Catching and Crating Turkeys: Effects on Carcass Damage, Heart Rate, and Other Welfare Parameters

Influence of crate height during slaughter transport on the welfare of male turkeys

“…This indicates that the different crate heights lead to different types of damage. This is in line with a study by Prescott et al (2000), who compared three different crate types in relation to carcass damage, and found different types of damage in the different crates. It was not possible to determine when during the transportation and slaughter process the damage occurred, but it is possible that some of the bruising occurred during shackling.…”

“…It has been reported that the type of injuries suffered by turkeys differs according to crate type (Prescott et al, 2000). According to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals During Transport (2004), sufficient height should be provided for the birds, but there is little scientific information on how high a sufficient height should be for turkeys (European Food Safety Authority, 2004).…”

“…The 40 cm crate was chosen as it, or < 40 cm, is commonly used (Prescott et al, 2000), and the 55 cm crate since a previous study showed that this height allowed birds of the same size sufficient space to stand up for long periods, although they were not able to have their heads fully upright while standing (Wichman et al, 2010). To investigate the birds' welfare, observations of their behaviour during lairage, scores of damage to the carcasses after plucking and measures of meat quality were recorded.…”

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) on a request from the Commission related to the welfare of animals during transport

“…7.6.2. Loading systems Prescott et al (2000) found that during loading, turkeys may suffer death, bruising, broken bones, torn skin and other physiological stress. The handling of poultry has been widely discussed and studied for laying hens and broiler fowl (Kettlewell and Turner 1985, Scott 1993, Knowles and Wilkins 1998 with sophisticated handling systems currently available (for example the mechanical poultry collector (Berry et al 1990).…”

“…In the turkey meat industry, only lately a greater range of handling systems has become available. Prescott et al (2000) have investigated four designs of modular turkey transportation systems available in the UK and compared them in terms of carcass damage and heart rate during loading. Three of the four Systems (A, B and C) required turkeys to be manually loaded.…”