Animal welfare in aquatic production has been gaining increasing attention in discussions about the future of aquaculture. In this context, understanding how certification programs incorporate welfare criteria into their standards is essential for producers, companies, retailers, researchers, and other stakeholders across the production chain.

This is precisely the purpose of the Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark, developed by the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI).

In its fifth edition, published in September 2026, the Benchmark evaluated 12 certification programs and 2 rating agencies, representing the largest scope reached by the study to date.

For the second consecutive year, Certified Humane ranked first, achieving a score of 9.5/10.

What is the Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark?

The Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark is a global, evidence-based tool that evaluates how aquaculture certification programs and product rating systems incorporate animal welfare requirements into their standards.

In other words, the study seeks to answer an important question:

To what extent do aquaculture certification programs establish clear criteria to protect the welfare of farmed aquatic animals?

The Benchmark compares the requirements established in different programs’ standards and assigns scores based on the presence and strength of criteria related to animal welfare.

According to ALI, it is the only global evidence-based tool specifically dedicated to assessing the strength and clarity of animal welfare language within aquaculture certification and rating frameworks.

The results can be used as a reference by certification programs, seafood companies, retailers, policymakers, researchers, investors, and animal protection organizations.

What does the Benchmark evaluate?

The assessment considers different aspects related to the living conditions and management of aquatic animals.

Among the main criteria evaluated are:

Water quality

Water quality is fundamental to the welfare of aquatic animals. Therefore, the Benchmark evaluates whether standards establish requirements related to monitoring and maintaining adequate water quality conditions.

Stocking density

The study also analyzes requirements related to the number of animals kept within a given space.

Stocking density can directly influence animals’ living conditions and is associated with factors such as behavior, water quality, and opportunities for interaction with the environment.

Environmental enrichment

Another aspect evaluated is whether standards include requirements that encourage environments more suited to animals’ behavioral needs.

This is one of the areas where the sector still has opportunities for improvement. The 2026 assessment indicates that aspects related to behavior and the ability to express natural behaviors remain less developed compared to operational welfare criteria.

Feed

The Benchmark also evaluates how standards address feed composition and feeding management practices.

Transport and handling

Transport and handling are important stages for animal welfare and are also included in the assessment.

In the 2026 edition, the transport criterion was expanded to also include routine handling practices.

Stunning and slaughter

Requirements related to stunning and slaughter are also considered in the evaluation, assessing whether standards establish procedures aimed at reducing animal suffering.

In addition to these criteria, what else is considered?

The Benchmark also assigns scores to certain prohibitions considered relevant for animal welfare.

These include:

• farming octopuses and other cephalopods;
• eyestalk ablation in shrimp;
• the use of insects as feed for aquatic animals;
• the use of genetically modified organisms to accelerate growth;
• inappropriate use of antimicrobials.

In the 2026 edition, inappropriate antimicrobial use became one of the core prohibitions assessed.

The report also highlights that six evaluated programs now prohibit the farming of octopuses or other cephalopods: Certified Humane, RSPCA, ASC, Soil Association Organic, Friend of the Sea, and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP).

What does the Benchmark NOT evaluate?

This point is important.

The Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark is an assessment exclusively focused on animal welfare.

Therefore, the score does not represent an overall evaluation of certification programs.

The study does not assess:

• environmental sustainability;
• food safety;
• social responsibility;
• governance performance;
• implementation of standards on farms;
• compliance of certified operations with the standards.

In other words, a high Benchmark score means that a program has clearer and stronger requirements related to animal welfare, but it does not necessarily indicate the best performance across all other dimensions of aquaculture production.

Certified Humane ranks first again

In the 2026 edition, Certified Humane achieved 9.5 points, maintaining the leading position for the second consecutive year.

The result also represents an improvement compared to the previous edition. In 2025, Certified Humane received 8.75 points and also ranked first.

The three highest scores in 2026 were:

1st Certified Humane: 9.5
2nd RSPCA: 8.45
3rd ASC: 7.95

The improvement in Certified Humane’s score followed the incorporation of new animal welfare provisions into its standards, including updates made based on recommendations presented by ALI in the 2025 Benchmark.

Why is this assessment important for aquaculture?

Aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in global food production, with billions of aquatic animals raised in farming systems worldwide.

At the same time, scientific knowledge about the welfare of these animals continues to advance.

In this context, establishing clear welfare criteria within certification standards can help translate scientific knowledge into practical requirements for production systems.

The ALI Benchmark provides an overview of which aspects are already more established within certification standards and which areas still require further development.

According to the 2026 assessment, requirements related to feed, water quality, stocking density, transport and handling, and stunning and slaughter are increasingly present in the evaluated standards. On the other hand, aspects related to behavioral welfare, environmental complexity, and opportunities for expressing natural behaviors remain areas requiring further development.

Recognition for advancing animal welfare

Certified Humane’s first-place ranking in the 2026 Benchmark represents recognition of the presence of animal welfare requirements within its aquaculture certification standards.

The result highlights the importance of establishing objective, evidence-based, and continuously improved criteria to guide the responsible farming of aquatic animals.

For Certified Humane, this recognition reflects a commitment at the core of its work: supporting farming conditions that consider animals’ needs and contributing to concrete advances in animal welfare.

Learn more about the 2026 Benchmark

The Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark 2026, published by the Aquatic Life Institute, presents the complete assessment of the certification programs and rating agencies analyzed in this edition.

Access the full report to learn more about the methodology, evaluation criteria, and results for each program.

READ ALSO:

Species-specific standards – Tilapia

Standard for Atlantic Salmon Farming

In these cases, producers often choose to use antibiotics to prevent animals from getting sick as a result of weakened immunity, which can occur in pig farming. In most cases, consumers do not approve of this practice.

A project focused on raising pigs together from a young age

Faced with this consumer refusal, Embrapa Swine and Poultry – the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – has been conducting research on animal welfare for several years. Now, the results of this work are beginning to appear. The project focuses on small-scale pig farming and completely excludes the use of antimicrobials. No antibiotics of any kind are added to the animals’ water or feed. In addition, the pigs are raised together from birth until slaughter. They are not mixed with other animals and live as a group from a young age.

According to researcher Nelson Mores, eliminating antibiotics in pig farming is justified because their use can lead to resistance in infectious agents. There is evidence that the more an antimicrobial is used, the greater the likelihood of producing bacteria resistant to it.

“When the producer really needs a specific antibiotic to treat an infection, it will no longer be effective,” he explains.

How the Certified Humane® seal adds value to pig production

Reducing the use of antibiotics is not the only factor that can lower stress in pig farming. Other practices must also be implemented to promote pig welfare. It is important to provide animals with good nutrition, follow biosecurity rules and allow pigs to move freely in the pens. Other basic measures include not docking piglets’ tails or extracting their teeth.

This model works, and some farms are already using it in pig farming. It is estimated that pork products from this type of production can increase in value by 10% to 20%. There is still no scientific evidence that meat produced without antibiotics is better than meat from an animal that has been medicated. However, it is the consumer who decides what they want to consume.

It is already a fact that animal welfare is highly important to consumers when making purchases. For this reason, producer companies must adapt as soon as possible and invest in more compassionate and responsible production practices.

Whether pigs are raised indoors or outdoors, quality standards and good management practices must be followed to guarantee their welfare.

These standards are established and monitored by the Certified Humane® Institute, the representative in Latin America and Asia of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), the leading international organization dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals and responsible for the Certified Humane® animal welfare certification seal.

Raising pigs in inadequate environments leads to a range of negative consequences.

When forced to live in overcrowded spaces without proper ventilation to remove dust and harmful gases (such as ammonia), or when exposed to excessive heat or cold without shelter, pigs experience prolonged stress and metabolic disorders. These conditions can weaken the immune system, affect meat appearance, and reduce product quality.

Providing proper care and suitable environments for each type of pig facilitates management and reduces operating costs.

Specific Requirements

In addition to nutrition, handling, and farm management, each governed by specific standards, the environment where pigs are raised must not be improvised or deficient.

Housing must be designed to provide comfort and calm throughout all production stages, enabling pigs to meet their physiological and behavioral needs.

This means providing appropriate environments for each category, adults, breeding females, and piglets, according to their specific requirements.

For example, sows in farrowing areas must have straw bedding, nesting material, and a resting space large enough to turn around freely.

