Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Welfare at Catching and Loading

Catching and loading broiler chickens at the end of grow-out is one of the highest-risk welfare events in the production cycle, associated with injury, fear and mortality.

Key Facts

Mechanical catchers reduce injury rates compared to manual catching in some systems
Rough handling at catching causes wing fractures, bruising and acute stress
Mortality during catching and transport can reach 0.1-0.3% of the flock
Dimmed lighting and calm catching crews reduce panic responses
Crate density and stacking height affect heat stress during loading

Welfare Considerations

Catching and loading represent a brief but intense welfare challenge. Investment in training, equipment and monitoring can significantly reduce suffering during this critical phase.

What You Can Do

Support RSPCA Assured and Better Chicken Commitment farms
Advocate for mechanical catchers and trained crews in poultry supply chains
Choose chicken from farms with verified low pre-slaughter mortality