Scottish Government

ISBN 0 7559 1176 8

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NOTE
This Code is produced in terms of Section 3 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 (1968 c.34).
This Section allows the Scottish Ministers, after consultation, to prepare codes of recommendations for the welfare of livestock.
This Code was laid before Parliament as is required by Section 3 of the above Act.
The power to produce these codes was transferred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of Section 53 of the Scotland Act 1998 (1998 c.46).
Any reference in this Code to advisory publications is for information only and does not

contents

Preface
Introduction
Stockmanship and staffing
Inspection
Disease treatment
Record keeping
Feed and water
Freedom of movement
Housing
General
Alternative Systems
Conventional Cages
Enriched cages
Environment
Ventilation and temperature
Light
Litter
Noise
Animals with access to open runs
Automatic or mechanical equipment
Mutilations-
Beak Trimming
Breeding procedures
Catching and transport
Appendix
References
Useful publications
Information

preface

This preface is not part of the Code but is intended to explain its purpose and to indicate the broad considerations upon which it is based. Similarly, the legislation quoted in boxes throughout the document is not part of the Code but is intended to highlight some of the legal requirements. The law, as quoted in these boxes, is that in force either on the date of publication or reprinting of the Code (please turns to the back cover for this information). Readers should be aware that any of the legal requirements quoted might be subject to change - they should seek confirmation before assuming that these are an accurate statement of the law currently in force.

The Code is intended to encourage all those who care for farm animals to adopt the highest standards of husbandry. Without good stockmanship, animal welfare can never be adequately protected. Adherence to these recommendations will help flock-keepers to reach the required standard.

The welfare of laying hens is considered within a framework, elaborated by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, and known as the 'Five Freedoms'. These form a logical basis for the assessment of welfare within any system together with the actions necessary to safeguard welfare within the constraints of an efficient livestock industry.

The Five Freedoms are:

1 Freedom from hunger and thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;

2 Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area;

3 Freedom from pain injury or disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment;

4 Freedom to express normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals' own kind;

5Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

In acknowledging these freedoms, those who have care of livestock should practise:

• caring and responsible planning and management;
• skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious stockmanship;
• appropriate environmental design ( e.g. of the husbandry system);
• considerate handling and transport; and
• humane slaughter.

This Code applies in Scotland only and has been issued by the Scottish Ministers (following approval in draft by the Scottish Parliament). It replaces (also as regards Scotland only) that part of the existing Domestic Fowls Code (issued in 1987), relating to the welfare of laying hens.

Similar Codes are being produced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Until these new Codes are issued, the existing provisions in the Domestic Fowls Code will continue to apply in England and Wales. Separate arrangements exist in Northern Ireland.

introduction

Code for The Welfare of Laying Hens

1 This code (which applies in Scotland only) applies to laying hens kept in various production systems. For the purposes of this code "flock-keeper" means the owner of the birds or the person responsible for looking after them. The recommendations are relevant to birds in all types of husbandry systems, although a different balance of welfare benefits and dis-benefits applies to hens kept in different systems. Following these recommendations will help to ensure that the welfare of the birds is safeguarded.

2 No person should operate or set up a laying hen unit unless the welfare of all the birds can be safeguarded. This can be achieved by ensuring that the buildings and equipment, and the skills and ability of the flock-keeper, are appropriate to the husbandry system and the number of birds to be kept.

3 The relevant animal welfare legislation applies to owners as well as any person looking after the birds on their behalf, wherever the birds are located. A written contract can be of value in ensuring that all parties are clear about their responsibilities in respect of welfare. However, the obligations imposed by the law will still apply whether or not a contract exists.

4 The strain of bird selected must be suitable for the production system.

stockmanship and staffing

5 It is essential that sufficient, well-motivated and competent personnel are employed to carry out all necessary tasks. Staff should be well managed and supervised, fully conversant with the tasks they will be required to undertake and competent in the use of any equipment.

6 All flock-keepers should demonstrate full understanding of the welfare needs and basic biology of the birds and have shown that they are capable of safeguarding them under all foreseeable conditions before being given responsibility for a flock. A good flock-keeper will have a compassionate and humane attitude, will be able to anticipate and avoid many potential welfare problems, and have the ability to identify those that do occur and respond to them promptly.

