2026-06-08T10:18:31Zhttps://docta.ucm.es/rest/oai/request

oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/1331142026-02-25T00:55:19Zcom_20.500.14352_14col_20.500.14352_15

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Nielsen, Søren Saxmose author Álvarez Sánchez, Julio author Boklund, Anette author Dippel, Sabine author Dorea, Fernanda author Figuerola, Jordi author Herskin, Mette S. author Michel, Virginie author Miranda Chueca, Miguel Angel author Nannoni, Eleonora author Nonno, Romolo author Stahl, Karl author Berk, Jutta author Marchewka, Joanna author van Staaveren, Nienke author Balmos, Oana Maria author Fabris, Chiara author Mosbach‐Schulz, Olaf author Van der Stede, Yves author Vitali, Marika author Rojo Gimeno, Cristina author Velarde, Antonio author Riber, Anja Brinch author 2026 This Scientific Opinion assesses the welfare of turkeys of all ages (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm in relation to the type and condition of the litter, type and availability of enrichment (including covered veranda and outdoor range), space allowance, concentrations of ammonia and carbon dioxide, effective environmental temperature, group size, nest conditions, lighting conditions and hatchery conditions, by using 19 welfare consequences and associated animal-based measures (ABMs) for their assessment. In addition, the risks posed by the practices of flock thinning and removal of hens, mutilations (i.e. beak trimming, desnooding and toe trimming), artificial insemination (including semen collection) and feed restriction are assessed, with the latter two practices only in turkey breeders. The welfare consequences of breeding is assessed. Recommendations to prevent and/or mitigate relevant welfare consequences in fattening and breeder turkeys include increasing space allowance compared to the currently provided space, avoiding feed and water deprivation of newly-hatched poults for more than 48 h, and providing enrichment such as elevated platforms, straw-bales and a covered veranda. It is recommended to maintain dry litter conditions, i.e. below a threshold of 35%-40% humidity. Beak trimming, desnooding and toe trimming as well as the associated welfare consequences can be avoided if the recommended housing and management practices are implemented, e.g. increasing space allowance and providing suitable enrichment. It is recommended to discontinue flock thinning and avoid quantitative feed restriction, the latter currently practised in breeder toms. Also, it is recommended to place more emphasis on leg health and less on weight gain in genetic selection. The selected ABMs to monitor relevant welfare consequences at the slaughterhouse are total mortality, plumage damage, carcass condemnation, wounds, breast blisters and footpad dermatitis EFSA Panel Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW), Nielsen, S. S., Alvarez, J., Boklund, A., Dippel, S., Dorea, F., Figuerola, J., Herskin, M. S., Michel, V., Miranda Chueca, M. A., Nannoni, E., Nonno, R., Stahl, K., Berk, J., Marchewka, J., van Staaveren, N., Balmos, O. M., Fabris, C., Mosbach-Schulz, O., Van der Stede, Y., … Riber, A. B. (2026). Welfare assessment of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm. EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority, 24(2), e9851. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9851 10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9851 https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/133114 1831-4732 https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9851 41640975 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41640975/ Welfare assessment of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm