Postmortem condemnations of processed broiler chickens in western France
- C. Lupo, DVM, MSc1,
- C. Chauvin, DVM, MSc2,
- L. Balaine1,
- I. Petetin1,
- J. Péraste1,
- P. Colin, PhD3 and
- S. Le Bouquin, DVM1
- 1Epidemiology and Welfare of Poultry and Rabbits Research Unit
- 2Epidemiology and Welfare of Pigs Research Unit, Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, Pig, Poultry and Fish Veterinary Research Laboratory, Zoopôle, BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France
- 3Technopôle Brest-Iroise, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
Abstract
A total of 404 broiler chicken flocks processed in 15 slaughterhouses in western France were studied to estimate the condemnation prevalence and describe the official reasons for condemnation and the main macroscopic lesions observed in a sample of the condemned carcases. The condemnation rate was 87 per 10,000 birds slaughtered (95 per cent confidence interval 79 to 95 per 10,000) but differed significantly according to the type of poultry produced (standard, light, heavy or certified). The main reasons for condemnation were emaciation and congestion, with rates of 30 and 22 per 10,000 birds slaughtered, respectively. Congestion was significantly associated with arthritis and ascites, whereas infected skin lesions were associated with bruises and abnormalities of colour, odour or conformation.
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