Welfare and the impact of the ECC in Poultry World 6

In this edition of Poultry World we delve into the debate about the consequences of the switch to the European Chicken Commitment in the EU, and look at how adoption of in-ovo sexing is growing. In terms of avian influenza, we consider how current disease compensation schemes are reaching their limits, and we take a closer look at how the industry in Australia has been affected. This and more in the latest online edition.

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Transition to ECC has a major impact

The debate continues about the consequences of the switch to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) in the European Union, as improving animal welfare inevitably has an impact on both the environment and the quantity of poultry meat produced, as well as on production costs. Avec, therefore, commissioned a study on the cost aspects, the consequences for production volumes and the climate impact of a switch from regular chicken to ECC chicken.

Limitations of current disease compensation

Stamping out avian influenza is the go-to method of many governments around the world. However, as the outbreaks get bigger and occur more frequently, current disease compensation schemes are reaching their limits. How long is society willing to pay for damage that could potentially be mitigated in new ways?

Culling diseased birds and contact farms has significant financial consequences. Photo: ANP

Outbreaks rock Australian egg farms

Outbreaks of avian influenza in Australia have sent shockwaves through the country’s egg farming industry, raising concerns over both economic impact and food supply stability. While experts have issued warnings that the outbreaks may persist, farmers are grappling with financial losses as a result of the culling of millions of birds.

Upturn for global poultry market but tougher trade conditions remain

Global poultry markets are moving towards more ‘normal’ market conditions following 4 years of highly disruptive conditions. A rise in poultry meat consumption of between 1.5-2%, coupled with disciplined supply growth, is boosting the sector with consumers having more spending power, plus lower feed prices.

Growing adoption of in-ovo sexing

The adoption of in-ovo sexing is growing in the European Union. Some analysts expect that in countries that have bans on chick culling, close to 100% adoption or even full adoption will be reached within a few years.

The Respeggt circuit in-ovo sexing machine take samples to determine the sex of the embryos. Photo: Respeggt

Meat and eggs, 2012-2022: was it the decade of Asia?

Avian influenza, African Swine Fever, and Covid-19 were 3 viruses that dominated the global agricultural headlines over the past decade. One may assume they caused a setback in global development of production volumes of meat and eggs. But on the contrary, production levels grew everywhere with some remarkable differences per continent and country. Poultry World takes a closer look.

Profound impact of Israel-Gaza war on the poultry industry

Although nearly 70% of laying hen farms in Israel are physically threatened by the ongoing war, the conflict’s main impact is primarily seen in the legal field. The war is delaying long-awaited industry reforms. On the Palestinian side, a local poultry farmers’ group estimates that around 90% of farms have been destroyed.

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