Poultry Catching & Transport Standards
POULTRY TRANSPORT Version 4.1
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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)
Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification
New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to
Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before
Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard
Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.
TC.CT.a
All birds must be transported by transporters registered with the Red Tractor Poultry Scheme
TC.CT.b
Each vehicle must carry a written statement of maximum stocking density
How you will be measured
- The statement details the maximum number of birds by weight band to be transported
TC.CT.c Key
The driver must be competent and trained in the handling and welfare of poultry
TC.CT.d
All vehicles have a written Emergency Action Plan
How you will be measured
- Plan details what procedures should be followed in the case of fire, accident or traffic congestion, contact numbers for breakdown services and processing plants
- Emergency Action Plan
TC.CT.e
Drivers have the means of mobile communication with the farm and/or processing plant
TC.CT.f
The time between start of loading and end of unloading at the processing plant must not exceed twelve hours
How you will be measured
- Time calculated from when first bird is loaded into crate to when last bird is unloaded at the processing plant (per vehicle)
TC.CT.g
Journeys must be planned in advance to minimise waiting times
How you will be measured
- Driver ensures the welfare of birds is not compromised by insufficient co-ordination of different parts of the journey and the weather conditions are taken into account
TC.CT.h
Birds must be transported in modular systems which must be placed as close as possible to the group being caught
How you will be measured
- Care taken not to crush or damage birds when placing modules/ crates
TC.CT.i
Urine & faeces must not fall directly onto birds below when modules are stacked on top of each other on a vehicle
How you will be measured
- Module tops are solid
TC.CT.j
Action must be taken to prevent heat or cold stress from occurring
How you will be measured
- Standard applies to vehicles in motion and stationary vehicles
- Protection is available for use in the winter months
- Measures are in place to protect the birds from heat stress in periods of high temperature and humidity
- The adoption of power-ventilated vehicles or a reduction in crate/ module stocking density has been considered
- Contingency measures are in place to provide emergency natural ventilation if required
TC.CT.k
Vehicles must be maintained so not to pose a risk of injury to birds
How you will be measured
- Vehicles:
- prevent birds escaping or falling out
- withstand stresses of movement
- ensure air quality can be maintained
- provide access to birds to allow them to be inspected
- provide lighting e.g. a torch held on the vehicle, sufficient for inspection of birds
TC.CT.l
Transport crates must be maintained in good condition so not to pose a risk of injury to birds
How you will be measured
- Any sharp edges or protrusions with which animals may come into contact must be removed entirely
TC.CT.m
The haulier must retain records for traceability purposes and these must be kept for two years
How you will be measured
- Records include:
- date of movement
- farm of origin and its scheme registration number
- destination
- number of birds transported
- mortalities
- start of loading and end of loading time
- start of journey and end of journey time
- vehicle identification
- register of complaints and any action taken
- Haulage records
More Standards
Download the poultry catching and transport standards manual
The Red Tractor Assurance Catching and Transport Standards for the Poultry Scheme are part of the Red Tractor Food Assurance Scheme assuring food safety, animal welfare, hygiene, and environmental protection through every part of the food chain.
The Standards provide clear meaningful credible assurance for all and should be read in conjunction with the Member Rules which all members are bound by.