Overview of pre-slaughter feed withdrawal welfare in poultry and evidence-based approaches.
Pre-slaughter feed withdrawal welfare in poultry involves balancing hygiene requirements with minimising hunger and welfare compromise. Extended fasting causes significant welfare harm through hunger and stress. Research supports maximum 12-hour fasting periods with management practices minimising unnecessary extension. Automated scheduling systems can reduce fasting times by better coordinating catching and processing. Welfare regulations increasingly include maximum feed withdrawal time requirements.