EFSA's Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) is launching an online public consultation on its draft scientific report on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in chickens raised specifically for meat production (broilers). The consultation aims to gather the widest range of scientific-related data and comments to finalise the work and provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive scientific advice to EU decision-makers.

The consultation will be open on EFSA's web site until 12 April 2010. The Panel will consider comments received during the online consultation as well as those received during the technical meeting with stakeholders held in September 2009 as it completes this scientific work.

The European Commission has requested EFSA to gather and assess all data available on the subject and produce two scientific opinions: one on the influence of genetic selection on the welfare and resistance to stress of commercial broilers; and a second on the welfare of broiler breeders. Based on these opinions, the Commission will submit a report concerning the influence of genetic parameters on the welfare of chickens to the European Parliament and to the Council.

EFSA's Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) is supported by two ad hoc Working Groups of experts to draft a scientific report on the current knowledge on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in broilers, and broiler breeder management and housing. This work will form the basis for two scientific opinions planned to be adopted in June 2010. The draft scientific report is now subject to a public consultation and comments received will be taken into consideration when finalising the opinions.

Further Reading

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You can view the full report by clicking here.