7 Staff, including those employed by contractors, should be given appropriate training. This requires the acquisition of specific stockmanship skills, which may be, developed on-farm, working with an experienced person, or by following a course offered by a suitable training provider. Flock-keepers should demonstrate competence and understanding before they are given responsibility for the birds. Training should continue throughout the duration of the employment, and suitable refresher courses should be undertaken regularly. Wherever possible, the training should be of a type that leads to formal recognition of competence.

8 A training plan should be implemented to ensure that those working with laying hens recognise not only normal behaviour and good health but also signs of illness or disease or impending health problems. If specialised tasks are to be performed, for example vaccination or humane culling, then specific training should be given. Alternatively, the services of a competent contractor using trained staff should be obtained.

9 Staff should establish a methodical routine in completing the range of tasks involved in keeping laying hens. As part of this they should be particularly vigilant in checking that the systems are operating properly and birds are behaving normally. This will enable flock-keepers to detect problems in their earliest stages and acquire a good understanding of the action to be taken if a problem is noticed. If the cause is not obvious, or if the flock-keeper's action is not effective, immediate veterinary or technical advice should be obtained.

10 It is essential to ensure that enough time is available within the flock-keepers daily work routine for birds to be properly inspected and for any remedial action to be taken. The flock-keeper should have adequate knowledge of the husbandry system used to be able to appreciate the suitability of the total environment for the birds' health and welfare. The system used, the number of birds kept and their stocking rate should depend on the suitability of the conditions and the skill of the flock-keeper.

11 Young birds should be given, where possible, appropriate experience of management practices ( e.g. particular feeding and watering systems) and environmental conditions ( e.g. natural light, perches, litter) to enable them to adapt to the husbandry systems which they will encounter later in life. In order to develop a positive relationship between keeper and bird there shall be frequent, quiet but close approach from an early age.

inspection

12 A thorough inspection should take place at least once a day. Such inspections should be made independently of any automatic surveillance equipment. This inspection should be sufficiently thorough to detect illness and injury of individual hens, and special attention should be paid to bodily condition, movements, respiratory distress, condition of plumage, eyes, skin, beak, legs, feet and claws, and where appropriate, combs and wattles. Attention should also be paid to the presence of external parasites, to the condition of droppings, to feed and water consumption , to growth and to egg production level. Where appropriate the birds should be encouraged to walk. Individual examination should be made of those birds for which the overall inspection indicates this to be necessary. A second daily inspection is recommended at a different time of the day.

13 The healthy individual bird should have sounds and activity appropriate to its age, breed or type, clear bright eyes, good posture, vigorous movements if unduly disturbed, clean healthy skin, good feather condition, well formed shanks and feet, effective walking and active feeding and drinking behaviour.

14 The early signs of ill health may include changes in food and water intake, in preening, in 'chatter' and in activity. There may also be a drop in egg production and changes in egg quality such as shell defects.

15 Housing and equipment must be designed so that all the birds can be clearly seen. Supplementary lighting may be needed for the inspection of birds in the bottom tier of cage systems.

disease treatment

16 A health and welfare programme should be implemented for each unit, which sets out health and husbandry activities. It should also establish management procedures and control measures to reduce the risk of infections and injury. The health and welfare programme should be developed with appropriate veterinary advice, reviewed against performance and updated accordingly.

17 If the poultry are apparently not in good health, or if they are showing obvious signs of behavioural alterations, the flock-keeper must take appropriate action without delay to establish the cause. If the immediate remedial action taken by the flock-keeper is not effective a veterinarian must be consulted and, if necessary, expert advice must be sought on other technical factors involved. Where there are signs of recurring injuries, which may be related to the environment, these must be investigated and rectified, as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the birds.

18 Injured, sick or distressed birds must be treated without delay and if necessary separated from the rest of the flock in suitable accommodation available for this purpose, or killed in accordance with the legislation. Dead birds must be removed promptly.

record keeping

19 Records are an essential aid to management and those kept should include feed and water consumption, egg quality, health checks, behavioural abnormalities, maximum and minimum temperatures and ammonia levels.

20 Mortality, culling and, if possible, morbidity levels should be closely monitored. Autopsies should be carried out in cases where mortality levels are significant or higher than breeders' targets. Records should be kept of all these results.

feed and water

21 Feed and water should be readily accessible to all birds and particular attention should be given to its provision in areas used by subordinate birds. In the case of birds, which have difficulty in feeding or drinking, appropriate measures should be taken.

