WELFARE

WELFARE OF THE FLOCK

Ethical Stewardship: Our Commitment to Flock Welfare

At Hy-Line North America, the safety of our people and the health and well-being of our birds are our highest priorities. We believe that ethical animal husbandry is the foundation of a sustainable poultry industry, and we are dedicated to the continuous advancement of welfare practices across our entire supply chain.

Our approach is rooted in science-based standards and the principle of continuous improvement. By providing our birds with optimum environments, rigorous health monitoring, and expert care, we ensure they have the foundation needed to thrive. For us, welfare isn’t just a requirement—it is a core value that drives the long-term success of our customers and the integrity of the eggs they produce.

WELFARE GOALS AND PRINCIPLES

HEALTH AND VETERINARY CARE

Flock health is driven by rigorous, evidence-based medical programs developed and overseen by a dedicated team of staff veterinarians. By combining proactive preventative medicine with advanced biosecurity, we protect the integrity of our genetic lines to ensure every chick delivered is healthy, resilient, and ready to perform. This level of clinical oversight guarantees that every bird receives the highest standard of care throughout its life cycle.

Husbandry and handling practices

Husbandry and handling procedures are strictly aligned with the ethical guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These protocols ensure every bird is managed with the precision and respect required for optimal health, supported by a staff that undergoes rigorous, ongoing training in humane best practices. By prioritizing the behavioral and physiological needs of the flock at every touchpoint, we maintain the integrity and excellence required for superior field performance.

High quality feed and water

Precision nutrition is the cornerstone of flock health, centered on continuous access to clean water and diets formulated for specific life-stage requirements. Developed by experts, these feed programs provide the exact balance of vitamins, minerals, and energy necessary for robust development and peak immunity. By maintaining strict quality control over every input, the birds are not just sustained but optimized for resilience and high-performance results in the field.

Environment

Birds are housed in state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled facilities engineered to meet their specific physiological and behavioral needs. These optimized climates ensure safety and comfort while facilitating seamless daily inspections and a secure workspace for employees. As a critical component of the broader biosecurity program, superior facility design maintains the health and integrity of the flock, providing the stable foundation required for consistent, high-standard performance.

Transportation

Specialized, climate-controlled transportation ensures that health and comfort remain the priority from hatch to delivery. By utilizing an efficient distribution network and expert handlers, transit times are minimized to mitigate environmental stress and maintain strict biosecurity. This focus on logistical precision ensures every chick arrives in optimal condition, providing a seamless transition from the hatchery to the farm for long-term flock success.

Training

High standards are upheld through a culture of continuous professional development and a rigorous training curriculum. Every team member is trained and regularly recertified in humane animal handling, flock welfare, biosecurity protocols, and advanced husbandry. By empowering staff as active guardians of flock health, this commitment to ongoing education ensures that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are met with precision, maintaining the integrity and performance expected from a 90-year industry legacy.

Research

Sustainability and welfare are driven by global research initiatives focused on the continuous improvement of genetics and operational practices. A primary focus of current innovation is the advancement of In-Ovo gender identification, a transformative technology that meets the evolving ethical and economic needs of the poultry industry. By investing in these international projects, the goal is to lead the industry in socially responsible solutions and ethical production practices, ensuring that innovation defines the future of poultry science.

Accountability in Action:
Our Welfare Governance

Uncompromising consistency is maintained through a dedicated Animal Welfare Committee and on-site Welfare Coordinators at every facility. This governance team conducts comprehensive annual reviews to refine practices and ensure every employee adheres to core principles of bird health and safety.

With a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding welfare violations and a transparent reporting system, the culture empowers staff to prioritize the birds in their care. By integrating new technologies and innovative management practices, operations continue to evolve to meet the changing ethical and economic needs of the global industry.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

If any person witnesses willful neglect or abuse of our birds, they are urged to immediately send an email to: awinfo@hylinena.com

Please provide sufficient details, such as name and telephone callback number, and specific incident particulars so we are able to act on these reports immediately. If violations of our policies and procedures have occurred, we will take swift and appropriate actions, including filing of formal charges and dismissal of the perpetrators.

AUDITS AND UPDATES

We complete annual third-party and internal audits of our welfare policies, practices, procedures and operational facilities. Our goal is to ensure that we maintain compliance of our own policies in addition to the latest industry developments and best practices.

HY-LINE NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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