Today, we paid an unannounced visit to a broiler slaughterhouse in Overijssel, the Netherlands. With temperatures reaching around 30 °C, we wanted to see whether the slaughterhouse had taken measures to prevent heat stress as much as possible, such as reducing loading densities and carefully planning arrivals to avoid waiting times. We also wanted to see the facilities in the lairage.
No stationary trucks, but one truck driving around
During our visit, we did not see any stationary trucks in the surrounding area, which was positive. However, we did see one truck driving around for approximately fifteen minutes before it was able to enter the premises. Keeping a truck moving is better than leaving it stationary, as the airflow provides some cooling. However, on hot days like this, trucks should ideally be able to enter the premises immediately upon arrival.
Very good lairage
When we arrived, staff welcomed us and took the time to show us around the lairage. Built last year, it is very modern and sets an example for many other slaughterhouses.
While the outdoor temperature was around 30 °C in the sun, the temperature inside the lairage was approximately 20 °C and could be lowered even further if necessary. Cooled air was directed towards the containers at different heights, ensuring that chickens at every level benefited from it. The manager told us that the lairage can also be heated in winter.
A minority of the birds had their beaks open and were breathing more rapidly, indicating mild to moderate heat stress, while many of the other birds were breathing normally. The signs of heat stress were presumably partly due to the birds having recently been transported in temperatures of up to 30 °C. Fortunately, the loading density in the container drawers was lower than usual.
The temperature and humidity in the lairage were shown on several displays on the wall. The lairage was also kept dark and illuminated with blue light, helping to keep the chickens calm.
Thorough inspection of the chickens
We saw an employee inspecting the chickens using a device specially designed for this purpose. It consisted of an illuminated camera mounted on a pole, with a screen positioned at the employee’s eye level showing the live camera feed. The pole also enabled him to properly inspect the chickens in the top drawers. We were impressed by this device.
Humane H2H device to quickly put suffering chickens out of their misery
The slaughterhouse also had an H2H Euthanizer, which is used to quickly put sick or injured chickens out of their misery. We support the use of this device because it renders chickens immediately unconscious and kills them, with minimal stress. The manager told us that the device is also available at their other slaughterhouses.
Chickens still arriving late in the afternoon
Later in the afternoon, when the temperature had reached approximately 34 °C, we saw that chickens were still being delivered to the slaughterhouse. In our view, chickens should no longer be caught and loaded at such temperatures. From next year onwards, transport at temperatures above 30 °C will no longer be permitted in the Netherlands, as animal welfare cannot be adequately protected under these conditions.
We thank the slaughterhouse for its openness, for allowing us to see everything firsthand, and for the innovative measures it has taken to reduce heat stress.