22 Feeding and watering equipment should be designed, constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that:

• it minimises spillage or contamination of feed and water;
• all birds have sufficient access to it to avoid undue competition between
• individual birds;
• it does not cause or result in injury to birds;
• it operates in all weather conditions;
• the consumption of water and feed can be monitored.

In addition, all equipment, including bulk feed bins, must be able to be easily and effectively cleaned and disinfected.

23 Feeder space allocation should be sufficient to enable the birds to obtain adequate feed with the minimum of competition. For linear feeders this space must be 10cm of trough side per bird provided that birds have access to both sides and that feeders are placed sufficiently far apart for birds to make full use of the available space. If feed is not provided ad libitum, sufficient space must be available to allow all birds to eat at the same time.

24 Sudden changes in the type or quantity of feed and feeding procedures, other than those appropriate to the physiological needs of the birds, shall be avoided except in case of emergency.

25 Systems that call for the complete withholding of feed and water on any day must not be adopted. In no circumstances may birds be induced to moult by withholding feed and water. However, feed, but not water, may be withheld for up to 12 hours prior to slaughter. This period of 12 hours must be an inclusive period to include the catching, loading, transport, lairaging and unloading time prior to slaughter.

26 Stale or contaminated feed or water should not be allowed to accumulate and should be replaced immediately. Precautions must be taken to minimise the risk of drinking water freezing.

27 In alternative systems, a small amount of whole grain may be scattered over the litter each day to encourage foraging and scratching and reduce the possibility of feather pecking outbreaks. Birds should also have regular access to insoluble grit to aid digestion.

28 Arrangements should be made in advance to ensure that adequate supplies of suitable feed and water can be made available in emergencies such as interruptions in power supplies.

29 Body condition, weight and egg production should be used to monitor the effectiveness of the feeding regime.

freedom of movement

30 When determining the stocking rate, consideration should be given to breed, system of housing, strain and type of bird, colony size, temperature, ventilation and lighting, as well as to the number of platforms, perches or other suitable installations available in the third dimension.

31 If disease or evidence of a behavioural problem becomes apparent, by observation or by receipt of unsatisfactory grading returns from egg packing stations or by rejections from processing plants, expert qualified advice should be sought promptly to deal with the problem. Stocking and ventilation rates should also be checked and variations in stocking and ventilation should be considered in order to minimise the likelihood of recurrence of the problem.

housing

general

Schedule 1, paragraphs 11 and 12 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland)

32 The design, construction and maintenance of enclosures, buildings and equipment for laying birds should be such that they:

• allow the fulfilment of essential biological needs and the maintenance of good health;
• facilitate good management of the birds;
• allow for easy maintenance of good conditions of hygiene and air quality;
• provide shelter from adverse weather conditions;
• limit the risk of disease, disorders manifested by behavioural changes, traumatic injuries to the birds, injuries caused by birds to each other and, as far as possible, contamination of the birds by droppings;
• exclude predators, rodents, and wild animals and minimise insects;
• allow for the prevention and treatment of infestations of internal and external parasites.
• incorporate damp-proof membranes to prevent insulation breakdown, and measures to prevent easy access by vermin to the insulation material.

33 Emergency planning: Farmers should make advance plans for dealing with emergencies such as fire, flood or disruption of supplies, and should ensure that all staff are made familiar with the appropriate emergency action. At least one responsible member of the staff should always be available to take the necessary steps. Fire precautions should be a major priority for all flock-keepers. Where buildings need to be locked, arrangements must be made to allow rapid entry in case of emergency.

34 Flock-keepers should have access to and be familiar with the content of the DEFRA booklet 'Farm Fires'.

35 Where birds are housed, floors, perches and platforms should be of a suitable design and material and not cause discomfort, distress or injury to the birds. They must provide sufficient support, particularly for the forward facing claws of each foot; moreover, perches should be of sufficient length to allow all birds to roost at the same time. Floors, perches and platforms should be kept sufficiently dry and clean.

36 Birds shall be kept in such a way that they can keep themselves clean.

37 Ventilation, heating, lighting, feeding, watering and all other equipment should be designed, sited and installed so as to avoid risk of injuring birds.

alternative systems

The details given below apply from 1st January 2003 to all newly built or rebuilt systems or systems brought into production for the first time. However, these minimum requirements apply to all alternative systems from 1 January 2007.

