Transportation of Poultry

SummaryTransportation of poultry is such an every day occurrence that few people give it a second thought. However, it is an event which can cause serious distress to the bird and some may die as a direct result. The physiological evidence for the stressful nature of transportation is reviewed and, because of their importance, particular emphasis is placed on high ambient temperatures and relative humidities as stressors.The various features of transportation by land, sea and air are considered and the special features of the one-day-old chick, the broiler, the point-of-lay pullet and the “spent” hen are considered in relation to transportation. The transportation requirements of the fertilized egg are considered briefly.Finally, the concept of reducing the stressful nature of transportation is explored and some of the recommended methods are assessed.