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Management of spent hens
R C Newberry1, A B Webster, N J Lewis
1Center for the Study of Animal Well-being, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6520, USA. rnewberry@wsu.edu
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|December 21, 2005
Summary
This review examines spent hen removal and transport in North America, highlighting welfare issues like bone fractures. Recommendations focus on improving hen bone strength and handling methods for more humane processing.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Veterinary Public Health
Background:
- Commercial egg-laying hens are processed for meat post-production.
- Current practices involve catching, loading, transport, unloading, and slaughter.
- These stages raise significant animal welfare concerns, particularly bone fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methods for spent hen removal and transport in Canada and the US.
- To identify and discuss welfare concerns, especially bone fractures.
- To evaluate on-farm euthanasia techniques and provide recommendations for improvement.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current industry practices in Canada and the United States.
- Analysis of welfare implications, focusing on bone integrity.
- Examination of emerging on-farm euthanasia methods and their humaneness.
Main Results:
- Spent hen handling and transport procedures are associated with high rates of bone fractures.
- On-farm euthanasia is being explored as an alternative to traditional processing.
- Various euthanasia techniques require further investigation for efficacy and humaneness.
Conclusions:
- Improvements in hen bone strength are crucial for reducing fractures.
- Enhanced equipment and handling protocols are needed during spent hen movement and slaughter.
- Further research into humane on-farm euthanasia methods is recommended.
