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Chick welfare in a large, commercial chicken hatchery: A case study
Jenny L Mace1,2, Andrew Knight3,4,5
1Centre for Ethics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.
Open Veterinary Journal
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Commercial hatcheries pose significant welfare risks to chicks and embryos. A case study revealed 17 severe welfare issues, including injury, death, and lack of euthanasia, indicating widespread suffering in the poultry industry.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Poultry Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Commercial hatcheries process approximately 1.8 billion chicks monthly.
- High-speed hatchery environments create stressful conditions impacting chick welfare.
- Chick embryos may experience suffering from embryonic day 18, necessitating early welfare considerations.
