Abstract:

The “Animal Welfare” eco-scheme, implemented in Poland under the National Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027, covers three poultry categories—laying hens, broilers and turkeys—through mandatory package-based welfare requirements, including cage-free housing, reduced stocking density, longer daily dark periods and environmental enrichment. This article critically analyses these practices in terms of their simultaneous effects on animal welfare and gaseous emissions from poultry housing, with particular emphasis on ammonia (NH₃) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A review of peer-reviewed literature identified through Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect indicates that cage-free and litter-based systems, although clearly beneficial for behavioural welfare, are generally associated with higher indoor ammonia concentrations than cage systems with frequent manure-belt removal. Stocking density, litter moisture and manure-removal frequency are major determinants of the magnitude of this trade-off. The article argues that, after 2027, the current mandatory package-based structure for poultry should evolve towards a more flexible points-based structure incorporating litter-management measures and results-based components, thereby improving alignment between the welfare and environmental and climate-related objectives of the CAP.