Farm Animal Welfare

Poultry Catching and Loading Welfare

The catching and loading of broilers before transport to slaughter causes significant acute stress and injuries.

Key Facts

Broiler catching involves picking up birds by their legs, causing pain
Mechanical harvesters can reduce handling stress but require large sheds
Broken wings and dislocated hips are common catching injuries
Dimming lights reduces panic during catching operations
Night catching when birds are less active reduces stress and injuries

Welfare Considerations

Catching and loading is one of the most acute welfare challenges in broiler production. Injury rates from conventional catching are significant, and the period causes high levels of fear and distress. Industry innovation in catching methods is a priority welfare area.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification that includes standards for catching methods
Advocate for investment in reduced-harm catching technologies and techniques
Choose poultry products from farms with documented handling welfare standards