Poultry transport, depopulation and stunning

Question 1

Outline Scottish Government Guidance on broiler harvesting

Answer 1

Catching should either be by holding them round the body or, if by the legs, preferably both legs above the hock joint. If birds need to be carried this should either be by holding them round the body or by both legs above the hock joint. No catcher should carry by the legs more than three chickens (or two adult breeding birds) in each hand.

Question 2

T/F Broiler harvesting manually does not pose a great welfare concern

Answer 2

FALSE Catching identified as major source of stress and injury. Considerable injury rates Bruising, fractures and dislocation

Question 3

T/F Mechanised harvesting has a reduced injury rate

Answer 3

TRUE. Reduced labour costs
Better conditions for workers
Reduced rejection rates
Reduced injury and bruising, especially leg injury rates

Question 4

What is the major source of welfare compromise for day old chicks

Answer 4

Thermal stress

Question 5

What is optimal temperature for day old chicks

Answer 5

24-25

Question 6

Two types of stunning for poultey

Answer 6

Electrical
Gas stunning

Question 7

What is the most common approach for stunning for poultry

Answer 7

Water bath. Head enters electrified water bath

Question 8

What is ideal frequency and current for electric stunning and why it is hard to find a balance

Answer 8

Low freq and High current but affects meat quality. lower frequency current increases the likelihood of an effective stun, it increases intense muscle contractions leading to carcass defects

Question 9

Advantages of controlled gas stunning

Answer 9

Eliminates live shackling
All birds stunned (non-recovery)
Improved working conditions at shackling point
Improved meat quality

Question 10

CO2 level of gas stunning

Answer 10

40%

Question 11

What gases are in containerised gassing units used for emergency killing

Answer 11

80% argon and 20% carbon dioxide gas mix

Question 12

Outline whole house gassing

Answer 12

CO2 concentration must reach 45% at roof sensor

Question 13

Advantages of whole house gassing

Answer 13

Widely used proven technique
Live birds do not need to be handled
Large numbers can be killed quickly
Humane

Question 14

Disadvantages of whole house gassing

Answer 14

Need technical support
Health and Safety associated with use of gas
Large quantity of gas required
Limited range of houses suitable

Question 15

Outline High expansion foam

Answer 15

Method of delivering gases, including inert gases (Nitrogen)