Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Catching and Loading: Reducing Handling Stress

The catching and loading process before slaughter is one of the most stressful experiences for broiler chickens - improved methods and training significantly reduce injuries.

Key Facts

Manual catching causes wing fractures, dislocations, and bruising in a significant percentage of birds
Automated catching machines can reduce injury rates when properly maintained
Catching at night when birds are calmer reduces stress and injury
Loading density in crates affects bird welfare during transport
Staff training in low-stress catching techniques makes a measurable difference

Welfare Considerations

Catching and loading is a high-intensity welfare risk point in broiler production. Birds experience handling by humans for the first time in their lives, often in darkness and at high speed. Welfare-focused catching protocols that emphasise calm, correct holds, and avoiding wing grabbing reduce injuries. Investment in staff training and welfare monitoring at this stage is cost-effective given reduced downgrade rates.

What You Can Do

Choose broiler products from farms with low-stress catching certification
Support welfare auditing that includes catching and loading assessment
Advocate for training requirements for all catching crews
Reduce chicken consumption to support better welfare standards generally