Evaluation of Village Chicken Welfare during Transport and Stocking at Live Bird Markets: A Case Study From Maiduguri, Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria

Authors: Lawal JR* , Ibrahim UI , Mshelia SH and Balami AG

DOI: 10.23880/oajvsr-16000279

Volume 9, Issue 2

Abstract

This case study investigates the welfare conditions of village chickens during transportation and stocking in live bird markets in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study focuses on the observations and clues surrounding the transportation process, including the overcrowding of chickens from various sources, the mixing of different age groups and health statuses, and the subsequent overstocking in cramped cages within the markets. Additionally, the study examines the inadequate provision of feed, water, and healthcare, along with the lack of proper housing and environmental enrichment facilities for the chickens. The study aims to provide insights into the current welfare issues faced by village chickens in the live bird markets and highlights the need for improved practices to ensure their well-being. The transportation and stocking of village chickens from neighboring states to live bird markets in Maiduguri, Borno State, raise several welfare concerns. During transportation, the chickens are crowded and tied with other poultry species on moving vehicles, leading to potential heat stress, injuries, and disease transmission. At the live bird markets, the birds are overstocked in small cages with little space to move, leading to aggressive behavior, stress, and unsanitary conditions. Mixing different age groups and healthy and sick chickens further exacerbates welfare issues and disease spread. The lack of proper attention to water, feed, and health care, as well as inadequate housing and environmental enrichment facilities, also negatively impact the well-being of the village chickens. To address welfare challenges in village chicken transportation and stocking, collaborative efforts are essential among farmers, traders, government authorities, and animal welfare organizations. Key recommendations include implementing transportation guidelines to prevent overcrowding and stress, introducing market reforms with species-specific stocking densities, providing education and awareness workshops on proper handling and healthcare, conducting training sessions for best practices, promoting improved housing in live bird markets, establishing and enforcing regulatory measures, fostering partnerships and support, encouraging collaboration and networking, advocating for infrastructure development, and setting up a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and inform future initiatives.

Keywords: Animal Welfare Issues; Live Bird Markets; Transportation Stocking; Village Chicken

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