The use of animal‐based measures at slaughter for assessing the welfare of turkeys on farm: EFSA scientific NCPs Network exercise

The Network of the National Contact Points for scientific support under Art. 20 of Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 on the protection of the animals at the time of killing (scientific NCPs Network) includes nationally appointed representatives of Members States, including EFTA Countries. During annual meeting in May 2023, an exercise was performed to collect information from Network members on animal‐based measures (ABMs) used at slaughter to assess the welfare of turkeys on farm. Prior to the meeting, a questionnaire was sent to the Network members requesting information on ABMs currently measured during ante‐ and post‐mortem inspections of turkeys at the slaughterhouses in their countries, the availability of a database for the electronic recording of these ABMs, their feasibility, and any automated systems for their assessment. A structured discussion on the information provided took place during the meeting. Participants were asked to vote and score the criteria for the provided ante‐mortem and post‐mortem ABMs. As a result of this exercise, a list of ABMs deemed useful to be recorded and monitored in the slaughterhouses for assessing the welfare of turkeys on farm was produced.