38 Usable area may be made up of the ground surface of the building where accessible to the hens and any additional raised areas or platforms at least 30cm wide, including perforated floors providing arrangements are in place to prevent fouling of hens below.

39 Nests should be provided with a floor substrate, which encourages nesting behaviour. This is especially important at the start of lay, when the provision of loose litter may be used to encourage the pullets to use the nests. Individual nests should be designed to accommodate only one bird at a time. Communal nests should be designed using divisions and suitable access points to minimise overcrowding.

40 Nest floors may be made of wire mesh provided that this is overlain by another material such as straw or plastic.

41 Only perches at 30cm centres or more should be calculated as part of the perching space.

42 Multi-tier systems with perforated platforms should have droppings belts or trays beneath. Perches must be positioned to minimise fouling of any hens below and, where possible, should be over a droppings pit.

43 Even where ladders are provided, nests, roosting areas, perches and platforms should not be so high above floor level that birds have difficulty in using them or risk injury.

conventional cages

The details given below apply from 1st January 2003. Keeping laying hens in the cages referred to below is prohibited from 1 January 2012. In addition, with effect from 1 January 2003, no cages such as are referred to below may be built or brought into service for the first time.

44 Cages should be designed and maintained so as to minimise discomfort and distress and to prevent injury to the birds.

45 Droppings should not be allowed to fall on birds in lower tiers of cages. Droppings pits below battery cages should be closed off to prevent birds gaining access.

46 If there is evidence that the claws of hens are found to be overgrown or broken, then the provision of claw shortening devices should be enhanced. Excessively abrasive devices may cause injury so caution should be exercised in specifying such devices.

enriched cages

The details given below apply from 1st January 2003.

47 If there is evidence that claws of hens are found to be overgrown or broken then the provision of claw shortening devices should be enhanced. Excessively abrasive devices may cause injury so caution should be exercised in specifying such devices.

48 The aisle width should be measured as the unobstructed width between the outer edges of the feed troughs. The distance to the floor should be measured to the mesh base of the cage.

environment

ventilation, temperature

49 Provision of insulation and ventilation should be designed to avoid heat and cold stress. Care should be taken to protect confined birds from draughts in cold conditions.

50 Birds, particularly those in cages, should not be exposed to strong direct sunlight or hot surroundings long enough to cause heat stress as indicated by prolonged panting.

51 In the event of feather loss, steps should be taken wherever possible to ensure that hens are not subjected to cold stress; for example, hens should be given more food.

52 The ventilation system, and facilities for storing and handling litter and manure should be designed, maintained and managed to prevent the exposure of birds to gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide in concentrations which cause discomfort to the birds or which are detrimental to their health.

light

53 In normal conditions, in cage and multi-level systems, light intensity should be at least 5 lux, and preferably not less than 10 lux, measured at any feed trough level; in other systems, light intensity in the perching, walking and feeding areas should be at least 10 lux measured at bird eye height. However, a reduction in lighting level may assist in addressing an outbreak of vice such as feather pecking or cannibalism.

54 In all houses, especially those with natural light, measures should be taken to ensure that light distribution is as even as possible.

55 A period of twilight should be provided to give birds time to roost; this is of particular importance in alternative systems and enriched cages.

litter

The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2002 (S.S.I. 2002 No.334), Schedule 3A, paragraph 3(e); provisions applicable to laying hens kept in non-cage systems; states that:

• All systems must be equipped in such a way that all laying hens have:

at least 250cm ² of littered area per hen, the litter occupying at least one third of the ground surface.

56 In alternative systems, all birds should have access to a littered area which should be maintained in a friable condition and at an adequate depth for dust bathing, approximately 10cm. To ensure good litter management, this depth of litter may be made up over the first two months of use. Birds should have access to good quality substrate for dust bathing and to prevent health problems, in particular foot, leg and breast lesions.

57 Mouldy litter should not be used. There should be frequent checks to ensure that litter does not become infested with harmful organisms parasitic to birds.

58 Attention should also be paid to the advice given in the DEFRA booklet "Poultry Litter Management".

noise

animals with access to open runs

59 Where birds are kept extensively and are free to range it is important to provide some overhead shelter. Reasonable precautions should be taken to protect birds against predators, dogs and cats. Shelter from rain, sun and cold should always be available when necessary. Windbreaks should be provided on exposed land.

