EU broiler welfare rules come into effect
In March 2000, the European Commission adopted the report of the scientific committee on the animal health and welfare on "the welfare of chickens kept for meat production (broilers)". Now, 10 years later, the rules come into effect.
The Directive came into force in 2007 and is to be implemented in national law by June 30, 2010. The scope applies to broilers but not for farms with fewer than 500 chickens, breeders, hatcheries and extensive indoor or free-range chickens.
The broiler directive has 3 steps of welfare regulations. The first step sets demands on drinkers, litter, ventilation and heating, noise emissions, air quality and hygiene. Maximum number of broilers is set to 33 kg live weight per sq.m.
Read more at http://www.worldpoultry.net/