Abstract

Stocking density is not the sole crucial factor for broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) welfare; management and environmental factors are certainly also very important. When talking about optimal stocking density it is vital to realize that the birds have no choice in this, as in practice economical factors play the most important role in the producer's decision making process. We must acknowledge that from the producer's perspective the ethical reasoning behind these choices are based on a view that animals may be used by humans for our purposes as long as they are properly cared for, i.e. fed, given water and are kept in good health. For the general public, good animal welfare for may be defined as ‘animals kept happy and healthy'. Ethical decisions are complex and ethical arguments may weigh differently for different stakeholders, leading them to very different conclusions regarding optimal stocking density and broiler welfare.

Published in

World's Poultry Science Journal
2012, Volume: 68, number: Suppl. 1, pages: 1-6

SLU Authors

• Berg, Lotta

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Yngvesson, Jenny

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/40335