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?
