Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Catching Machine Innovation

Mechanical catching machine technology for broilers is evolving, with new designs reducing injury rates and improving welfare outcomes during pre-slaughter handling.

Key Facts

Modern multi-phase catching machines have demonstrated significant reductions in wing fracture rates
Machine catching reduces worker injury risk alongside improving bird welfare outcomes
Adoption is limited by capital costs and the need for appropriate house layout and litter conditions
Research is ongoing into catching machine parameters that minimise stress and injury across different flock conditions

Welfare Considerations

Mechanical catching represents a genuine welfare improvement opportunity at a critical moment in the broiler production cycle. Investment in machine catching technology and training for its effective use can reduce the welfare costs of one of the most stressful phases of a broiler's life.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers investing in mechanical catching technology
Advocate for catching injury rates to be monitored and published as welfare indicators
Engage with equipment manufacturers and researchers developing improved catching systems