Good housing for broilers

For producers that are considering developing new housing for broilers to meet these company commitments and the growing demand for higher welfare chicken, the Windstreek system which has been developed in the Netherlands is an excellent example. It incorporates multiple features for improved welfare with strong sustainability elements. Watch the video here

Reducing antibiotic use

By operating a higher welfare system with good stockmanship you also have the potential to reduce your reliance on antibiotics. Italian Co-operative, Valverde, has successfully reared its ‘Gran Selezione’ chickens that are clearly labelled as ‘raised without antibiotics’. This has been achieved not through consciously refusing to use antibiotics but due entirely to using robust breeds and developing higher welfare systems with stricter rules than legislation, regarding stocking density, growth rate and environmental enrichment.

Much needs to be done to ensure the transition to higher welfare is successful:

long and often complex supply chains need to be brought on board
changes need to be made to housing
new breeding stock needs to be laid down

If companies are to meet their 2024 commitments they need to start working on transitioning now, and for clarity and transparency, report year on year progress.

When leading brands make animal welfare commitments they inspire others to follow suit and act as a catalyst for change. We look forward to seeing more companies taking similar steps towards positive change for broilers as have been taken by Compass Group and Aramark in the US.

If you are interested in applying for a Good Chicken Award please contact us or read our resources on broiler welfare here, which includes a presentation on the science that is driving change in broiler welfare.

Is a broiler revolution imminent?