Current and novel methods for killing poultry individually on-farm

Abstract

This review examines methods for culling small numbers of poultry on farm, considering both common techniques and methods that are yet to be tested on poultry. The aim of this review is to inform the design of experiments that will assess the pros and cons of culling techniques. The methods reviewed include manual and mechanical cervical dislocation, crushing methods (such as burdizzos or pliers), percussive devices, blunt force trauma and a brain-stem piercing device. Previous work on these approaches, of which there is a limited dataset, has relied on behavioural and brain activity as proxy measures of unconsciousness (insensibility) and death, however there remains some uncertainty as to when birds can be considered unequivocally insensible. These factors will be considered when deciding which of the methods will be recommended to be taken forward for further assessment.

Keywords::

• welfare
• poultry
• culling
• novel techniques

Acknowledgements

This review was funded by a grant from DEFRA (MH0145). SRUC receives funding from the Scottish Government. We are grateful for the various suppliers of images, and for comments by colleagues on an earlier draft.

Blogs/discussion forums

http://stonehead.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/chicken-casualty/.

http://www.thepoultrygarden.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3793.