A review of broiler chicken catching and transport systems

Abstract An outline of the broiler industry is presented and the causes of injury and downgrading of the birds discussed. Existing mechanised procedures for handling and transport in the U.K. and abroad are reviewed. Physiological aspects relating to successful broiler transport are also considered. Whilst great improvements have been made in methods of harvesting and transport, all the present techniques still rely on the birds being caught by hand and so to minimise downgrading levels, good operator supervision is essential. More work is required to develop systems which are less sensitive to operator attitude. It is also concluded that more work is required to define and maintain tolerable environmental conditions for the birds on the transporters and in the lairage areas at the processing plants.