Commercial turkeys are highly susceptible to heat stress, and the pre-slaughter period of loading, transport, and lairage represents one of the most significant welfare challenges in turkey production.
The pre-slaughter phase represents a welfare crisis point for commercial turkeys, particularly during warm months. Heavy-bodied birds with metabolically active muscle mass generate substantial body heat, and when ambient temperatures are high and ventilation inadequate, heat stress quickly becomes life-threatening. Birds that survive transport may arrive at slaughterhouses in compromised physiological and psychological states — panting, prostrate, and experiencing thermal distress. The physical handling involved in catching and loading — a process often carried out quickly by catchers working in dimly lit sheds — causes additional acute stress. Improvements to vehicle design, journey time limits, scheduling transport during cooler times of day, and investment in lairage cooling infrastructure can substantially reduce the welfare burden of this phase. Consumer and retailer demand for welfare certification that covers transport is driving industry investment in these improvements.