 4-6 weeks old.
What are the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme standards for meat chickens?
The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare. Through the Scheme the RSPCA works closely with farmers committed to raising meat chickens to higher animal welfare standards. Since releasing our first animal welfare standards for meat chickens in 2010, more than 2.
What is low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS)?
Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning (LAPS) is a form of stunning (inducing unconsciousness prior to slaughter) which may offer significant welfare improvements over the main commercial methods of gas and electrical stunning currently used for poultry. Its use in Australia should be considered. How does LAPS work?
How are meat chickens farmed in Australia?
Chickens are sociable, quirky and inquisitive creatures. Descended from jungle fowl, they still possess instincts strongly aligned with seeking shelter in vegetation and roosting up high at night to keep away from predators.
Why is good litter condition important for meat chicken welfare?
Meat chickens, even those that are provided with access to an outdoor range area, will spend the majority of their time indoors and in contact with the litter.
What are the welfare concerns for breeder birds in the meat chicken industry?
Breeder birds in the meat chicken industry lay the eggs that will hatch into chickens grown for meat. There are currently two main commercial meat chicken breeds in Australia, both of which have been selectively bred to grow to large sizes quickly.
How much space does a meat chicken need?
All animals need enough space to carry out their normal behaviours, and to be physically healthy. When it comes to meat chickens, it’s important that birds have enough room to exercise, explore, peck, dust bathe, forage, and rest.
What are the animal welfare issues with on-farm euthanasia of meat chickens?
Chickens in the meat industry are sometimes required to be euthanased on-farm if they are weak, sick, injured or unable to walk and will not recover with treatment.
Why is environmental enrichment important for meat chicken welfare?
For meat chickens to experience good welfare, it’s important that their environment is stimulating and enriching, and allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours. These behaviours include perching, dust bathing, foraging, ground scratching, and stretching and flapping their wings.
Why is access to adequate light important for meat chicken welfare?
Access to adequate light and periods of darkness are necessary for meat chicken welfare, as they encourage natural behaviours including appropriate physical activity and rest.