On-Farm Poultry Mortality: Welfare Indicator

Mortality rates in poultry flocks are among the most sensitive welfare indicators available; elevated mortality signals welfare problems before other indicators become apparent and is systematically underreported.

Key Facts

Normal mortality in broiler flocks ranges from 3-5% over the growing period
Flocks above 6% mortality are routinely investigated under EU welfare regulations
Mortality logging is mandatory in many EU countries but verification is inconsistent
Cumulative mortality curves enable early detection of welfare-relevant disease and management problems

Welfare Considerations

Mortality is a welfare indicator because it represents the endpoint of welfare failure — illness, injury, or environmental challenge that was not identified and addressed in time. High mortality rates indicate that a significant proportion of the flock experienced welfare problems significant enough to prove fatal. Systematic mortality recording and analysis provides an objective, readily verifiable welfare metric that should be central to all poultry welfare assurance auditing.

What You Can Do

Support assurance schemes with mandatory mortality recording and veterinary reporting thresholds
Advocate for independent verification of mortality data submitted to assurance schemes
Raise awareness that poultry mortality rates are a meaningful welfare indicator, not just a production statistic