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Shackling of poultry: is it a welfare problem?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

J.M. Sparrey  and
P.J. Kettlewell
J.M. Sparrey
Affiliation:
Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HS, UK
P.J. Kettlewell
Affiliation:
Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HS, UK
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Abstract

The slaughter of poultry differs from the slaughter of all other meat-producing animals in that the live birds are hung upside down in shackles prior to slaughter. There is concern from animal welfare organizations such as the United Kingdom Farm Animal Welfare Council that this practice, although necessary for present methods of humane slaughter, causes possible distress and pain to the birds. This paper reviews the regulations on the provision for the welfare of poultry at slaughter as it affects shackling, the equipment involved in shackling, and the physiological and psychological effect of shackling on birds.

Keywords

Painpoultryshacklingslaughterwelfare

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Type
Research Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 50 , Issue 2 , July 1994 , pp. 167 - 176
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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