Germany wants animal welfare rules for the turkey sector

Published 2023년 1월 2일

Tridge summary

The German ministry has introduced new guidelines to improve animal welfare in the turkey farming industry. The guidelines aim to address common health issues and behaviors like deformities, chest blisters, footpad disorders, feather pecking, and cannibalism, which are often addressed by beak treatment, a practice prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act except in emergencies. The new guidelines focus on reducing stocking density, setting standards for barn design, and providing distraction materials. These guidelines are part of the ministry's preparation for amending the Animal Welfare Regulation on Livestock Farming and will be discussed with stakeholders in the turkey sector.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Within the turkey sector, health problems can occur that affect animal welfare. Examples are deformities of the skeleton, chest blisters and footpad disorders. In addition, feather pecking and cannibalism are a persistent problem. In order to keep the animals with a high stocking density, the beaks of turkeys are treated. Under the Animal Welfare Act, this intervention is prohibited and only allowed in exceptional cases. The German ministry has now presented spearheads that should ensure a more animal-friendly farming of meat turkeys. Central elements are reducing the stocking density, requirements for the design of the barn and the provision of distraction material. The main points presented are intended as ...

Source: Agri Holland