Intensive production units and welfare: domestic fowl.

Major specialisation and intensification of the poultry industry in recent years have led to widespread public concern regarding the welfare of the animals involved. The debate originated some 25 years ago in Western Europe, resulting in regulations at both the national and European Union (Community) level. Animal welfare is ensured when the individual animal is coping successfully with the environment and is free from pain (e.g. due to injury or disease). The welfare of an animal is jeopardized when its regulatory action, in relation to relevant internal and external factors, is impossible or chronically hampered. Ample information is now available on housing requirements with regard to welfare. For poultry, these requirements relate to space, laying nests, litter and perches. The welfare of laying hens is compromised in highly intensive systems such as battery cages. Alternative housing systems, taking into account the housing requirements mentioned above, may considerably improve the welfare of these birds. Welfare problems in broilers and broiler breeders may best be alleviated by alternative selection programmes which take into account parameters related not only to economic efficiency but also to health and welfare.