Lecture Notes: Welfare of Broiler Chickens

Introduction

• Speaker: Georgia Mason, Director, Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare
• Acknowledgment: Treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Guest Speaker: Dr. Steph Torrey, expert in poultry and swine welfare
  • Over 60 peer-reviewed publications
  • Focus on farm animal welfare, genetics, transportation, and euthanasia
  • Research Scientist at Trouw Nutrition

Global Broiler Chicken Industry

• Statistics: 70 million broiler chickens raised globally each year
• Growth Rate: Chickens reach market weight at six weeks (approx. 2.1 kg)
• Issues: Accelerated growth and its impact on welfare

Broiler Chicken Welfare

• Homogeneity: Most chickens are from conventional broiler strains (White Rock and Cornish)
• Genetic Changes: Significant changes due to breeding for larger breasts, influenced by market demands
• Growth Rate: Faster growth due to genetic selection, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and management

Welfare Concerns

• Health Issues: Mortality rates, footpad dermatitis, hawk burns, and lameness
• Previous Studies: Demonstrated that slower-growing strains often have better welfare outcomes

Research Project Overview

• Objective: Evaluate broiler welfare correlating with growth rates
• Methodology: Controlled for housing, feed, age, weight, stocking density, conditions, and enrichment
• Strains Studied: 3 conventional and 13 slower-growing strains
• Categories: Conventional, fast, moderate, slow growth rates

Key Findings

• Mortality Rates: 2-3% mortality with no significant differences between categories
• Footpad Lesions: High prevalence; worse in conventional strains at heavier weights
• Bone Strength: Conventional had stronger bones but poorer mobility due to body conformation
• Lameness Tests: Latency to lie and obstacle tests used to assess mobility and stamina
• Inactivity Levels: Conventional strains more inactive, possibly due to body conformation

Implications for Broiler Welfare

• Genetic Selection: Need for selection of welfare traits in breeding programs
• Environmental and Behavioral Factors: Influence of housing, enrichment, and management

Broiler Breeders

• Chronic Hunger: Feed-restricted to prevent obesity-related issues
• Study on Slower-Growing Breeders: Showed reduced feed intake motivation and water usage

Broader Considerations

• Need to balance welfare with environmental impact, food prices, and global population
• Funding: Support from Global Animal Partnership, Canada First Research Excellence Fund, and others

Conclusion

• Potential for genetic and management strategies to improve welfare
• Importance of multi-faceted approach to enhance broiler welfare

Acknowledgments: Team members, funders, and anonymous supporters who contributed to the project.