PROGRAM

Critical points in cage-free management

Mark Allen will give a talk on "Critical Points in Cage-Free Management" on the morning of Wednesday, October 18 in the stance room at the LPN Congress & Expo 2023.

Information about the topic of the presentation

Cage-free management is a system of egg production in which hens have access to outdoor areas and are allowed to move freely within an indoor facility. This approach is increasingly popular with consumers and egg producers as it is considered a more humane and sustainable alternative to traditional cage systems.

However, for cage-free management to be effective, attention needs to be paid to several critical points. First, it is essential to provide adequate space for the hens, both inside the indoor facility and outside. The birds must have enough space to move around and perform natural behaviors, such as pecking and exploring.

In addition, it is important to ensure proper hygiene and cleanliness of the facility. This includes disease and parasite control, proper disposal of waste, and regular cleaning of feeding and roosting areas.

Another critical point in cage-free management is feeding and water supply. It is important to provide a balanced diet and ensure that the hens have access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Finally, attention needs to be paid to animal welfare and providing as natural an environment as possible. This may include providing materials such as straw or wood for the birds to peck and explore, and eliminating practices such as beak trimming, which can cause pain and stress to the hens.

In summary, cage-free management is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cage systems in egg production. However, for this approach to be effective, attention needs to be paid to several critical points, including the provision of adequate space, hygiene and cleanliness, feed and water supply, and animal welfare. By doing so, producers can provide high quality eggs in a more humane and sustainable manner