Identifying optimal feed withdrawal periods prior to transportation to safeguard meat chicken welfare under varying transport conditions

Year: 2024 

Peta Taylor  
University of Melbourne, Australia 

Research, Travel & Training Grant - £8,473

This project will assess the impact of feed withdrawal time prior to  
transportation of meat chickens, with a focus on the number of  
birds that are dead on arrival (DOA) at the processing plant. Interactions  
between time off feed and bird characteristics, environmental conditions,  
and variation in catching methods and transportation will be investigated  
to develop recommendations for feed withdrawal periods relative to  
transport conditions. Data will be collected from 350 flocks on farm prior  
to transportation and at the processing plant across a 12-month period to  
capture seasonal and flock variation. Expected outcomes include  
evidence-based, industry-relevant, practical recommendations on feed withdrawal timing.