The Council of the European Union has laid down rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production. The recently accepted and published directive comes into force as of July 2010, and restricts producers in terms of stocking density.

Although not yet a major issue for the Brazilian poultry sector, Dr Victor Fernando Buttow Roll from the Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, reviewed studies comparing traditional and enriched cages for laying hens. He warned not to ...

The issue of animal welfare in commercial egg production systems is one which can be approached from many angles: the animal, the producer, the consumer and so on. Dr Helenice Mazzuco, an EMBRAPA researcher in Brazil, gives her perspective on th...

Australian poultry pilot studies pave the way for more research into free-range mortalities. Researchers recommend the approval of more antibiotics and anthelmintics for use in laying hens.

The transport and stunning of birds remains a subject of discussion among etiologists. US industry leaders continue to participate in discussions while equipment suppliers try to answer the many questions raised. The annual IPE exhibition offered ...

A rapidly expanding market for organic poultry and egg products in the US can be seen. In particular, the number of organic broilers signals an expanding domestic supply. Both organic broilers and organic eggs receive a significant premium over co...

Cannibalism is a stern problem in layer farming and becomes even more serious when birds are being kept in aviary and free-range systems. Light intensity during rearing seems to be an important factor in managing the problem.

Animal welfare is an important issue on the EU agenda. With the accession of the twelve new member states since 2004, it has become even more complicated to find an agreement on how the legislation should look. Will rule soon be implemented?

A pioneer research effort in Brazil is exploring an innovative method in the study of animal behaviour and welfare: the use of automated image analysis and interpretation systems. They have potential for evaluating differences in hen behaviour und...