Potential risk factors associated with broiler welfare of commercial flocks in Turkey: Welfare of the chickens just prior to pre-slaughter catching on farms

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing broiler chicken welfare in commercial flocks just prior to pre-slaughter catching on farms, in Turkey. For this purposes seven broiler farms including 28 flocks from two Turkish broiler company were inspected. Each of the studied flocks had identical management programs for broiler. Data was collated over a one year period on four separate occasions to identify any possible seasonal effects. One hundred birds in each flock were assessed for various welfare parameters based on physical and production-related measures. Mean flock slaughter age on the day of visit was 43 days and mean body weight was 2.35 kg in the flocks. Average mortality and feed conversion ratio were calculated as 3.03 and 1.82, respectively. Light instensity, temperature and heat stress index inside the house were highest during the summer visits. The humidity was higher during the winter months, ammonia fluctuated through the year inside the house. There were significant differences for all welfare scores of the birds raised in different flocks (P<0.05) in different season, except gait score. A seasonal effect was observed on gait score. Male and female birds in all flocks had almost similar welfare scores. As conclusion, it can be said that the flocks investigated in this study had reasonably good welfare scores and there is the potential for further improve using new legislation and better implementing existing welfare assurance schemes.