Early feeding to become mandatory

Broiler hatcheries in the Netherland have to implement some form of early feeding in the hatchery within the next 5 years. That was the ruling of a Dutch regulatory body. According to the rule, freshly hatched birds must have access to feed and water within 36 hours after hatch of the first birds The case was brought forward by Dutch animal welfare organisation Wakker Dier in 2013 and applies to 2 specific hatcheries, named in the case. These 2 have been subject to a penalty payment, if they do