Enhancing Chick Welfare Through Innovative Logistics Solutions: A Collaborative Case Study Between Aviagen & JAS
Aviagen is a preferred global poultry breeding company, specializing in supplying high-quality broiler breeder stock to customers in over 100 countries. With production facilities on six continents, Aviagen is known for its commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and quality performance throughout its supply chain.
Aviagen wanted to ensure the welfare of its day-old chicks during transit to various international destinations. This meant closely monitoring temperature, humidity, and ventilation to ensure optimal biosecurity and welfare during layovers and delays.
To keep the chicks comfortable and healthy during their journey, JAS worked closely with Aviagen’s global veterinary team to design two state-of-the-art chick holding rooms at JAS’s London Heathrow Warehouse Holding Facility. These innovative spaces serve as temporary accommodations for the chicks before their departure, ensuring their well-being throughout the journey. In the case of an aircraft mechanical issue that would delay the outbound flight, the chicks stay in the JAS holding rooms where they can be rehydrated and cared for in a stress-free environment while waiting for their flight.
To provide the chicks with the specialized care they need, the rooms are equipped with digital control panels that enable precise regulation of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation. This ensures an optimal environment for the birds during transit.
As another means of safeguarding the chicks’ well-being, JAS staff trained with the Aviagen veterinarian team to learn best practices for handling the chicks with utmost care. From palletization to preparation for air transport, this lockstep approach allowed JAS to develop a plan where every detail is addressed.
The collaborative efforts of Aviagen and JAS positively enhanced the chicks’ welfare during transit. The newly constructed holding rooms at the London Heathrow Warehouse Facility provide a secure and comfortable environment for the day-old chicks. With innovative digital monitoring systems in place, both teams can maintain constant oversight of temperature and humidity levels, further ensuring the birds’ welfare.