Poultry Transport Welfare Advances

Innovation in poultry transport welfare is improving outcomes through better loading, container design, and journey management.

Key Facts

Container-based transport systems allow birds to remain in modules from catching to processing
Module systems reduce handling events compared to traditional crate systems
Thermal management in containers has improved with active temperature and ventilation control
Journey time recording and monitoring enables compliance verification
Pre-slaughter rest periods allow birds to recover from transport stress before processing
Mechanical harvesting systems reduce human-caused injury during catching
Some facilities have invested in 'on-farm processing' that eliminates live transport entirely
Water provision during long journeys is now required in some jurisdictions

Welfare Considerations

Traditional poultry catching involves manual catching by humans grabbing birds by their legs, causing fractures, dislocations, and severe stress as birds are inverted and placed in crates. Mechanical harvesting reduces catching injuries but requires careful design to avoid new injury types. Module systems that reduce bird handling between catching and slaughter reduce cumulative stress. On-farm processing - while logistically complex - eliminates live transport entirely and is the highest welfare option. The economics of transport welfare improvement are complex but improved systems reduce mortality and condemnations that offset some costs.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers with certified higher welfare transport systems
Advocate for maximum journey time limits for live poultry transport
Choose poultry from local producers using on-farm or short-distance processing
Support development and adoption of mechanical harvesting systems that reduce catching injuries
Reduce consumption of poultry from producers without verifiable transport welfare standards