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Animal welfare and intensive production of turkey broilers1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

A. Martrenchar
A. Martrenchar
Affiliation:
AFSSA BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France
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Abstract

Points that raise animal welfare concerns in the turkey broiler production chain are reviewed. Genetic selection of fast growing strains has increased locomotory problems and made natural mating impossible. A range of different photoperiods are used in practice (constant daylength, increased daylength with age, intermittent lighting) and have many consequences for welfare. High stocking densities have several drawbacks such as poor air quality, cannibalism and impairment of the gait of the birds. Methods of control against cannibalism, which include keeping birds at low light intensities or beak trimming, also raise welfare questions. Studies on the determination of optimal group size and on the possibility of enriching the pen environment are required. Depopulation procedures, transport and slaughter are further causes of poor animal welfare and would also benefit from further research.

Keywords

Turkey broilerswelfarelighting regimenstocking densitydepopulationtransportslaughterin
Type
Research Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 55 , Issue 2 , June 1999 , pp. 143 - 152
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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