Perspectives and concerns of broiler chicken farmers on chicken welfare in Indonesia

Abstract

People working directly on animal farms arguably have the most influence over their animals’ welfare. Farm-workers’ perspectives and knowledge of animal welfare affect their ability to meet the needs of animals and to address concerns related to animal welfare as they arise. This study investigates the perspectives of people working on broiler chicken farms in West Java, Indonesia. Thirty-eight participants consisting of owners and related staff completed a survey that comprised of 52 questions and that targeted four key topics. These topics were pain in chickens, knowledge of animal welfare, ability to identify welfare concerns in broiler chickens, and knowledge of welfare indicators in broiler chickens. A second survey investigated concerns of broiler chicken farm managers, by surveying 14 farm managers in West Java. Results revealed that all participants believe chickens can feel pain, and most believe that chickens are sentient. Sixty-five percent of the participants stated they understood the concept of animal welfare, and knowledge of animal welfare was significantly correlated with education level. Key concerns about broiler chicken farming were extreme weather resulting in difficulty sourcing clean water and rice husks for litter, and disease. Lack of procedures for culling sick and injured birds was also a significant welfare concern.