Broiler chickens and poultrymeat - Commons Library Standard Note

Published 14 May 2012 | Standard notes SN01386

Amended 08 June 2012

Authors: Christopher Barclay

Topic: Agriculture

• This note covers some issues relating to the broiler chickens, which are kept for poultrymeat. Another note, Battery hens (SN/SC/1367) covers battery hens, which are kept for eggs, including the delay to the ban on beak trimming. More information is available on a Defra webpage, Poultry welfare.

• Before 2007 there were no specific EU animal welfare rules relating to boiler chickens.

• The 2007 EU Directive actually allowed the possibility of higher stocking density than those allowed in the UK. After consultation, Defra rejected the option of increasing stocking density.

• Opinions are sharply divided on the feasibility of satisfying demand for chicken meat by increasing the production of free range chickens.

• The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (SI 2010 No3033) implemented the 2007 Directive in December 2010.

Related information

House of Commons Library

The House of Commons Library provides research, analysis and information services for MPs and their staff.

If you have any comments on briefings from the Commons Library, please contact papers@parliament.uk.

Please note, authors are not available to discuss the contents of papers with members of the general public.

House of Lords Library

The House of Lords Library delivers research and information services to Members and staff of the House in support of parliamentary business.

Email holresearchservices@parliament.uk with comments on Lords Library Notes.

Please note that authors are not available to discuss the contents of Library Notes with members of the general public.

Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

POST produces independent, balanced and accessible briefings on public policy issues related to science and technology. You can leave feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/postnote