Farming News - New research shows alternatives to day-old chicks in raptor feed as UK moves toward ending culling
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New research shows alternatives to day-old chicks in raptor feed as UK moves toward ending culling
New research has set out practical alternatives to the use of day-old chicks as feed for captive raptors and reptiles, as the UK considers how to transition away from male chick culling in the egg sector.
An estimated 45 million male chicks are culled each year in the UK, with a proportion entering supply chains as feed for birds of prey and reptiles. The new report examines how that dependency could be reduced over time, particularly as in-ovo sexing technology is adopted and the availability of day-old chicks declines.
The report, Sustainable Alternatives to Culled Chicks as Captive Raptor and Reptile Feed (2026), focuses on options already available within agricultural systems, including the use of whole or minimally processed animal by-products (ABPs) from slaughterhouses and other sources.
Researchers suggest that these materials could help meet the nutritional and behavioural requirements of captive carnivores, while making use of existing by-product streams.
Jenny L. Mace, animal welfare researcher and Visiting Scholar at the University of St Andrews, said:
"A clear transition timeline would support both industry planning and animal welfare outcomes. There is already a wide range of animal by-products generated across agriculture and related sectors that could be redirected towards feeding captive carnivores, while longer-term solutions are developed."
The report also highlights the need for further work on nutritional profiling and quality assurance of alternative feeds.
Neil Forbes, BVetMed DECZM FRCVS, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (avian), said:
"Quality assurance testing should begin on the most commonly available alternative whole feeds for birds of prey. This will help refine our understanding of their nutritional value and ensure raptor health and welfare are maintained."
Contributors from across the veterinary and zoological sectors emphasised that any transition would need to maintain high standards of welfare, nutrition, and biosecurity. Representatives linked to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums also indicated openness to exploring small-scale trials of alternative feed sources, subject to practical considerations including cost and logistics.
The report, commissioned by the Vegetarian Society, comes as the UK Government has signalled its interest in ending male chick culling as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, and as several European countries move away from the practice. The report notes that these changes are likely to affect the long-term availability of day-old chicks, and calls for a clear transition period whilst identifying viable alternatives.
Jenny Canham, Public Affairs Lead at the Vegetarian Society, said:
"This new research highlights that there are already practical alternatives within existing agricultural systems that could support a transition away from reliance on day-old chicks as feed. We now need a clear timeline from Government on ending male chick culling and switching to in-ovo sexing technology, while further testing identifies the most suitable alternatives to support a smooth transition."