RMS FOR CHICKENS (raised for meat)
Below are the Responsible Minimum Standards for chickens raised for meat.
Mitigation standards
1.1 | ​Implement a maximum stocking density of 30 kg/m2 or less. |
1.2 | ​Thinning is discouraged and if practised must be limited to one thin per flock. |
1.3 | ​No cages or multi-tiered systems for either broilers or broiler breeders. |
Mitigation standards
2.1 | ​At least 2 meters of usable perch space and two pecking substrates per 1,000 birds. |
2.2 | ​At least 50 lux of light, including natural light. |
2.3 | On air quality, the concentration of ammonia (NH3) must not exceed 20 ppm and the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) must not exceed 3 000 ppm measured at the level of the chickens’ heads. |
Mitigation standards
3.1 | ​ Adopt breeds that demonstrate higher welfare outcomes, including the Hubbard JA757, 787, 957, or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic, and Ranger Gold, or others that meet the criteria of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol. |
Mitigation standards
4.1 | ​Adopt controlled atmospheric stunning using inert gas or multi-phase systems, or effective electrical stunning without live inversion. |
Mitigation standards
5.1 | ​Demonstrate compliance with the above standards via annual third-party auditing and annual public reporting on progress towards this commitment. |