Poultry Welfare: Key Indicators, Challenges and Practices

Geeta Pipaliya¹*, Ashutosh Fular², Jyoti³, P.K.Bharti¹, Nilay D. Deshpande⁴, Aruna Kuniyal⁵, Vikram R⁶.

¹ ICAR-Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar

² ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Uttarakhand

³ ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly

⁴ ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly

⁵ ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan

⁶ ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland

Poultry welfare is a critical aspect of modern poultry science, encompassing a broad range of factors and definitions. According to Fraser and Broom (1997), welfare is “the state of an animal as it attempts to cope with its environment.” In recent times, Fernandes et al. (2021) described welfare as “a transient state within an animal that relates to what the animal experiences.”The ideal vision for poultry welfare is to create an environment where poultry birds can express their natural behaviors as much as possible. This includes providing adequate space, proper nutrition and social opportunities. Achieving this vision requires a balance between productivity and the birds’ physical and psychological well-being. This vision is guided by the Five Freedoms of Welfare, which apply to poultry birds as well:

Table 1.Five Freedoms of Welfare

1.	Freedom from Hunger and Thirst	All poultry birds should have access to clean water and a nutritious diet that meets their specific needs.
2.	Freedom from Discomfort	Birds should be provided with comfortable housing that includes proper ventilation, temperature control and adequate space for movement.
3.	Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease	Poultry birds are entitled to preventive healthcare measures, prompt treatment of illnesses and humane slaughter practices.
4.	Freedom to Express Natural Behaviors	Birds should have opportunities to engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing, foraging, perching and social interaction with other birds.
5.	Freedom from Fear and Distress	Poultry birds should be provided with a stress-free environment without disturbances.

Poultry Health and Welfare: Key Challenges

Poultry farming encounters various challenges that can affect the health and welfare of the birds. Overcrowding in intensive systems causes stress, aggression and disease spread, hindering birds’ natural behaviors. Poor housing conditions, such as inadequate ventilation and temperature control, lead to respiratory problems and discomfort. Effective disease management is crucial, as poor bio-security can spread diseases and result in high mortality. Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances may stunt growth and weaken immune systems, adversely affecting welfare. Stress from handling, transportation and environmental factors can also weaken immune systems and trigger abnormal behaviors. Economic pressures often compel farmers to prioritize productivity over welfare, compromising standards. Handling and transportation, if not done humanely, can be stressful and cause injuries. Varying regulatory compliance complicates the enforcement of welfare standards. Additionally, intensive genetic selection for productivity has increased metabolic diseases and muscle myopathies, especially in broiler chickens. Nutrient intake restrictions in parent stock, necessary to prevent excessive muscle and fat deposition, can become welfare issues. Skeletal problems in laying hens, crucial for eggshell deposition, require careful management during rearing to avoid issues later. In addition, meeting consumer demands for slower-growing chickens or outdoor access for hens can increase environmental impact and food safety risks. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach that balances productivity with ethical, economic and welfare considerations.

Welfare indicators in poultry

Welfare indicators in poultry can be categorized into input-based and output-based indicators. Input-based indicators focus on the conditions provided to the birds, such as housing, management practices and resources. Output-based indicators focus on the outcomes observed in the birds, such as health, behavior and productivity.

