A year of change for the UK poultry industry

A year of change for both the UK’s broiler and egg sectors is highlighted in this year’s Andersons annual Outlook report. All major retailers except for Asda have committed to the voluntary initiative of reduced stocking densities from the Red Tractor standard of 38kg/sqm to 30kg. For the integrated supply chain, this is a 20% reduction in chick placings. Authors Victoria Moxham and Edward Calcott said this brings good enrichment and welfare benefits for the chickens which can be marketed to consumers. But it does not seem to be affecting the carbon footprint per kg of meat produced due to the birds achieving better growth rates, and a reduction of rejects and mortality, meaning there are more saleable birds as a percentage of those placed being processed. To meet UK broiler chicken demand with domestic production, more floor area for growing chickens is required, but this is not happening at present for several reasons. “Issues with planning permission and environmental ...