Poultry Transport Mortality and Welfare Monitoring

Transport mortality in poultry is a measurable welfare indicator, with data collection and transparent reporting driving management improvements across supply chains.

Key Facts

UK broiler transport mortality is required to be reported with an industry target of below 0.1% dead on arrival
Dead on arrival rates vary from under 0.05% in well-managed operations to over 0.5% in poorly managed systems
Temperature extremes during transport cause the majority of transport mortality in both hot and cold conditions
Journey duration above 4 hours significantly increases mortality and distress in broiler chickens
Post-mortem examination of dead on arrival birds can identify preventable causes including catching injuries and ventilation failures

Welfare Considerations

Transport mortality data reveals the scale of a preventable welfare problem: even at 0.1% mortality, UK broiler production losing 100 million birds to transport generates 100,000 dead on arrival annually. Behind the mortality statistics are birds that died from heat stress, cold exposure, or catching injuries - all preventable with better management. Transparent reporting that identifies high-mortality operations enables supply chain pressure for improvement. Consumer and retailer demands for transport mortality data create accountability that drives adoption of better practices.

What You Can Do

Support retailers that publish transport mortality data for their poultry supply chains
Advocate for mandatory transport mortality reporting in all commercial poultry operations
Choose poultry products from certified welfare programs requiring transport welfare monitoring
Support research identifying the most effective interventions reducing transport mortality
Learn about poultry transport welfare to engage with food company commitments and supply chain standards