Investigating the influence of a range of exposure conditions during simulated transport on pullet and end-of-cycle hen (EOCH) physiology, welfare and meat quality

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There are currently very few companies that harvest meat from end-of-cycle hens (EOCH). Consequently, EOCH are being transported long distances to reach processing plants. These birds may have reduced feather cover making them more susceptible to colder temperatures. Additionally, because EOCH have endured high energy demands while producing eggs throughout the laying cycle, their muscle mass may be largely depleted. This can result in EOCH having a limited ability to use muscle thermogenesis to regulate their body temperature. The long transport duration combined with poor feather cover and compromised physiological state of these birds can compromise their welfare. The ultimate symptom of compromised bird welfare may be dead birds at the time of delivery to the processing plant. Difficulties associated with addressing these welfare concerns include the limited scientific data that are available. Transportation studies to date, regarding EOCH, have not examined physiological measures, such as core body temperature (CBT), blood parameters and behavior. There is a dearth of scientific data that could inform the development of transportation codes for hens. Research that establishes minimal requirements for transportation of EOCH would be of value to producers, processors, policy developers and regulators. Our research group has a strong record of partnering with poultry processors, concentrating our efforts on field-based research to document conditions on trailers and responses of poultry during transportation. However, field work is time consuming, expensive and subject to variations in uncontrollable factors (ambient conditions). A lab-based system, where test parameters can be controlled and response variables can be more intensely monitored would be preferred. A variety of factors can affect birds during transportation including temperature, humidity, air velocity, transport duration and feather cover. This research proposal would use an environmental chamber to control pullet and EOCH exposure conditions (temperature, humidity, duration) and monitor bird responses (CBT, blood parameters, behavior, meat quality) during simulated transport. **************************