Crates are strictly prohibited!

Housing requirements for piglets specify minimum resting areas and total space per animal based on growth stage. These areas must increase as pigs grow and gain weight.

In general, all pigs must be kept in environments that do not cause discomfort, stress, or injuries. Toxic materials or surfaces coated with unapproved paints or disinfectants must not be used.

Housing must provide adequate ventilation, comfortable temperatures, and bedding (such as straw or rubber flooring) in sufficient space for all animals to lie down comfortably.

Detailed measurements and requirements for housing at each production stage, as well as standards for other farm animal species, are described in the Certified Humane® animal welfare program guidelines.

Herd Health

Pig health and welfare are ensured through a set of good-practice standards, including:

• Appropriate environments tailored to species-specific needs;
• Nutrition formulated according to production stage and access to fresh, quality water;
• Calm handling using proper tools;
• Responsible and rigorous production management.

Additional care is also required.

Every pig production system must have a written Animal Health Plan (AHP), regularly updated by a veterinarian. The plan details vaccination schedules, health treatments (such as parasite control), causes of disease, mortality data, and more. All sudden deaths must be recorded and investigated.

Herd performance must be continuously monitored to detect disease signs or disturbances, such as unexpected weight loss. Facilities must allow for the immediate separation and treatment of sick or injured pigs.

Farms must also be prepared, when necessary, for trained staff or a veterinarian to carry out humane euthanasia on-site for animals that are severely ill or injured with no chance of recovery, ensuring suffering is not prolonged.

Protocols must also exist for quarantining incoming pigs and for carcass disposal.

By respecting all conditions that ensure ideal management and environments that minimize stress, farms can guarantee pig welfare. Products from such systems are eligible for Certified Humane® certification, earning market and consumer trust.

→ Learn everything about animal welfare certification now.

Developed from scientific research, veterinary recommendations, and producers’ experience, the Certified Humane® standard for dairy cattle establishes species-specific requirements. By complying, producers earn the right to display the Certified Humane® seal on product labels and in company marketing communications.

Proper nutrition and the environment in which cattle are raised are detailed in specific chapters of the standard, including particular requirements so calves and bulls can feed, exercise, and rest safely without injury.

Follow along to discover practical tips for dairy cattle nutrition and housing.

Nutrition of dairy cattle

Cattle must have access to a diet that is healthy and appropriate for their age and production stage, in sufficient quantity for all animals. Certain feeds and veterinary products are strictly prohibited.

Practical recommendations:

• Feed containing protein derived from mammals or birds is prohibited, except milk and milk by-products;
• Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) must not be used to stimulate productivity;
• Cattle must never be fed antibiotics, ionophores, coccidiostats, or other substances to promote performance, feed efficiency, or milk yield;
• Antibiotics for disease treatment may only be administered under veterinary guidance;
• Adult cattle and calves over 30 days old must receive fiber sources that stimulate rumination;
• Dairy cows should be fed primarily quality pasture and forage in sufficient quantity;
• Feeders must be clean, easily accessible, and provide enough space for all animals to eat simultaneously;
• The entire herd must have daily access to clean, fresh drinking water, with contingency supply for emergencies such as drought;
• All animals must maintain a body condition score of at least 2, according to the standard’s classification table

Nutritional requirements for calves

Calf nutrition must meet specific requirements to ensure healthy development:

• Calves must have constant access to clean, fresh water from the first week of life;

• Newborn calves must receive 2–4 liters of colostrum from the mother, another recently calved cow, or frozen colostrum within the first 6 hours of life;
• Calves must not be weaned before 5 weeks of age, and weaning should be gradual by diluting milk with water;
• After 30 days of life, calves must receive daily feed or forage containing digestible fiber.

Suitable environment for dairy cattle

Housing must not cause physical, thermal, or emotional discomfort and must allow natural behaviors. Animals must have full freedom of movement to lie down, stand up, turn around, groom, and stretch. Tethering is strictly prohibited.

Key recommendations:

• Farms must keep records including total floor area, number of pens or stalls, resting space size, maximum stocking density by age and weight, and feeder and drinker availability;
• Floors must be non-slip and free from elements that cause recurring injuries;
• Barn height must allow normal behavior during mating season, and passageways must permit safe movement without hoof damage;
• Animals housed in loose systems must have shelter from wind and access to a dry, well-drained resting area with sufficient space and comfort; shade structures must accommodate all animals simultaneously;
• Loose housing must provide at least 5.6 m² per adult cow so they can lie down at the same time;
• Bedding must be at least 7.5 cm deep; suitable substrate or rubber flooring (minimum 2.54 cm thick) may be used to absorb moisture;
• Ammonia concentration must not exceed 25 ppm in extreme cases;
• Ventilation must maintain relative humidity below 80%, and lighting must allow inspection at any time;
• Calving areas must be clean, dry or well-drained, and have access to water;
• Milking parlors must be kept extremely clean; milking equipment must be frequently calibrated and properly maintained.

Housing requirements for bulls and calves

Specific requirements also apply to bulls and calves:

• Bulls must have individual housing areas of at least 14 m²; large bulls require 1 m² of resting space per 60 kg of body weight and at least 28 m² of exercise area;
• After weaning, calves must be grouped by similar age and size and have access to an outdoor area;
• Calves must have a resting area in solid-floor housing (no slats) with clean, dry bedding and adequate slope for drainage; individual housing is permitted up to 8 weeks of age with appropriate space for age, size, and breed.

Based on scientific research, professional recommendations, and recognized best animal-management practices, the animal welfare standard for broiler production developed by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) presents the approved Certified Humane® requirements for the rearing, handling, transport, and slaughter of broiler chickens. A full chapter (Part 3 – Environment) of the standard is dedicated to facilities.

Would you like to learn more about how to design housing that promotes broiler welfare, including flooring type, bedding, electrical systems, and optimal lighting design? Read on.

Facility records that support welfare

The Certified Humane® program requires a record for each flock that includes a checklist of critical control points related to bird welfare. This record must be continuously updated and readily available whenever an HFAC inspector requests it.

The checklist of critical points must include:

• Total area available to the birds;
• Total number of birds;
• Total number of drinkers and feeders or total linear feeder space;
• Feeding program;
• Target air-quality and temperature parameters by age;
• Lighting schedule and levels;
• Emergency procedures (for example, actions in case of fire, flooding, automatic equipment failure, or when ammonia or temperature exceed acceptable limits).

Electrical Installations

When designing electrical systems, it is essential to ensure that:

• Birds cannot access them;
• They are properly insulated;
• They are protected from rodents;
• They are correctly grounded;
• They are periodically checked for electrical leakage.

Floor Design

Broiler housing must have flooring that can be effectively cleaned and disinfected to prevent the buildup of parasites and disease-causing agents.

Concrete floors are recommended instead of dirt floors because they allow more effective cleaning and disinfection.

Concrete Floors

Concrete floors in broiler houses must be solid, smooth, and durable. They should not have large holes or cracks, and any damage must be properly repaired.

Bedding

All broiler housing must have the entire floor covered with suitable bedding that provides comfort. Birds must have continuous access to this bedding.

Appropriate broiler litter must:

• Consist of material with suitable particle size;
• Be high quality (clean, dry, low dust, and absorbent);
• Be turned to remain loose and dry;
• Have sufficient depth to dilute droppings;
• Prevent excessive fecal contamination of birds’ feet;
• Allow birds to perform dust-bathing behavior;
• Be periodically redistributed and topped up with fresh material when needed.

Lighting Program Design

Certified Humane® standards require that the lighting program in broiler facilities be designed to reduce leg problems and ensure adequate rest. Birds must receive at least six continuous hours of darkness each day.

Light Intensity

Throughout the day, lighting levels must allow birds to see caretakers and enable easy inspection. The lighting system must provide an average of at least 20 lux across the entire housing area.

→ Want to learn more about broiler chicken welfare? Access the full HFAC Broiler Production Standard: https://download.certifiedhumaneasia.org/chickens-broiler

Nutritional deficiencies or restricted access to feed are often the initial triggers that lead hens to start feather pecking and eventually cannibalism, but they are not the only causes. 

Excessive lighting, lack of space and hygiene, inadequate housing, or aggression can also act as stress factors that induce pecking behavior.

When birds are raised under proper conditions, with adequate nutrition, sufficient space, and ensured welfare, they are free to express natural and healthy behaviors.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent cannibalism in laying hens and understand the importance of following animal welfare requirements.

Warning signs that hens may develop cannibalistic behavior

Just as multiple factors can stress laying hens to the point of cannibalism, there are also clear signs that indicate when birds may be developing this abnormal behavior. Producers should watch for: 

• Sudden changes in flock management, including staff changes;
• Downy feathers appearing on the dorsal tail area, or broken feathers on the tail, wings, or behind the head;
• Competition for feed and water at feeders and drinkers; 
• Declining egg production;
• Birds living in excessive dirt or showing body wounds; 
• Birds with more abdominal fat than normal;
• Restricted or prevented access to outdoor areas in free-range systems (birds may become frustrated when confined indoors).

Individually or together, these signs indicate that essential management practices may be inadequate.

The earlier feather pecking is detected, the lower the production losses and welfare impacts. If no action is taken, the situation can escalate into severe cannibalism.

How to prevent this behavior

One effective way to prevent cannibalism is to follow an animal welfare program such as Certified Humane®, which helps: 

• Prevent lice, parasites, and diseases;
• Keep dogs and other predators away from the flock;
• Provide a balanced diet in adequate quantities;
• Maintain clean housing free of sharp objects, excessive lighting, and improper temperatures;
• Provide sufficient bedding, perches, feeders, and drinkers for all birds;
• Ensure trained staff handle birds calmly and carefully;
• Perform minimal beak trimming if necessary, in accordance with animal welfare standards;

These measures are essential for cage-free poultry production throughout all life stages, ensuring proper management and preventing stress-induced behavioral changes such as cannibalism.

Importance of following welfare requirements for hens

Clear, objective, and purpose-driven, welfare requirements for laying hens provide producers with a compassionate production standard to follow.

Internationally proven, the Certified Humane® animal welfare standard improves animals’ lives while producing high-quality products.

→ Laying hen production: learn the requirements for pullet rearing and flock management.

Brazil has already reached the mark of 49 billion eggs produced, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). Most of this production still comes from cage confinement systems, and there are many questions about how to raise cage-free laying hens. However, the truth is that this production method, which prioritizes animal welfare, is simpler than most people imagine.

The cage-free laying hen system eliminates any type of cage confinement. In this model, birds are housed in barns with access to nests and perches, where they can move freely and express their natural behaviors.

Good practices for raising cage-free laying hens

Caring about animal welfare means going beyond simply eliminating cages. To raise cage-free laying hens, it is important to consider several factors, such as nutrition, management, and handling.

To begin with, poultry houses must have good ventilation and adequate lighting. To maintain ideal temperatures, especially in regions with excessive heat, facilities should be equipped with fans or exhaust systems.

From the fourth week of age onward, birds must have access to perches, with a minimum space allowance of 7.5 cm per bird. Beak trimming, when performed, must be done within the first 10 days of life.

In addition, laying hens must receive a balanced diet appropriate for their age, free from ingredients derived from mammals or birds and free from preventive antibiotics or growth promoters, including coccidiostats (vaccination is permitted).

Regarding feeding, it is essential to provide a sufficient number of feeders and drinkers to prevent competition among birds during meals.

For proper management of cage-free laying hen systems, everyone involved in daily handling must be trained and knowledgeable about good practices and appropriate animal handling methods, always avoiding stress and fear.

The presence of an adequate number of nests and perches is essential for birds to express their natural behaviors. At least one individual nest must be provided for every five birds, or 0.8 square meters of communal nesting area for every 100 birds. For laying hens, the facility must provide 15 cm of perch space per bird. Dust bathing is a highly valued natural behavior, so clean and dry litter on the barn floor is essential.

It is also important to monitor birds twice daily to check temperature, humidity, and air velocity conditions.

4 tips for raising cage-free laying hens

Many large companies such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Giraffas have already announced that starting in 2025 they will use only eggs sourced from cage-free systems. This is the market trend. If you are a producer planning to transition to this model, or if you already operate this way and want to increase safety for your laying hens, consider the following tips:

1. Prioritize hygiene

Hygiene begins at the farm entrance: controlling vehicle and human access is essential.

Appropriate clothing must be provided for visitors and employees.

Facilities where animals are housed must be cleaned regularly.

2. Adjust the structure

A cage-free laying hen facility does not require major investments. Much of the structure can be built using low-cost materials such as straw and wood.

The floor should be covered with high-quality substrate to improve bird comfort. It is also important to avoid structures or equipment where birds could hide, become trapped, injured, or unable to escape.

3. Invest in biosecurity

Facilities must be built in areas isolated from access by other animals, including domestic animals.

If trees are used in outdoor areas, non-fruiting species should be selected and kept well-pruned to prevent use by wild birds.

4. Have an emergency plan

Every poultry farm must have an emergency plan for adverse situations, as well as equipment to respond to these scenarios, such as an owned or rented generator, ensuring that issues like power outages do not interrupt the daily supply of feed and water. In times of pandemic, such a plan becomes even more important.

To learn more about how to raise cage-free laying hens, also check out our free resource: Digital Guide for Laying Hens.

In this context, independent certifications have taken on a strategic role: providing reliable, auditable, and transparent parameters to ensure that welfare practices are truly implemented—not just communicated.

This is particularly relevant for animal-based food products such as meat, eggs, dairy, and fish, which require traceability, strict criteria, and compliance with international animal welfare standards.

Within this scenario, the results of the 2025 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark are especially significant.

In its latest edition, the benchmark compared several certification programs in the global salmon market and ranked Certified Humane® as the one with the most comprehensive, robust, and consistent standards.

The program scored 8.75 points — the highest among all schemes analyzed—confirming its technical leadership, high standards of animal welfare, and ongoing commitment to international standards.

The study also marks global recognition of Certified Humane®’s debut in aquaculture, officially launched in 2024 with its salmon-specific standard.

The certification sets objective, verifiable criteria to ensure appropriate handling, feeding, stocking density, transportation, and slaughter practices, maintaining the same scientific rigor established in the certification of poultry, pigs, cattle, and other species.

What the Benchmark Evaluated and Why It Matters

The report assessed various international certifications in detail, comparing their criteria and methodologies across key aspects, including:

• Definition and precision in animal welfare terminology 
• Minimum standards for housing, handling, transport, and slaughter 
• Scientific rigor of the standards 
• Public transparency 
• Audit structure and technical independence 
• Coherence and comprehensiveness in the approach to animal welfare 
• Global presence and adaptability to different production systems 

Although the primary focus was aquaculture certifications, the inclusion of Certified Humane®—traditionally known for land animal standards—broadened the analysis and introduced new comparative parameters.

According to the report, Certified Humane® stood out because it already had a solid framework developed over more than two decades, now being applied to aquaculture. Unlike other certifications with stagnant or outdated criteria, Certified Humane® continually revises and enhances its standards based on new scientific evidence.

What Sets Certified Humane® Apart from Other Global Certifications

Certified Humane®’s strength lies in its integrated approach, going far beyond good intentions. The certification is designed to cover every stage of the animal’s lifecycle:

1. Scientific Basis and Independent Committees

   All standards are developed by international experts in animal behavior, veterinary science, welfare, and production systems. The rules are species-specific and aligned with current scientific literature.

    

2. Holistic Approach to Welfare

   It considers physical and psychological health, natural behavior, environment, nutrition, management, transportation, and humane slaughter—all simultaneously.

    

3. Clear, Measurable, and Auditable Criteria

   Certified Humane® defines exact parameters that can be objectively verified by auditors, such as maximum stocking densities and water quality for aquatic animals.

    

4. Independent Audits and Rigorous Methodology

   The program uses regular on-site audits (sometimes unannounced), conducted by qualified, independent auditors and supported by extensive documentation and compliance evidence.

    

5. Transparency

   Both the benchmark and Certified Humane® make all standards publicly available, allowing consumers, retailers, and producers to understand requirements and track compliance.

    

Practical Impact of International Recognition

Being recognized as the certification with the most robust and comprehensive welfare language has key implications:

For Producers

• Access to more demanding international markets 
• Legal and regulatory predictability 
• Product value enhancement—certified products are better received 
• Encouragement for continuous improvement in practices and infrastructure 

For Retailers and Institutional Buyers

• Reliable criteria for supplier selection 
• Reduced reputational and greenwashing risks 
• Compliance with growing ESG demands 

For Consumers

• Transparency and trust in food choices 
• Assurance of compliance with recognized welfare standards 
• Empowerment to make informed decisions based on verifiable evidence 

For the Global Production Sector

• Elevation of minimum welfare standards in supply chains 
• Push for modernization of regulations 
• Increased demand for research and innovation driven by robust certification standards 

Certified Humane®: A Benchmark for the Future

The expansion into aquaculture is a significant milestone in global animal welfare awareness. After launching the salmon standard in 2024, Certified Humane® has already released a new standard in 2025 for tilapia — Latin America’s most farmed aquatic species.

Aquatic animals have historically been overlooked in welfare discussions, despite scientific evidence showing they experience pain, stress, and discomfort. By achieving top scores in the benchmark, Certified Humane® reinforces:

• That animal welfare is a universal right, not a species privilege 
• That standards must be science-based, auditable, transparent, and adaptable 
• That consumers, producers, and markets are ready to embrace these standards 

Certified Humane®’s recognition in the 2025 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark confirms its leadership in transforming global food production systems with ethics, scientific rigor, and social-environmental responsibility.

The report makes it clear: among all certifications evaluated, Certified Humane® most consistently and rigorously incorporates international animal welfare principles.

This recognition reinforces:

• The seal’s credibility 
• Its global relevance 
• Its market influence 
• Its importance for consumers, producers, and retailers seeking truly responsible practices
  

It points to a future where animal welfare is no longer a differentiator—but a non-negotiable requirement in food production.

To download the Certified Humane® Atlantic Salmon Standard, access the link.

Intensive production systems often ignore the basic needs of these animals, leading to overcrowded spaces, poor thermal comfort, inadequate lighting, and unbalanced diets. That’s where the Certified Humane label becomes essential. It establishes strict handling standards that prioritize the health, natural behaviors, and dignity of broilers throughout their entire lifecycle.

To clarify key doubts and demonstrate how certification promotes a more ethical and responsible production model, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about broiler chicken welfare. This content is valuable for both producers and conscious consumers.

How is broiler chicken welfare ensured?

Animal welfare is guaranteed when chickens are raised in environments that meet their physical, behavioral, and physiological needs. This includes balanced nutrition, continuous access to clean water, sufficient space for movement, temperature control, effective ventilation and proper lighting.

What are Certified Humane standards for broilers?

The Certified Humane® program is based on eight core pillars:

• Nutritious feed without growth-promoting antibiotics;

• Ample clean drinking water;

• Comfortable housing with space to move;

• Dry, safe bedding;

• Lighting with defined light and dark periods;

• Thermal comfort;

• Air quality control;

• Proper pasture management when outdoor access is provided.

What is humane broiler farming?

It’s a farming model that respects chickens’ natural behaviors and basic needs. This means ensuring conditions that minimize stress, avoid physical suffering and promote health and quality of life from birth to slaughter.

What are the requirements for certified poultry houses?

Poultry houses must allow free movement, protection from weather and toxins, environmental enrichment – such as perches, controlled lighting and a maximum stocking density of 30 kg/m². Electrical installations must also meet safety standards.

What should broiler chickens be fed?

Feed must be nutritionally appropriate and provided in sufficient quantity to avoid undernourishment or obesity. Growth-promoting antibiotics and animal protein (except eggs) are prohibited. Feeders must be clean, available in sufficient numbers and placed no more than 4 meters from the birds.

Can broilers eat feed with antibiotics?

No. Certified Humane standards prohibit the use of antibiotics for growth promotion. The focus is on keeping birds healthy through good management practices, not additives that may harm welfare.

What is the ideal stocking density for broiler houses?

The maximum allowed is 30 kg of birds per square meter. This ensures all birds can move freely, stretch their wings and access food and water without excessive competition.

Why should overcrowding be avoided?

Overcrowding increases stress, promotes the spread of disease and can cause physical injuries like footpad burns. It also makes it harder for birds to access food and water evenly, compromising overall welfare.

What should broiler floors and bedding be like?

Floors should preferably be concrete, with bedding that is dry, clean, absorbent, and dust-free at all times. Wire flooring and cages are prohibited. Bedding may include straw or grains to encourage natural scratching behavior.

What is the best type of drinker for broilers?

Drinkers may be bell-type (1 per 100 birds), nipple (1 per 20), or cup (1 per 28). Height must match the birds’ age, and equipment must avoid leaks that could wet the bedding.

Do broilers need outdoor access?

Not necessarily. However, if pasture access is provided, it must be well managed, with appropriate vegetation, shade, good drainage, and at least 1 hectare per 1,000 birds. Daily access for a minimum of 8 hours is required.

What is free-range broiler farming?

It refers to systems that provide outdoor access in protected natural areas. Birds can explore the outdoors from the fourth week of life. This system enables natural behaviors and can improve welfare, if properly managed.

How should temperature be managed for broilers?

Broilers must maintain a body temperature around 41°C. Variations above 4°C can be fatal. Poultry houses need efficient ventilation and, for those built after 2006, evaporative cooling systems are recommended.

What are the lighting requirements for broilers?

Chickens must receive at least 8 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness every 24 hours. This helps regulate biological rhythms, improves rest, and reduces stress.

How can stress be reduced in broiler production?

Through proper housing, controlled stocking density, environmental enrichment, defined light/dark cycles, balanced diet, and gentle handling. Stress weakens the immune system and impairs bird development.

Can flooring cause leg pain in broilers?

Yes. Wet, dirty, or inappropriate flooring can cause foot and hock injuries known as contact burns. These lesions are painful, increase the risk of infection, and impair movement.

What is environmental enrichment in poultry houses?

It involves adding elements that stimulate natural behaviors, such as perches, pecking objects, and foraging substrates. Enrichment reduces boredom and stress, improving psychological well-being.

How to improve ventilation in poultry houses?

Using mechanical or natural systems that ensure constant air renewal, temperature control, and contaminant reduction. In newer houses, evaporative cooling systems are recommended.

How to ensure good air quality for broilers?

Maintain low concentrations of ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and dust. Adequate ventilation and regular cleaning are essential to prevent respiratory diseases.

What practices are prohibited in Certified Humane broiler farming?

The use of cages, growth-promoting antibiotics, animal protein in feed (except eggs), wire flooring, continuous lighting without darkness, and overcrowding. These go against the welfare principles of the Certified Humane program.

How to obtain the Certified Humane seal for broiler production?

Producers must fully comply with program standards, undergo audits, and maintain up-to-date records. The full standard is available on the Certified Humane Asia website for interested producers.

In this article, we break down the main myths and facts about animal welfare certification to show that the path toward more ethical and responsible production is more accessible than it seems. If you work with animal production or use animal-based products in your supply chain, this is worth reading.

Is certification really for everyone?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, animal welfare certification does not depend on the size of the farm or company. What truly matters is the commitment to best practices. Both small and large producers can become certified, as long as they follow the standards and are organized to meet the established criteria.

Is it expensive?

No. The process involves clear and proportional fees based on the size of the operation. Costs include document review, on-site audits and annual renewal. In fact, certification can lead to long-term savings, animals raised with proper care get sick less often, are more productive and add value to the final product.

Is it a complicated process?

Another myth. The standards are objective and science-based. They guide how to ensure that animals have enough space, comfort, proper access to food and clean water, and live free from pain, stress and mistreatment. With proper planning and transparency, any producer can comply.

Why do these myths still exist?

Much of the resistance comes from misinformation. As with any improvement process, questions and hesitation are common. But the market has evolved, and consumers are paying more attention to the origin of what they consume. Being certified is also a way to stand out and strengthen your market position.

Is the Certified Humane® label truly reliable?

Yes. Since 2003, the program has been active in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and the United States,certifying meat, dairy, and egg producers through rigorous and regular audits. The seal assures consumers that the product complies with international animal welfare standards.

There are no economic or geographic barriers for those who want to produce ethically. The first step is seeking reliable information. The Certified Humane® seal is within reach for anyone who values respect for farm animals and aims to offer more responsible products.

Want to learn more about how certification works and debunk the most common myths?

👉 Download the free guide “What You Need to Know to Certify Your Industrial Operation with an Animal Welfare Seal” and discover why this practice benefits producers, businesses, and consumers alike.