Most common housing systems and practices of keeping turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) in the EU

Abstract

This Technical Report addresses a mandate from the European Commission according to Article 31 of Regulation (European Commission) No 178/2002, which requests a review of the most common husbandry systems and current practices for keeping turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) of all ages on farm. The mandate requests a description of litter availability, access to outdoors (including covered veranda), stocking density, the enrichment provided and the light scheme of each housing system, the use of cages and the practices of separation of sexes, mutilations and breeding practices, including artificial insemination. An extensive literature review, a survey amongst stakeholders, a public call for evidence addressed to stakeholders, data from EFSA Networks, reports from the European Commission (fact-finding studies), Eurostat and input from experts in the EFSA working group on the welfare of turkeys were considered. This report provides an overview of the turkey production process and the duration of its various stages. In the European Union the most common housing systems for keeping fattening turkeys are indoor floor systems with and without outdoor access and/or a covered veranda. Turkey breeders are kept in indoor systems. These systems, including hatcheries, are described in this report considering the availability of litter and enrichment, the stocking density and the light scheme applied. In addition, the practices of processing poults in hatcheries, including mutilations, and the practices of flock thinning and separation of sexes in fattening turkey farms, and artificial insemination in turkey breeders are described.