Traveling Shochet Visits Poultry Farms in Kashrus Exploration

Visiting kosher poultry farms in Eretz Yisroel, traveling shochet Rabbi Eliyahu Ezagui, an expert in kosher meat production, discussed halachic issues with farmers including giving shots on Shabbos, chicken growth systems, and ensuring the coops are chametz-free for soon-to-begin Pesach production.

By Anash.org reporter

This past week, Rabbi Eliyahu Ezagui, a renowned expert in kosher meat production, traveled deep into the agricultural heart of Eretz Yisroel to visit several chicken coops nestled in rural kibbutzim. His visit aimed to consult with the Jewish farmers who own these coops, addressing concerns in kashrus as well as unique issues pertinent to chicken farming practices in Eretz Yisroel. The discussions focused on how modern farming practices intersect with kosher standards, animal welfare, and halacha.

One of the main concerns raised during Rabbi Ezagui’s visit was caring for the chickens on Shabbos, particularly administering regular shots. Since many of the chicken coop owners are Jewish, scheduling vaccinations or routine activities during Shabbos raises halachic concerns.

Rabbi Ezagui then moved on to inspect the chicken growth systems, which affect the health and halachic status of the birds. The methods used nowadays involve keeping the chickens in confined spaces and accelerated feeding to produce bigger birds. These practices often result in chickens with large bodies but smaller feet and wings, leading to physical imbalance. Rabbi Ezagui discussed how these traits could potentially pose a halachic concern of severing the sinews (tzomes hagidin) at specific places in the bird’s foot, rendering it a treifa. 

With regards to Pesach production, he ensured that chicken feed is free from even the tiniest amount of grains or additives that could be chametz, maintaining the birds’ kosher status in time for pre-Pesach production.