Suggestions for welfare assessment of poultry on depopulation site

This document outlines protocols for assessing poultry welfare during depopulation on field. Three distinct assessments are proposed, tailored to the depopulation methods used: whole-house gassing, gassing in gradually-filled containers, and killing with non-penetrative captive bolt stunners. The protocols follow a consistent structure: general instructions and a checklist of required equipment, key site information to collect (e.g., house characteristics and poultry types), a timeline summarizing data collection points during each phase, and details on the specific operating procedures. Additionally, each phase includes a comprehensive list of variables and animal-based indicators to be recorded. 

These protocols will be revised in 2025 based on field feedback from operators, ensuring their practicality and effectiveness are validated and improved through real-world application.