60 Housing used by range birds should be of sufficient standard to ensure that the birds are not subject to distress caused by extremes of temperature.

61 Factors such as soil type, drainage and size of colony and frequency of flock rotation are very important in deciding the number of birds that a particular area can carry. Heavy, poorly drained soil can carry fewer birds than land that is light and well drained.

62 It is important to establish a system of rotation of grazing or house movement in order to prevent poaching and build up of parasitic infection and disease. Where houses in free-range systems are to remain in one location, steps should be taken to prevent the ground immediately around the house becoming poached. Flocks and portable houses should be moved with sufficient regularity to avoid continuously muddy conditions and/or contamination of the land with organisms which cause or carry disease to an extent which could seriously prejudice the health of poultry. Unless the house is moved frequently, it is good practice to protect the ground immediately adjacent to it, e.g. by providing slatted or wire mesh platforms, covered verandas or areas of gravel.

63 Birds should be encouraged to use the outdoor area by the provision of adequate suitable, properly managed vegetation, outdoor scratch whole grain feeding, a fresh supply of water and overhead cover all sufficiently far from the house to encourage the birds to range.

64 When birds are transferred to range houses, precautions should be taken to avoid crowding and suffocation, particularly during the first few nights. Cannibalism is a danger under this system, and birds should not normally be confined for too long during hours of daylight or subjected to direct sunlight during confinement.

65 Where the area within a veranda attached to a free-range house is included in the calculation of floor space, it must have the same artificial lighting system as within the inner part of the unit. The popholes must meet the requirements of the legislation and continuous pophole access must be provided between the house and the veranda.

automatic or mechanical equipment

66 Prior to installing more complex or elaborate equipment than previously used, consideration should be given to the question of animal welfare. In general the greater the restriction imposed on the bird and the greater the complexity of the system or degree of control which is exercised over temperature, air flow or food supply, the less the bird is able to use its instinctive behaviour to modify the effect of unfavourable conditions and the greater the chance of suffering if mechanical or electrical failures occur. Thus systems involving a high degree of control over the environment should only be installed where conscientious staff skilled in both poultry husbandry and the use of the equipment will always be available.

67 All equipment and services including feed hoppers, drinkers, ventilating fans, heating and lighting units, fire extinguishers and alarm systems should be cleaned and inspected regularly and kept in good working order. All automated equipment, upon which the birds' welfare is dependent, must incorporate a fail-safe device and/or standby device and an alarm system to warn the flock-keeper of failure. Defects should be rectified immediately or other measures taken to safeguard the health and welfare of the birds. Alternative ways of feeding and of maintaining a satisfactory environment should therefore be ready for use.

68 All electrical installations at mains voltage should be inaccessible to the birds and properly earthed.

mutilations

Beak trimming

69 If behavioural problems occur, they should be tackled immediately by appropriate changes in the system of management, for example, by reduction of the lighting intensity. Research also indicates that availability of good quality litter, particularly shavings, encourages foraging and dust-bathing and hence reduces the feather-pecking tendency.

breeding procedures

70 When considering the establishment or replacement of a flock, the choice of hybrid should be made with the aim of reducing welfare and health problems.

catching and transport

71 Birds should not be deprived of feed or water before transport; however, feed, but not water, may be withheld for up to 12 hours prior to slaughter. This period of 12 hours must be an inclusive period to include the catching, loading, transport, lairaging and unloading time prior to slaughter.

72 Every effort should be made to co-ordinate collection times with production requirements at the slaughterhouse, in order to limit the time birds are held in containers before transport.

73 Before de-populating houses, any hindrance from fixtures and fittings, especially sharp edges and protrusions must be removed. Care must be taken in catching birds in order to avoid panic and subsequent injury to and smothering of the birds, for example by reducing the intensity of the light or using a blue light.

74 Particular care should be taken when moving birds within a house to ensure that no bird is injured by the equipment or handling process. The proper handling of birds requires skill, and it should be undertaken only by competent persons who have been appropriately trained. It should be carried out quietly and confidently, exercising care to avoid unnecessary struggling which could bruise or otherwise injure the birds. For catching birds in cages, they must be removed from the cage singly and to avoid injury or suffering and must be held by BOTH legs. The breast should be supported during removal from the cage. Loose-housed birds must be caught by BOTH legs to avoid injury or suffering.

