Impact of simulated environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) on the meat quality, stress physiology, and behaviour of market age turkeys

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The transportation of poultry can greatly impact meat quality and bird welfare. Although there are various stressors such as handling, crating, vibration, and noise, weather is often one of the most important stressors as it influences temperature and relative humidity within the truck. In addition, Canadian climate poses unique challenges as both summer and winter transport can present extreme temperature and relative humidity conditions. Previous research at the university of Saskatchewan evaluated the effects of four temperatures (35, 28, 20, and -18 Celsius) and two relative humidity (30 and 80%) set points in controlled environmental chambers on turkey toms and hens. When exposed to 35C, turkeys were unable to cope with the heat and demonstrated signs of heat stress. However, when exposed to 28C birds successfully coped. In addition, both toms and hens were able to successfully cope with cold exposure (-18C). Therefore, the aim of the proposed research is to further examine and establish both upper and lower temperature exposure thresholds of turkey toms and hens during simulated transport conditions. The proposed temperature set points are 30, 15, and -20C and proposed relative humidity set pints are 30 and 80%. In addition, the proposed research would evaluate two transport durations (4 and 8 hours). The data collected (including weight changes, behaviour, physiological stress, and meat quality parameters, to allow strong assessment of welfare and food quality) would aim to establish a well-rounded assessment of the effects of simulated transport on meat quality and welfare (core body temperature, blood physiology, and behaviour) of turkey toms and hens. This research would be beneficial for the Canadian poultry industry by providing guidance and assisting in the development of industry recommendations and guidelines for the humane transport of turkey hens and toms.