Welfare of broiler chickens.

Broiler chickens have been selected for a rapid growth rate as well as for high carcass yields, with particular regard to breast, and reared in intensive systems at high stocking density ranging from 30 to 40 kg liveweight/m2.These conditions lead to a worsening of the welfare status of birds. In Europe a specific directive for the protection of broiler chickens has been recently approved whereas in Italy there is not yet any legal regulation. The EU directive lays down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production and gives indications on management practices with particular focus on stocking density, light regimen and air quality, training and guidance for people dealing with chickens as well as monitoring plans for holding and slaughterhouse. In this review the rearing factors influencing the welfare conditions of birds are described and detailed information on the effects of stocking density,%2