The transport crates used to move broiler chickens from farm to slaughterhouse create welfare challenges related to space, temperature, and handling. Crate design and loading practices significantly affect welfare outcomes.
Transport crate welfare encompasses the full journey from farm to slaughter, including the waiting time on the lorry at the abattoir. Thermal stress in poorly ventilated centre crate positions is the most significant welfare risk: birds in hot summer conditions or in fully loaded lorries with restricted air flow can suffer heat stroke. Crate tilting during loading and stacking can cause pile-up injuries as birds are unable to maintain balance. The cumulative welfare burden from catching through to stunning - which may extend 4-8 hours or more - represents a significant portion of a broiler chicken's total life experience. Regulatory attention to transport welfare has improved crate design standards over time, but implementation varies with vehicle age, loading practice, and journey conditions. CCTV monitoring at loading facilities provides post-hoc accountability that incentivises operator compliance.