Blokhuis H J
Spelderholt Centre for Poultry Research (COVP-DLO), Beekbergen, The Netherlands.
Rev Sci Tech. 1994 Mar;13(1):67-78. doi: 10.20506/rst.13.1.755.
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.
近年来，家禽养殖业的专业化和集约化程度不断提高，引发了公众对相关动物福利的广泛关注。这场辩论大约始于25年前的西欧，导致了国家和欧盟层面的相关法规出台。当个体动物能够成功应对环境且免受疼痛（如因受伤或疾病所致）时，动物福利就能得到保障。当动物针对相关内部和外部因素的调节行为无法实现或长期受到阻碍时，其福利就会受到损害。目前已有大量关于福利方面住房要求的信息。对于家禽而言，这些要求涉及空间、产蛋窝、垫料和栖木。在诸如层架式鸡笼等高度集约化养殖系统中，蛋鸡的福利受到损害。考虑到上述住房要求的替代养殖系统，可能会大幅改善这些禽类的福利。肉鸡和肉种鸡的福利问题，或许最好通过替代选育计划来缓解，这些计划不仅要考虑与经济效率相关的参数，还要考虑与健康和福利相关的参数。