Table 2.Welfare indicators in poultry

Type	Category	Indicators	Description
Output Based	Behavioral Indicators	Natural Behaviors	Ability to express natural behaviors such as dust bathing, perching, foraging and social interactions. Positive indicators of good welfare and comfort.
		Feather Pecking and Cannibalism	High levels indicate stress, overcrowding, or nutritional deficiencies and indicating poor welfare conditions.
		Aggression	Increased aggression can signal stress, overcrowding, or competition for resources.
		Activity Levels	Normal bird behavior includes walking, foraging and dust bathing. Low levels can indicate poor welfare.
	Physiological Indicators	Corticosterone Levels	Elevated levels indicate stress.
		Heart Rate and Body Temperature	Changes can indicate stress or discomfort
		Body Condition Score	Evaluates nutritional status and overall health.
	Health Indicators	Mortality and Morbidity Rates	High rates indicate poor welfare conditions and underlying health issues.
		Injury and Disease Incidence	Prevalence of injuries, lameness and diseases provides information on welfare standards.
		Feather Condition	Good condition indicates proper nutrition, low stress and good health.
	Production Indicators	Growth Rates	Normal growth rates suggest good welfare and proper nutrition. Deviations indicate health or welfare issues.
		Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)	Efficient FCR indicates good health and nutritional management. Poor FCR may suggest stress, disease, or poor nutrition.
		Egg Production and Quality	For laying hens, production rates and quality (shell strength, yolk color) are important indicators of welfare.
Input based	Environmental Indicators	Air Quality	Monitoring ammonia, carbon dioxide and dust levels ensures good air quality.
		Temperature and Humidity	Maintaining optimal levels prevents heat or cold stress.
		Litter Quality	Good quality reduces risk of footpad dermatitis and respiratory issues.
	Management Practices	Stocking Density	Adequate space per bird to reduce stress and allow natural behaviors.
		Feeding and Watering Systems	Ensures consistent access to nutrition and hydration.
		Biosecurity Measures	Protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread.
		Enrichment and Housing Design	Provides opportunities for natural behaviors and reduces stress.
		Vaccination Programs	Preventive health care to protect against common diseases.
		Handling and Transportation Practices	Gentle methods to reduce stress and injury during handling and transport.

Welfare practices in Poultry production

Welfare and Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare of broiler chickens. Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can lead to health issues, impacting the overall well-being of the birds. Adequate nutrition is essential for supporting growth, immune function and overall health in broiler chickens. Poor nutrition can result in stunted growth, weakened immune systems and increased susceptibility to diseases, ultimately affecting the welfare of the birds. By providing a balanced diet adapted to the specific nutritional needs of broiler chickens at different stages of growth, farmers can promote optimal welfare outcomes and ensure the birds thrive in their environment.

Welfare and Health

Welfare and health are closely intertwined in broiler chicken farming. Good welfare practices contribute to better health outcomes, while poor welfare conditions can compromise the health of the birds. Monitoring health indicators such as disease prevalence, mortality rates and overall flock strength can provide insights into the welfare status of broiler chickens. Implementing proactive health management strategies, including vaccination programs, bio-security measures and regular health assessments, can help maintain high welfare standards and prevent health issues in broiler flocks.

Welfare and Housing

The housing environment significantly impacts the welfare of broiler chickens. Factors such as space availability, ventilation, lighting and litter quality can influence the birds’ well-being. Providing adequate space per bird, appropriate ventilation to maintain air quality and suitable lighting conditions to support natural behaviors and physiological functions are essential for promoting good welfare in broiler housing. Enriching the housing environment with perches, pecking objects and other stimulating elements can enhance welfare by allowing the birds to express natural behaviors and reduce stress levels.

Welfare and Production

While maximizing production efficiency is important in broiler farming, it should not come at the expense of animal welfare. Balancing production goals with welfare considerations is crucial for sustainable and ethical poultry production. Monitoring production metrics such as growth rates, feed conversion ratios and uniformity alongside welfare indicators can help farmers assess the overall well-being of broiler flocks. Adopting an integrated approach that prioritizes both production efficiency and welfare standards can lead to better outcomes for both the birds and the farm operation.

Conclusion

Poultry welfare is an integral part of modern poultry science, emphasizing the humane treatment of birds. By adhering to the Five Freedoms and continuously improving practices through innovation and research, the industry can achieve a balance between productivity and the well-being of poultry. Future directions should focus on overcoming existing challenges and implementing sustainable welfare practices for the benefit of both the birds and the industry.