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.

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.

By choosing products with the label, consumers can be confident that the animal protein on their table was produced ethically, transparently, and responsibly. This means animals were raised in environments designed to allow freedom of movement, access to clean water, proper nutrition and handling practices that prevent unnecessary suffering.

The consumer: a driving force

More and more, consumers are seeking food with transparent origins and production systems that respect animal welfare. Choosing certified products is not just a purchasing decision, it’s an investment in a more humane and fair supply chain.

This consumer behavior drives demand and pressures the entire industry to change. When people prioritize products with the Certified Humane® label, they help shift ethical practices from being the exception to becoming the norm.

The role of retail and industry

While consumers are key players, the retail and food industries are essential for enabling large-scale change.

• Retailers have direct contact with millions of people every day. By offering certified products and communicating their value at the point of sale, supermarkets help educate consumers and make ethical food choices more accessible.
• The food industry, in turn, has the power to influence large volumes. When a company commits to using only certified eggs or meat in its recipes, it compels its entire supply chain to comply, raising the standard of animal welfare across the board.

This combined movement makes certification a strategic tool, one that aligns social responsibility, sustainability and competitiveness.

Certification is not marketing, it’s a guarantee

It’s important to clarify: Certified Humane® does not certify slogans, ad campaigns, or vague promises. What’s audited are the actual on-farm and in-plant conditions, verified by independent experts and based on science.

This means a product can only carry the label if its entire production process strictly complies with the technical standards and this compliance is continuously evaluated, not just during an initial audit.

A one-way path forward

The numbers highlight the strength and global reach of this movement. Since expanding to Asia in 2019, the Certified Humane® program has benefited more than half a billion animals only last year through inspections conducted in hundreds of farms and food companies, representing thousands of producers across more than 20 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay and Vietnam.

The trend is clear: animal welfare is no longer just a market differentiator, it’s a growing demand from consumers and international markets alike.

Choosing products with the Certified Humane® label is more than a purchase decision, it’s a way to support a food system that is more ethical, sustainable and transparent. It also sends a clear message to retailers and the industry: animal responsibility is a non-negotiable value.

When consumers, retailers, and the food industry move together, the result is real transformation, one that benefits not only the animals, but also producers, companies, and society as a whole.

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.

The nutrition of broiler chickens can mitigate the effects of heat stress they may experience during their rearing. If not carefully managed, these animals may face more severe consequences due to heat stress at two key life stages: feeling cold during their first few weeks of life or experiencing heat before the slaughter period.

It is worth noting that the quality of broiler meat is significantly affected by temperature, which can interfere with the birds’ ability to retain water, maintain color, and regulate pH, thereby reducing the quality of derived products and the economic value of the cuts.

Thus, understanding the tools a balanced diet offers to support thermal balance—especially during these phases and amid extreme climate challenges such as heat—becomes an ally to environmental conditions in maintaining the animals’ quality of life.

In this article, learn how broiler chicken nutrition is a key element for maintaining their welfare and ensuring the quality of the final product.

Impacts of Nutrition on Broiler Chickens

The nutrition of broiler chickens can be an effective ally in minimizing heat stress. It serves as a vital tool due to the biological characteristics of these birds.

Chickens produce heat and constantly require internal thermal balance, known as homeothermy, particularly because their ability to dissipate heat is inefficient due to the lack of sweat glands.

Their ideal body temperature is around 41°C (105.8°F), and a slight increase of 4 or 5 degrees can lead to fatal consequences.

In this context, effective management of the heat generated by the birds can significantly enhance their welfare and the quality of the meat produced.

Balanced Diet

Dietary adjustments are essential for producers to regulate stress causes and use them as indicators to assess bird welfare.

One critical factor influenced by dietary nutrients is the respiratory quality of broiler chickens.

Thermal imbalance causes panting in the birds, leading to the formation of free radicals. When these radicals exceed the antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress occurs.

This type of heat stress can result from excessive cold or heat but tends to be more severe in response to heat challenges.

To balance the heat generated by metabolism, heat exchange with the environment, and evaporative losses, nutritional tools are essential.

Nutritional Tips to Mitigate Heat Stress

A diet that enables good nutrient absorption is vital for the metabolism of broiler chickens and directly impacts their gut health, as the birds’ feed efficiency is influenced by temperature.

This involves the balanced distribution of enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids that affect thermal regulation performance.

When developing diets, producers should consider the following aspects for broiler nutrition:

• Ingredients that enhance digestion;
• Diets supported by digestive enzymes;
• Nutrients to boost immunity;
• Focus on reducing oxidative stress.

The active components that can improve feed efficiency and increase nutritional efficacy are categorized into several groups:

• Amino acids and proteins: When used in moderation, they improve efficiency in the economic and environmental aspects of broiler metabolism.
• Enzymes: These promote gut health, reduce energy demands during digestion, and lower endogenous heat production.
• Vitamins: Especially when paired with zinc, selenium, and vitamins E and C, they help prevent oxidation and heat stress.
• Organic acids: These improve nutrient digestion, enhance immune response and antimicrobial action, and lower intestinal pH.
• Essential oils: These can act as natural growth promoters, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory agents. They also stimulate intestinal motility, increasing nutrient digestibility and absorption.

Interested in learning more about the certification process in broiler chicken production? Click here to download the Standards for Broiler Chicken Rearing.

Animals subjected to stressful conditions during handling undergo different biochemical and structural processes after slaughter, in the period called “muscle to meat conversion”. This can alter the color of the meat, making it dark or pale depending on the situation, or making it tough and dry. In other words, there is a loss of quality in animal products.  

In addition to the physical and chemical characteristics of the meat (appearance, texture, flavor), which are directly influenced by the conditions the animals have had during their lives, ethical and environmental preservation issues are also part of the consumer public’s perception of the quality of animal products (which is becoming increasingly demanding). 

Animal welfare and the quality of meat and dairy products: how stress works

Animal muscles have energy reserves called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which are synthesized during life. After slaughter, this energy source is resynthesized anaerobically in the absence of oxygen. Lactic acid is then formed, which accumulates in the muscle and lowers the pH of the product, turning the muscle into meat.

When the animal undergoes prolonged handling stress, the pH reduction is slower due to the low production of lactic acid. With a high final pH, the meat will look drier and stiffer. This problem is called DFD (dark, firm, dry) and can occur in pigs and cattle. 

When the animal undergoes other types of stress closer to the time of slaughter – during transport until it is stunned, for example – high levels of muscle glycogen will lead to greater production of lactic acid. In this case, there is an accelerated decrease in muscle pH and the consequence is meat with a pale, flabby appearance that releases a lot of water. This problem is called PSE (pale, soft, exudative) and can occur in pigs, cattle and poultry. 

In both cases, the quality of animal products is affected, since both darker, stiffer meats and pale, flaccid meats are less acceptable to the consumer market. 

In addition to the quality of the by-products, the stress suffered by the animals as a result of inadequate handling, dehydration, prolonged fasting and poor living conditions can generally lower their immunity. This condition of immunosuppression makes herds more susceptible to disease, increasing producers’ costs for veterinary treatment and increasing the risk of loss of production.

How can animal welfare be assessed?

Concern for animal welfare is expressed in practice in care for the conditions to which livestock are exposed, from birth to slaughter. Among this care, it is important to highlight:

The animals must not go hungry or thirsty, being provided with food and water of sufficient quality and quantity for all;

They must not be exposed to discomfort and injury as a result of poorly maintained shelter and resting environments;

Medicines should not be used to enhance the growth of the animals, only vaccinations to prevent and medicines to treat diseases when really necessary; the focus should always be on prevention!

Animals should not be exposed to fear and stress during handling and contact with farmers; positive human-animal interaction has direct benefits for productivity and animal welfare!

Animals should live in an environment with space and conditions that allow them to express their natural behavior. Housing in cages or crates, or anything else that restricts animal behavior, seriously compromises animal welfare! 

All these conditions are verified in animal husbandry systems that undergo welfare certification processes. Increasingly, producers, companies and consumers are becoming aware of the importance of investing in animal welfare and improving management. 

This concern has an impact on the quality of animal products, so it’s an economic issue, but it also involves moral, ethical, health and food safety issues.