Poultry Welfare and Stocking Density Science

Scientific evidence on stocking density effects in poultry consistently demonstrates welfare improvements at lower densities across multiple welfare indicators.

Key Facts

Broiler welfare indicators improve progressively as stocking density decreases
Foot pad dermatitis prevalence falls significantly at densities below 30 kg per square metre
Gait scoring improves at lower densities due to improved litter quality and activity space
Mortality rates are lower in lower density flocks
Consumer willingness to pay for lower density products has been demonstrated in research

Welfare Considerations

The dose-response relationship between stocking density and welfare outcomes is well established in poultry science. Evidence supports progressive welfare improvement as density decreases from maximum permitted levels. Policy and standards that reflect this evidence by reducing maximum permitted densities would deliver measurable welfare improvement for hundreds of millions of birds. The economic case for lower density production through premium products supports transition.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that reflect density-welfare evidence by requiring lower maximum densities
Choose higher-welfare poultry certified to lower density standards
Advocate for EU and UK stocking density regulations to be updated based on current evidence
Support research into minimum welfare-adequate density thresholds
Engage with poultry industry on the consumer demand for lower density products