Poultry Transport Duration Welfare

Transport to slaughter is a major welfare challenge for poultry, with duration, density and thermal conditions all affecting suffering.

Key Facts

UK and EU regulations limit poultry transport to 12 hours (or 24 hours with water provision)
Poultry mortality during transport increases with journey time, temperature and stocking density
Thermal stress is a primary welfare concern - both heat and cold cause suffering
Broilers transported in summer face particularly high mortality and heat stress risk
Journey time reduction is a key welfare intervention - slaughterhouses closer to farms improve welfare
Monitoring of transport mortality rates is now required in some certification schemes
Loading and catching at farm is a high-risk welfare point regardless of journey length

Welfare Considerations

Poultry transport involves one of the most severe welfare experiences in the food system - catching and crating often involves injury and extreme fear, followed by confinement during transport. Duration reduction, improved catching techniques and better thermal management are the key interventions. The economic incentive to transport longer distances for cost reasons must be counterbalanced by welfare regulation.

What You Can Do

Choose poultry products from local farms where shorter transport distances are more likely
Support certification schemes monitoring and limiting transport mortality rates
Ask retailers about their supplier transport welfare standards
Support regulatory requirements for improved catching, transport density and duration limits