Council Directive 2007/43/CE lays down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production. It aims to reduce the overcrowding of chicken holdings by setting a maximum stocking density and ensure better animal welfare by specifying requirements such as lighting, litter, feeding, and ventilation.
This was the first time that 'Welfare Indicators' were included in animal welfare legislation as a means of scientific assessment.
For full details please refer to the directive.
For scientific opinions on the welfare aspects of broilers, please consult the EFSA website
In April 2018, the Commission adopted a "Report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Directive 2007/43/EC and its influence on the welfare of chickens kept for meat production, as well as the development of welfare indicators".
2017, the Commission concluded a study the "Application of the broiler directive (DIR 2007/43/EC) and development of welfare indicators".
April 2016, Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact of genetic selection on the welfare of chickens kept for meat production.
Related links
- Scientific Opinion on the welfare of broilers on farm (EFSA)
- Report - Impact of genetic selection on the welfare of chickens kept for meat production
- The protection of (summaries of EU legislation)
- Summary - Study of the impact of genetic selection - Summary
- Report - Study of the impact of genetic selection - Report