Billions of production animals are produced, transported, and slaughtered worldwide each year. The largest number of production animals that undergo this process are broilers. Approximately 44 billion broilers are slaughtered worldwide, 300 million of which in Belgium. Especially during the so-called pre-slaughter phase, the animals undergo various stressors that have animal welfare and economic consequences. The pre-slaughter phase starts with the catching and loading of the chickens at the meat chicken farm, followed by the transport, and waiting (lairage) at the slaughterhouse.
RefWel's mission is to provide up-to-date scientific information and data on the welfare of farm animals, and to provide specific training to various actors in the livestock sector.
De Prekel's doctoral work, supplemented by findings from the COOLPIGS project and literature research, has led to recommendations that are summarized in a practical heat plan for pig farmers.
