OvertheCounter
    Twitter LinkedIn
    • Email Newsletters
    • Magazine Subscriptions
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. March 2023
      2. January 2023
      3. November 2022
      4. National SQP Awards Supplement 2022
      5. September 2022
      6. July 2022
      Featured

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      By Simon KingJanuary 9, 2023
      Recent

      Over the Counter – March 2023

      March 20, 2023

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      January 9, 2023

      Over the Counter – November 2022

      November 9, 2022
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    Pigs / Poultry

    Free range egg producers criticise RSPCA

    Carolyn HendersonBy Carolyn HendersonApril 19, 2017No Comments2 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    The British Free Range Egg Producers Association claims that the RSPCA’s decision to press ahead with the implementation of aerial perching on its Freedom Foods free range egg units could be detrimental to bird welfare.

    Members of the assurance scheme who have flat deck systems have been told to install 8cm of perching per bird by August 2018. Perching was one of several proposed changes tabled by Freedom Foods last July but implementation was delayed after BFREPA raised concerns over what it described as the lack of a proper consultation process.

    BFREPA’s chief executive Robert Gooch said: “We are opposed to this requirement on a number of levels, with hen welfare being our primary concern. The evidence we have seen from Bristol University shows that fitting large amounts of aerial perching can lead to an increase in keel bone damage to hens.

    “At a practical level this will also cause huge difficulties for those retro-fitting perches to sheds that weren’t designed for them, as they are likely to hamper daily management procedures.”

    He said several BFREPA members had carried out trials to measure the impact of perching in commercial situations, and found that installing more than 6cm of perching per hen had no measurable benefit for the birds.

    Mr Gooch said: “We have offered to carry out additional research with the RSPCA to find an amount of perching that improves bird welfare. That invitation remains open.”
    Between 30% and 40% of BFREPA’s members are understood to be affected by the changes – approximately 250 producers.

    “Producers using flat deck systems are already competing in a tough market and are generally operating at a smaller scale compared to multi-tier producers,” Mr Gooch said.  “Ramping up additional costs and requirements on these producers is only going to add pressure to these businesses and dissuade them from investing in their futures.”

    Mr Gooch said he was pleased that the RSPCA had listened to BFREPA’s concerns and withdrawn the requirements for specific perching configurations on multi-tier systems.

     

    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleNational Pig Association responds to Countryfile LA-MRSA feature
    Next Article Countrywide Farmers may sell retail stores

    Read Similar Stories

    Avian Influenza prevention zone declared across whole of Great Britain

    Avian influenza found in poultry site in Anglesey

    Housing order introduced in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex to protect poultry and captive birds

    Most Read

    Organisers herald successful PATS Sandown show

    March 28, 2023

    Forthglade unveils new multi-functional treats

    March 28, 2023

    Jollyes opens its flagship store in Scunthorpe

    March 27, 2023

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2023 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2022

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest
    • Pig World
    • Poultry News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.