February 23, 2023
EFSA proposes alternatives to cages for broiler and hen welfare
Scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have advised against using cages, restricting feed, and performing mutilation on farmed broiler chickens and laying hens, proposing ways to prevent or mitigate the negative welfare consequences for broiler chickens and hens, EFSA reported.
The new EFSA report offers offer guidelines on matters such as space, animal density, lighting, dust, noise, litter, and structures like elevated platforms for broiler and hen farming.
The report was published after EFSA experts evaluated the broiler chicken and laying hen husbandry practises used in the European Union and identified the risks the birds face and the resulting effects on their welfare.
The experts suggested ways to avoid or lessen the detrimental effects on the welfare of the birds that they discovered and described how to assess the birds' welfare based on animal responses. The two evaluations cover every stage of the production process, including breeding, raising young birds, and raising broilers and laying hens.
EFSA scientists also responded to specific queries posed by the "End the Cage Age" European Citizen's Initiative.
The European Commission requested these scientific opinions in the framework of its Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy. They offer a scientific foundation for the ongoing revision of the animal welfare laws in the European Union. The Commission is expected to make a legislative proposal in the second half of this year.
In addition to five opinions on the welfare of farm animals while being transported, EFSA has already published a scientific opinion on the welfare of farmed swine. Additionally, EFSA scientists are finalising reports on the welfare of farmed calves, dairy cattle, quail, ducks, and geese.
An online public event will be organised by the EFSA to present the findings of its two scientific opinions on broiler chickens and laying hens on 28 March 2023.
- European Food Safety Authority
