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United Poultry Concerns
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July
19 , 2004 |
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Induced molting position statement revised
Food withdrawal prohibited
http://www.avma.org/convention/news/sunday03.asp
The AVMA House of Delegates Saturday amended the Association's welfare policy concerning induced molting of laying hens. According to the revised statement, neither water nor food should be withdrawn from hens to initiate a biological event meant to increase the birds' egg production.
By approving Resolution 6, submitted by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, delegates have likely put to rest a long-running debate within the HOD about the humaneness of a controversial practice within the poultry industry.
"We have a resolution on this matter with wording that will finally put this to bed, once and for all," said Association of Avian Veterinarians delegate, Dr. James M. Harris.
The AVMA was already opposed to water withdrawal and recommended diets of low nutrient density rather than total feed withdrawal.
The amended portion of the policy reads: "The commercial induced molting procedure is carefully monitored and controlled. Acceptable practices include reduction of photoperiod (day length) and dietary restrictions (including diets of low nutrition density) that result in cessation of egg production. Neither water nor food should be withdrawn. Special attention should be paid to flock health, mortality, and bird weight. Egg quality and safety should be monitored through an egg quality assurance program. The welfare of birds should be a major consideration in this and any management practice."
The HOD was originally asked to approve Resolution 2, reportedly initiated by the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights for a sixth consecutive year. That resolution stated the AVMA opposes induced molting through the use of food and/or water withdrawal.
The AVMA Executive Board and House Advisory Committee had recommended disapproval of Resolution 2 by the HOD. Yet on Friday, members of HOD Reference Committee 2, which reviews public matters, narrowly voted to recommend approval of the resolution.
During the committee's deliberations, New Jersey delegate, Dr. Robert P. Gordon, asked committee members whether they as veterinarians could honestly defend the practice of intermittently withdrawing food from laying hens.
If there was any evidence of induced molting harming chickens, said AAAP alternate delegate, Dr. Gregg J. Cutler, he would lead the fight to end the practice.
Dr. Harold J. Davis, Utah delegate, worried that the HOD's approval of Resolution 2 would result in a flood of similar resolutions directing the AVMA to take a stand on any number of welfare issues. When the entire HOD convened Saturday morning, delegates were presented with Resolution 2 and a substitute resolution pertaining to induced molting.
AAAP delegate, Dr. Y. M. Saif, asked that the HOD rules be suspended to allow consideration of the newly presented Resolution 6. The meeting was then briefly recessed to allow the House Advisory Committee a chance to review the substitute resolution, which they subsequently recommended for approval.
When the issue of induced molting first came to the HOD, Dr. Saif explained, the AAAP promised to fully study the matter. Resolution 6 reflects advances in research that provide dietary tools for inducing molt without food withdrawal, he said.
"This resolution does two things," observed Dr. John H. de Jong, Massachusetts delegate. "It addresses the science that we've been asking for, and it also addresses the emotion of the people who feel strongly about this issue."
After they voted in favor of Resolution 6, delegates disapproved Resolution 2.
AVAR vice president and AVMA member, Dr. Holly Cheever, said later, "We are satisfied with Resolution 6 in that, if you sort through all the verbiage and the several paragraphs, you'll find, 'neither water nor food should be withdrawn'.
"That is the single, sole point that the AVAR has been trying to make these many years."
United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org
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