Day 108 - 27 Mar 95 - Page 38


     
     1        in a moment to draw my attention to where -- I do not think
     2        it refers to the different patterns of behaviour here, does
     3        it, that is another article?
     4        A.  Yes, it is another paper.
     5
     6   Q.   What they say in the last paragraph is that there is
     7        evidence of abnormal spontaneous nervous activity, and the
     8        same kind of responses in humans do give rise to pain?
     9        A.  There is more recent research, though, and I am afraid
    10        this is not the most recent.
    11
    12   Q.   No, there we are.  What, as I understand it, it said,
    13        making all due allowances for differences between chickens
    14        and humans, if those unusual responses cause pain in
    15        humans, it is fair to assume they cause pain in chickens as
    16        well?
    17        A.  Yes, but subsequent research has studied the behaviour
    18        more minutely and found less activity which has been
    19        interpreted as behaviourable changes due to probable pain.
    20
    21   MS. STEEL:  In actual fact, it might be worth mentioning that in
    22        the first paragraph it does say a word which I cannot
    23        pronounce, the last sentence:  "Removal of part of the beak
    24        stimulates nociceptors and creates feeding difficulties".
    25        That is something that would affect its behaviour, would
    26        it?
    27        A.  Yes, that is assumed, I think, yes.
    28
    29   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I was not going to take a break because we
    30        had the video which gave the stenographer a rest, but if
    31        you want five minutes to take stock, we will certainly have
    32        it.
    33
    34   MS. STEEL:  I think that might be a good idea.
    35
    36                        (Short adjournment)
    37
    38   MS. STEEL:  Going onto the broiler sheds themselves, you have
    39        detailed some of the problems that you see with the
    40        industry.  I think you were in court for at least part of
    41        the evidence of Dr. Pattison.  The conditions that you
    42        heard about Sun Valley poultry being reared in, do they
    43        sound particularly unusual for the broiler industry or
    44        fairly typical?
    45        A.  I think fairly typical, yes.
    46
    47   Q.   You are concerned about the broiler industry in general
    48        that are detailed in your statement would apply to Sun
    49        Valley as well?
    50        A.  As far as I know, yes. 
    51 
    52   Q.   What is your opinion of the stocking density at Sun Valley 
    53        of 36.5 kilograms a metre square?
    54        A.  I think it is far too high.  It is far too high anyway
    55        in the recommended Code and I think it is that much worse.
    56
    57   Q.   I think Dr. Pattison said that there had been no opposition
    58        to the recommended stocking density in the Codes of
    59        Practice.  Does that accord with your knowledge of the
    60        matter or not?

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