The welfare of broiler chickens in the European Union

Abstract

This report details the poor living conditions of broiler chickens used for meat in the EU. These chickens are bred for rapid, large-scale growth, resulting in a variety of health problems – mostly lameness but also heart and lung issues. The conditions in which the chickens are kept, including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and improper handling during transport, only exacerbate their health and welfare problems. For example, up to 50 million birds per year may be still conscious when they reach the scalding tank, where they are defeathered, because they have not been stunned correctly. According to the report, the use of these fast-growing breeds goes against EU legislation intended to promote animal welfare. Instead, the report suggests using slower-growing breeds, improving housing conditions, and reducing transport time, among other changes. – AI-generated abstract.