Scientific literature recommends that feed is withdrawn from poultry prior to slaughter to reduce the potential for carcass contamination from crop and intestinal contents. Much research focused on identification of optimum withdrawal times and conditions to maintain slaughter/processing efficiency of poultry. This paper reviews the basic research, as well as practical aspects of implementing feed withdrawal programmes under field conditions. It should be pointed out that, commercial application of feed withdrawal programmes may vary from one country to another, not only because of differences in live production capacities and practices but also in slaughter/inspection regulations. Potential for carcass contamination, both visually and microbiologically, live weight shrink, and saleable yield losses must be taken into account in designing, implementing and monitoring feed withdrawal programmes.
