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Causes of trauma in broilers arriving dead at poultry processing plants.
1Department of Meat Animal Science, University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford.
The Veterinary Record
|November 28, 1992
Summary
Post-mortem examinations revealed that 0.19% of broiler chickens arrived dead at processing plants. Trauma, particularly femur dislocation and crushed heads, was the cause of death in 35% of these birds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Animal Science
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Transportation of broiler chickens to processing plants can result in mortality.
- Assessing the causes of death in broiler carcasses is crucial for flock management and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and causes of mortality in broiler carcasses arriving dead at processing plants.
- To identify the types of trauma sustained by broiler chickens during transport.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem examination of 1324 broiler carcasses from six processing plants.
- Dissection and evaluation for trauma and obvious cause of death.
Main Results:
- 0.19% of broiler carcasses arrived dead at processing plants.
- Trauma was identified as the cause of death in 35% of carcasses that arrived dead.
- Femur dislocation with associated hemorrhage was the most frequent traumatic injury, followed by ruptured livers and crushed heads.
Conclusions:
- Transportation stress and handling contribute to broiler mortality.
- Traumatic injuries are a significant cause of death in broiler chickens prior to processing.
- Addressing transport conditions can improve broiler welfare and reduce economic losses.