Farm Animals

Poultry Pre-Slaughter Feed Withdrawal Welfare

Pre-slaughter feed withdrawal in poultry causes hunger and stress, with duration and timing having significant welfare implications across billions of birds annually.

Key Facts

Feed withdrawal of 8-12 hours before slaughter is standard to reduce gut contamination
Prolonged withdrawal causes hunger, aggression and immune compromise in poultry
Water withdrawal alongside feed withdrawal significantly worsens welfare impacts
EFSA recommends feed withdrawal should not exceed 12 hours from last feeding
On-farm practices and transit time both contribute to total feed withdrawal duration

Welfare Considerations

Pre-slaughter feed withdrawal affects billions of poultry annually and causes measurable welfare costs. Standardising maximum withdrawal times and ensuring water access reduce unnecessary suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for maximum 12-hour feed withdrawal and maintained water access standards
Support certification schemes that monitor and limit pre-slaughter withdrawal periods
Ask poultry producers about their feed withdrawal protocols and maximum durations