Catching and loading of laying hens and broiler chickens: status quo, challenges and recommendations

Catching and loading represent critical phases in the poultry production chain and are repeatedly identified as major risk factors for compromised animal welfare. This scoping review synthesises the current scientific evidence on catching and loading practices in laying hens and broiler chickens, with particular emphasis on animal-based welfare indicators, handling techniques, and operational constraints under commercial conditions. Peer-reviewed studies addressing manual and mechanical catching, inverted versus upright handling, and one-leg versus two-leg grasping were systematically assessed. Across both laying hens and broiler chickens, inverted manual catching is consistently associated with increased fear-related behaviour, elevated physiological stress responses, and a higher prevalence of wing injuries, whereas upright handling generally reduces wing flapping and handling-related trauma. However, upright catching is substantially more labour-intensive and time-consuming, highlighting a trade-off between animal welfare benefits and ergonomic and economic feasibility. Catching in an upright position is possible in a similar amount of time to inverted catching, but only with a larger number of personnel. Evidence for mechanical catching systems is heterogeneous: while such systems may reduce fear-related struggling compared with inverted manual catching, welfare outcomes strongly depend on machine design, operational settings, and bird–machine interactions. The review further examines avian respiratory physiology in the context of inverted handling and critically appraises the frequently cited assumption that inversion compromises respiration through visceral compression. Current evidence does not support this mechanism, as direct physiological measurements under inverted handling are lacking. Overall, the available literature is characterised by marked methodological heterogeneity, limiting direct comparability between studies. Nevertheless, consistent patterns indicate that minimising inversion, agitation, and handling-related impacts is central to improving welfare during depopulation. These findings underscore the need for outcome-oriented handling practices, improved crew training, and future research incorporating direct physiological measurements to better inform welfare-oriented and legally compliant catching strategies.