Background

The welfare of meat chickens (broilers) has raised increasing concerns in the global supply chain.
China is the second largest broiler producer in the world, with rapidly growing demand for animal-sourced protein, especially white meat, in recent years.
In the EU, there are laws in place that set minimum standards to protect broiler welfare.
Over 600 food companies have signed the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) in Europe and the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) in North America to commit to higher welfare systems for broilers.
Main broiler welfare issues include high stocking density in both caged and cage-free systems, fast-growing breeds, insufficient/inadequate environmental enrichment provisions, and methods of slaughter (conscious inversion of birds before electrical stunning).
Since 2014, the Good Chicken Production Award (GCPA) has showcased producers in China who are pioneering in the field of broiler chicken welfare. In total, over 36 million birds are set to benefit each year from the current policies and/or commitments of our GCPA winners.
The GCPA is designed to recognise producers in China that address the most pressing broiler welfare issues and encourage them to be global leaders in animal welfare.

Criteria for the Good Chicken Production Award for Chinese producers

Basic requirements (1-star award)

The 1-star GCPA is awarded based on a current policy only. This means that a company must have already met all the criteria stated in Basic Requirements to qualify for entry.

Provide a good environment for the birds, including a comfortable temperature dependent on age, dry floor, good air quality (CO2<2500 ppm and NH3< 25 ppm), hygienic drinking water, and safe feed.
Rearing requirements (producers are eligible to apply by meeting one of the following rearing conditions): indoor systems without net flooring, indoor systems that do not have fully slatted floor systems, indoor systems with the provision of litter, or outdoor systems.
Flock records including daily mortality and culls must be completed with a bird health management plan in place.
The use of hormones is prohibited. Antibiotics should not be used routinely in feed or water, unless in the event of a disease outbreak, in collaboration with your vet.
Chicken products must not contain hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals or other residues, and a third-party testing report should be provided.

Note: caged production systems or indoor net floor systems are NOT permitted.

Additional commitments for 2 to 5-star awards

Companies can apply on a current policy or commitment basis for each star award, preferably with a maximum of two of the following stars on a commitment basis. Please consult with our team before submitting any supporting documents for commitments.

Indoor environmental enrichment:
- Natural light
- deep bedding on the whole floor area
- appropriate perching opportunities: perches for slow-growing and/or intermediate-growing birds; or raised platforms for intermediate and/or fast-growing birds (average daily growth rate 45-56g/day)
- Pecking substrates in addition to the litter
Reduced stocking density
- Indoor systems: Birds are housed on bedded floors at a maximum stocking density of less than or equal to 30kg/m2
- OR systems with outdoor access and/or free-range systems: Birds must be housed at a stocking density less than or equal to 27.5kg/m2
- 1 thinning per flock maximum
Use of higher welfare breeds
- either from ECC/BCC-approved breeds
- or traditional slower-growing breeds that have a daily growth rate of no more than 40g/day.
Access to an enriched range:
- Free-range system that provides:
  - outdoor access for birds for at least half of their lives
  - enriched outdoor area with pecking and dustbathing substrates as well as perching opportunities to encourage range use
  - natural and/or artificial shade and shelter

GCPA Eligibility and criteria