Human factors affecting the behaviour and productivity of commercial broiler chickens

1. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between stockp erson attitude and behaviour, bird behaviour and productivity in the chicke n meat industry. 2. No relationship between stockperson attitude and behaviour was observed, which is in contrast to studies in the pig and dairy industries. 3. Evidence is provided for the existence of sequential relationships betwe en stockperson behaviour bird fear levels and productivity in the broiler f arms examined. 4. The mechanism(s) responsible for the negative relationships between fear levels and production is unclear. It is hypothesised that chronic stress o r a series of acute stress responses may be the mechanism through which fea r affects productivity. 5. The relationship between human behaviour, bird fear levels and productiv ity indicates the potential that exists to improve productivity and perhaps welfare of commercial broilers by reducing fear levels in broiler chickens .