1. The terms of reference of the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) are to keep under review the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter; and to advise GB Agriculture Ministers of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary. The Council has the freedom to consider any topic falling within this remit. Our membership is at Appendix A.
2. In 1992, FAWC published its Report on the Welfare of Broiler Chickens. The report covered only those birds reared for the table and not that part of the industry selecting and breeding chickens for the producers of broiler meat. In 1996, FAWC was asked by the Agriculture Departments to consider the welfare of broiler breeders so that welfare codes could be prepared on all aspects of broiler chicken production. Broiler breeders are the breeding stock producing fertile eggs from which commercial broiler chicks are hatched. The remit of the study did not include welfare in transit (other than from farm-to-farm) or at slaughter because the Council has previously issued separate reports on these topics.
3. This report summarises our study and makes a number of recommendations.
4. The Council carried out an extensive consultation exercise, considered scientific evidence and visited breeding companies and poultry farms. In addition, a seminar was held with invited experts from industry and research bodies; and oral and written evidence was taken from interested parties, including animal protection organisations, and from experts in the field.
5. Those who gave evidence and information are listed at Appendix B and we would like to thank all who participated. In particular, the Council is indebted to Heddwyn Owen (ADAS) who attended meetings and visits and provided expert advice.
6. The welfare of an animal can be defined as its state as regards its attempts to cope with its environment. Hence welfare encompasses the animal's health and general physical condition, its mental state and its biological fitness and depends on its ability to cope with any adverse affects of the environment in which it is kept. Although one single measurement can indicate that welfare is poor, studies comparing welfare in different systems, or using different husbandry methods, should utilise a range of indicators.
7. Science makes an important contribution to our understanding of the subject by studying, for example, physiological changes, abnormalities of behaviour, occurrence of disease and injury, the strengths of animal preferences and the determination of growth and breeding characteristics. However, evidence is required not only from scientific study but also from practical, objective observation within the industry and examples of best practice in animal husbandry. Ideals, known as the Five Freedoms, have been adopted by FAWC and provide a framework for all our recommendations.
In order to apply these principles, those in charge of livestock must practise caring planning; responsible and responsive management; informed, skilled and conscientious stockmanship; considerate handling and transport; humane slaughter. The planning of effective management practice and provision of appropriate living conditions are essential.
8. The welfare of any animal is dependent on the overall balance of factors contributing to its physical and mental state. When identifying welfare problems, it is necessary to consider both the extent of poor welfare and its duration. However, the many dimensions of animal welfare inevitably mean that an understanding of production conditions and scientific information alone cannot provide a sufficient guide for detailed recommendations. A broad-ranging approach taking into account all relevant views and factors provides the basis for preparing our report.
9. Welfare assessment concerns individual animals. However, where there are indications of poor welfare, we consider the problem to be more serious when more animals are affected.