Welfare implications of genetic selection in broilers

EFSA’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) is launching an online public consultation on its draft scientific report on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in broilers.

The consultation aims to gather the widest range of scientific-related data and comments to finalise the work and provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive scientific advice to EU decision makers.

The consultation will be open on EFSA’s website until 12 April 2010. The Panel will consider comments received during the online consultation as well as those received during the technical meeting with stakeholders held in September 2009 as it completes this scientific work.

Request from the European Commission

The European Commission has requested EFSA to gather and assess all data available on the subject and produce two scientific opinions: one on the influence of genetic selection on the welfare and resistance to stress of commercial broilers; and a second on the welfare of broiler breeders. Based on these opinions, the Commission will submit a report concerning the influence of genetic parameters on the welfare of chickens to the European Parliament and to the Council.

EFSA’s work

EFSA’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) is supported by two ad hoc Working Groups of experts to draft a scientific report on the current knowledge on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in broilers, and broiler breeder management and housing. This work will form the basis for two scientific opinions planned to be adopted in June 2010. The draft scientific report is now subject to a public consultation and comments received will be taken into consideration when finalising the opinions.

Public consultation on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in broilers