Assessing hatchery related well-being of leghorn chicks

Most Canadian poultry originate at commercial hatcheries. Recently hatcheries have had concerns about chick welfare brought to their attention. Very little research has been performed that looks at the welfare of chicks at the hatchery or during transport to farm. During the proposed research project, the intern will look at three events that happen to chicks within the first 24 hours of their lives and determine what effects there are on the chick’s well-being. First, the intern will assess holding devices that restrain chicks during hatchery procedures. Second, they will determine the effects of stocking density in chick transport boxes. Finally, they will study the impact of providing chicks with early access to feed. The partner organizations involved in this project will benefit by receiving scientific evidence to address the concerns raised regarding these early life processes that chicks are exposed to.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karen Schwean-Lardner;Trever Crowe;Andrew Van Kessel

Student:

Partner:

Egg Farmers of Canada;Clark’s Poultry Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: