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.

That’s why knowing the most common diseases and applying good practices in handling, nutrition, and biosecurity are essential steps toward ensuring a healthy and profitable production system.

What are the most common diseases in broiler chickens?

Below are some of the most frequent diseases found in broiler chickens and the risks they pose:

Newcastle Disease
Caused by a highly contagious virus, it affects domestic and wild birds. Often confused with other diseases, it impacts the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Salmonellosis
Caused by bacteria from the Salmonella genus, it is often associated with environments that have high population density. It can lead to three different illnesses: pullorum disease, fowl typhoid, and paratyphoid.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis
A viral infection that affects the larynx, trachea and lungs. It is highly transmissible, presents a high mortality rate, and can result in considerable economic losses.

Infectious Coryza
It causes nasal discharge, swelling around the eyes, and in severe cases, destruction of the eyeball.

Infectious Bronchitis
Caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, kidneys, and reproductive system, it leads to significant production losses.

Avian Influenza

It is a major global concern. This virus can infect birds and mammals, including humans.

Other respiratory diseases also threaten flock health, such as avian pox, colibacillosis, mycoplasmosis and avian pneumovirus.

How to prevent disease in broiler chickens?

The best way to prevent disease is to ensure that animals are raised under conditions that promote animal welfare. This includes:

• A vaccination program tailored to the specific characteristics of the region and flock;
• Well-ventilated environments with adequate space and controlled temperature;
• Continuous access to clean, treated water;
• A balanced diet aligned with the birds’ growth stages;
• Strict hygiene of litter, equipment, and barns;
• Minimization of stress factors, such as excessive noise or overcrowding.

Raising birds in environments that meet these criteria strengthens their immune systems, making them less susceptible to diseases and more productive throughout their lifecycle.

Why is animal welfare essential in disease prevention?

Animals that experience less stress and have freedom of movement, along with continuous access to appropriate resources, tend to be more immunocompetent. This means their natural defenses are better equipped to fight off infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or other interventions.

By investing in animal welfare, producers not only improve the quality of the final product but also meet the requirements of both domestic and international markets and adding value to their brand.

Eight essential animal welfare aspects for broiler chickens

1. A balanced diet appropriate for age and developmental stage.
2. Clean, fresh water available at all times, with no leaks that may wet the litter.
3. Space that allows the expression of birds’ natural behaviors.
4. Clean, dry, and contamination-free flooring.
5. At least six hours of darkness per day and adequate shading if outdoor access is provided.
6. Controlled temperature and ventilation to avoid heat stress.
7. Air quality, with low levels of ammonia and dust.
8. Proper management of pasture access, when applicable, to prevent contamination.

Held in the city of Trichy, the event followed a Training of Trainers (ToT) model. Its goal was to equip thought leaders and technical multipliers with best practices for housing, handling, health, and the welfare of laying hens in alternative production systems — especially cage-free environments.

Certified Humane® was invited to share its technical expertise and present the criteria from its laying hen animal welfare certification program which is implemented in over 25 countries. Luiz Mazzon, regional director for Latin America and Asia, detailed the requirements farms must meet to achieve certification, all based on scientific evidence and objective animal welfare guidelines.

“This was an important opportunity to show that cage-free systems are not only feasible but also productive, technically sound, and increasingly demanded by consumers and global markets,” Luiz stated.

A transformative event for poultry farming in India

The training gathered key players in the Indian poultry sector: university and state veterinarians, experts from the Central Poultry Development Organization (CPDO), representatives from the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), equipment suppliers, genetics specialists, and rural entrepreneurs. The aim was to understand, discuss, and scale practices aligned with animal welfare and responsible production.

The new training center will serve as a permanent space for capacity-building, research, and innovation. It is housed on a working cage-free farm, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in practical demonstrations of the concepts covered during the sessions.

Happy Hens as a practical example

One of the event highlights was the participation of Happy Hens, a Certified Humane® egg producer in India. Manjunath Marapan, the company’s general manager, shared their inspiring journey — from ethical beginnings to expansion into highly demanding markets.

Also present was Mathavan, owner of the model farm that now hosts the training center, who has been a key advocate for cage-free systems in the region.

“The Happy Hens case shows that producing with animal welfare in mind is not only ethical — it’s also strategic and economically viable,” Luiz Mazzon emphasized.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: Animal welfare in India: Happy Eggs founder discusses egg market trends

Certification as a technical and marketing tool

Certified Humane® emphasized during the event that certification is a technical, transparent, and auditable process that brings benefits for both farm management and product value.

By meeting the program’s criteria — covering everything from space requirements per bird to feed, health, handling, and slaughter practices — producers align with internationally recognized standards. This can open doors to premium markets and enhance brand reputation among increasingly conscious consumers.

The organization also reinforced that laying hen animal welfare certification is accessible to producers of various sizes, including small and medium-scale farms, provided there is commitment to adapting handling routines.

A significant step for the future of poultry farming in Asia

Certified Humane®’s participation in this milestone reinforces its role as a trusted global reference in promoting ethical, sustainable, and technically sound production systems.

The Tamil Nadu training center signals a broader movement: the cage-free transition in Asia is no longer a distant vision — it’s happening now with support, knowledge, and a clear path forward.

Recently, the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia launched the first cage-free district, standing out as an example in promoting sustainable and humane practices in animal production.

Companies, consumers, and researchers across Asia are increasingly aligning with these practices. According to data presented in a study published in Frontiers in Animal Science, which evaluated the impact of animal welfare practices in various Asian countries including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, there has been significant growth in the commitment of companies to cage-free egg production.

This study highlights the growing awareness and adoption of more ethical and sustainable production systems in the region, reflecting a global movement towards improving the living conditions of production animals. For more details on this research, access the full study here.

The relevant information about Asian countries mentioned on the site includes:

• Taiwan is cited as having a growing commitment to cage-free egg production. Some Taiwanese companies are being highlighted for their commitment to animal welfare by adhering to cage-free production.
• In Japan, there is a growing movement to promote cage-free egg production, with several Japanese companies establishing commitments to eliminate cages in their supply chains.
• South Korea is also mentioned for its initiatives in adopting cage-free production systems, with some South Korean companies demonstrating leadership in the region.
• China is noted for beginning to engage in animal welfare practices, with some Chinese companies being evaluated and showing signs of commitment to cage-free production.
• In the Asian financial market, this issue is already part of important indicators to encourage sustainable systems and protect the reputation of institutions that buy and sell shares.
• Among Asian consumers, the refusal to purchase products that do not consider these concerns is growing. This scenario has led to an increasing demand for animal welfare certification across the region.

What is animal welfare and why is it important?

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), animal welfare is defined as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.”

This means that farming should allow animals to express their natural behavior throughout their lives and not be exposed to physical or psychological suffering, being well cared for from birth to slaughter.

In the Asian context, this concern is crucial not only for humanitarian reasons but also for its impact on public health, food safety, and long-term economic development.

The implementation of animal welfare practices in countries like Indonesia can positively influence other markets in Asia, expanding the reach of these practices.

What does an animal need for its welfare?

To ensure the welfare of production animals in Asia, it is necessary to provide conditions that favor their development, such as:

• A balanced diet for good nutrition;
• Appropriate conditions for feeding, resting, and movement, avoiding the use of cages;
• Restriction of medications like antibiotics only for treating diseases, not for accelerating growth;
• Respectful handling, promoting positive contact with the animals and avoiding unnecessary situations of stress and fear.

Each species requires specific conditions to develop well, and producers in Asia should seek specific information for their farming practices.

What is animal welfare certification?

Animal welfare certification in Asia is a process that involves adapting production to standards that establish favorable living conditions for animals, with inspections of the facilities. The result is the issuance of a seal that can be used on the packaging of certified products.

In Asia, where awareness of animal welfare is rapidly growing, this certification is a way to align with global and regional trends in animal care. For Asian consumers, it is a guarantee that they are purchasing products from brands that treat animals with dignity.

Why does having an animal welfare seal make a difference?

The animal welfare certification seal brings benefits to both producers and consumers in Asia, from an economic perspective, product quality, and awareness of animal rights. Among the benefits are:

• Improvement in product quality, with better taste, texture, and appearance of meat;
• Reduction in animal mortality;
• Increased resistance of animals to diseases, with less need for medications;
• Lower risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases.

These benefits increase productivity and efficiency, as well as positively impact the company’s reputation. In Asia, these certification processes allow product differentiation, adding value and opening new markets, such as the emerging cage-free districts.

What do I need to do to obtain the certificate?

The animal welfare certification process is accessible to companies and producers of all sizes in Asia. The required adaptations in farming do not necessarily require large financial investments, and inspection fees are proportional to the size of the production.

The step-by-step process to become a certified brand in Asia is:

1. Preparation: Learn the standards and adjust your facilities. Specific guidelines for Asia are available online.
2. Application: The application can be made in different modalities according to the type of operation. For more information, click here.
3. Inspection: An inspector will conduct an on-site verification of the animal rearing conditions. The report will be analyzed for the issuance of the decision.
4. Decision: If the standards are met, the certification seal will be granted. For adjustments, a conditional certification document will be issued, and after the adaptations, the certificate will be received.

In a region where conscious consumption is on the rise, the Certified Humane certification stands out as a standard of excellence that ensures proper animal handling and welfare practices.

Animal welfare is already a global trend. Proof of this is that the Certified Humane certification has arrived in Asia, with Toh Thye San Farms (TTS) and Chew’s Farm in Singapore, as well as Liang Kee Farming in Malaysia, earning the animal welfare seal.

To learn more about Certified Humane certification in Asia, visit Certified Humane Asia.

TTS: a pioneer in animal welfare in Singapore

Toh Thye San Farm (TTS), based in Singapore, is a pioneer in the region, adopting animal welfare practices in its operations.

TTS, which owns Gesing Group Sdn. Bhd. (GGSB) operating in Malaysia, is dedicated to broiler chicken production, raising about 120,000 chickens per month under strict quality control.

The company sought the Certified Humane seal to elevate its production standards and stand out in its segment.

Liang Kee Farming: raising healthier and happier hens

Liang Kee Farming, located in Malaysia, transformed its operation from a traditional caged system to a free-range model, ensuring that its laying hens live freely with daily access to outdoor areas.

Producing about 300,000 eggs per day, the farm invested in the cage-free production system to improve egg quality and secure animal welfare certification.

Chew’s Farm: a forerunner in cage-free egg production

With a strong commitment to respecting the environment and animals, Chew’s Farm in Singapore was the first to adopt the cage-free system for egg production.

With 650,000 hens, of which 19,000 are raised in the cage-free system, the company sought the Certified Humane seal to gain international recognition and meet the growing consumer demand for superior quality products.

The production is distributed to major supermarket chains and online sales platforms such as Redmart and Amazon Prime.

Benefits of certification for Asian companies

Companies that invest in compassionate production processes not only meet market expectations but also reap a range of benefits, including:

• Responsible brand promotion, especially in increasingly demanding Asian markets;
• Positioning in favor of a dignified life for animals, resonating with the growing values of social responsibility in the region;
• Increased production capacity, as studies show that animals raised with welfare practices are more efficient;
• Assurance of product quality, essential for competing in markets that require high standards;
• Opening of new markets or sale of products in countries that require animal welfare certification, as part of a global movement that is impacting Asia;
• Reduced risks for investors, improving the business’s position by offering products that meet consumer and market expectations.

Essential for animal welfare certification

The Certified Humane seal can be requested by companies of any size in Asia, from multinationals to regional businesses.

For animal producers, the most important thing is to strictly follow the specific standards for the species being certified. Download the species-specific guidelines: laying hens and broiler chickens.

Food processors in Asia must also ensure that their raw materials are sourced from certified producers. This includes monitoring performance records in each segment of the production chain. Here are some examples of necessary controls:

• Monitoring ammonia levels and temperature in the facilities;
• Adequate lighting program for animal welfare;
• Recording mortality rates and their causes to better manage animal quality of life.

These controls provide Certified Humane inspectors with a comprehensive view of what happens on the farm or factory. Additionally, the following documents are required:

• Diagram of the facilities (dimensions of stables, barns, pens, and pastures, size and type of feeders and drinkers, type of ventilation systems, etc.);
• Records of animal feed ingredients and their respective suppliers;
• Records of food and water consumption;
• Animal entry and exit logs;
• Health records;
• Maintenance of equipment and training of those responsible for animal handling;
• Biosafety policies, cleaning, and disinfection protocols;
• Sanitary records from local authorities;
• Emergency contacts.

Any food containing animal-derived raw materials can obtain the Certified Humane seal. Leading companies such as Barilla, Korin, and Ovobrand already have this certification, ensuring that their products meet the highest animal welfare standards. The main rules include:

• Sourcing all raw materials from suppliers that already have Certified Humane certification, whether it’s eggs, milk, meat, or wool;
• Submitting to annual traceability inspections, verifying the effectiveness of controls over the separation of raw materials from receipt to the shipment of final products packaged with the certification seal.

It’s important to note that companies producing pasta, frozen chicken-based dishes, pizzas, dairy products, pork sausages, pet food, biscuits, and other products can also be certified.

Restaurants using ingredients certified by the Certified Humane® program can also receive certification and include the certifier’s logo on the menu. Even non-food products made with sheep’s wool or goat milk-based cosmetics can bear the animal welfare certification seal.

To learn more about how your company in Asia can obtain Certified Humane certification, visit Certified Humane Asia.