75 In all systems, birds should only be carried by the legs and care taken to avoid hitting solid objects particularly if wings are flapping. They should not be carried by their wings, heads or necks. The number of birds carried will depend upon the size of the bird and the ability of the carrier but a maximum of 3 per hand must not be exceeded. Distances birds are carried should be minimised, for example by bringing transport containers as close as possible to the birds.

76 Transport containers with large openings should be used to avoid damage to the birds; the design, size and state of repair of any container used to carry birds should allow them to be put in, conveyed and taken out without injury.

77 During the time birds are held in the containers they should be protected from bad weather and excessively hot or cold conditions. They should not be allowed to become stressed (as indicated by prolonged panting) by being left in containers exposed to strong direct sunlight. Adequate ventilation for the birds is essential at all times.

78 Care should also be taken when crates are loaded on to vehicles, and in their transportation and unloading, to avoid physically shocking the birds.

79 Birds that cannot be transported because they are unfit to travel due to being ill, injured, infirm or fatigued should be given prompt veterinary treatment or humanely despatched on farm without delay.

appendix

References

For labelling purposes only, Commission Regulation ( EEC) No 1274/91 (O.J. No L 121, 16.5.91, p.11) as amended introducing detailed rules for implementing certain marking standards for eggs, requires that poultry enterprises must comply with the following minimum criteria in order to mark their small egg packs with the terms shown:

(a) "Free range eggs" must be produced in poultry establishments which satisfy at least the conditions specified in Article 4 of Directive 1999/74/ EC (O.J. No. L 203, 3.8.99, p.53) laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens with effect from the dates referred to in that Article and in which:

• hens have continuous daytime access to open-air runs, except in cases of temporary restrictions imposed by veterinary authorities;
• the open-air runs to which hens have access are mainly covered with vegetation and not used for other purposes except for orchards, woodland and livestock grazing if the latter is authorised by the competent authorities;
• the open-air runs must at least satisfy the conditions specified in Article 4 (1) (3) (b) (ii) of Directive 1999/74/ EC whereby the maximum stocking density is not greater than 2,500 hens per hectare of ground available to the hens or one hen per 4m2 at all times and the runs are not extending beyond a radius of 150m from the nearest pophole of the building; an extension of up to 350m from the nearest pophole is permissible provided that a sufficient number of shelters and drinking troughs within the meaning of that provision are evenly distributed throughout the whole open-air run with at least four shelters per hectare

(b) "Barn eggs" must be produced in poultry establishments which satisfy at least the conditions specified in Article 4 of Directive 1999/74/ EC with effect from the dates referred to in that Article.

(c) "Eggs from caged hens" must be produced in poultry establishments which satisfy at least:

• the conditions specified in Directive 88/166/ EEC until 31.12.2002;
• the conditions specified in Article 5 of Directive 1999/74/ EC as from 1.1.2003 until 31.12.2011, or:
• the conditions specified in Article 6 of Directive 1999/74/ EC as from1.1.2002.

useful publications

Useful publications related to the welfare of laying hens available from DEFRA.

information

Copies of these publications can be obtained, free of charge, from:

Telephone orders (for free publications): 0845 955 6000
Telephone enquiries: 0845 955 6000
Email: defra@iforcegroup.com
Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk

These publications are updated on a regular basis; for more information on the most current versions and new literature please contact DEFRA's Animal Welfare Division on 020 7904 6513.

Copies of the legislation quoted in the Code are available from The Stationery Office:

Telephone orders: 0870 606 5566
Email: edinburgh.bookshop@tso.co.uk

Website: http://www.tso.com

Further information - If you would like any further information or advice relating to this code please contact:

The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Animal Health and Welfare branch on 0131 244 6117.

Other useful information can be found in:

"Joint Industry Welfare Guide to the Handling of End of Lay Hens and Breeders".

The Humane Slaughter Association's Booklet: "The Practical Slaughter of Poultry - A Guide for the Small Producer" ISBN number 1 871561 167.

Available from www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/poultry :

Explanatory leaflet on the EC egg marketing standards regulations (Explanatory Leaflet EMR 1)

Explanatory leaflet on the production methods for eggs marketed under the special marketing terms (Explanatory Leaflet EMR 14)

Available from www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/poultry
www.europa.eu.mt/eur-lex/en/lif/index.html :

Consolidated version of Commission Regulation ( EEC) No. 1274/91 (O.J. No L 121 of 16.5.1991) as amended.