Egg Production Systems Open Space Allowance and Their Effects on Physical Parameters and Fatty Acid Profile in Commercial Eggs

摘要

Animal welfare is a major concern in consumer’s decision about animal products. Nowadays it is possible to find eggs produced in various systems closer or not to hens’ specific behavioural requirements. In this study we compared physical characteristics and fatty acid profile (being the nutritional value of the egg intimately linked to its lipids content) in four differently labelled eggs according to the production system: enriched cage, alternative (small outdoor area), litter floor and organic (large outdoor area). We found many significant differences in both physical characteristics and fatty acids profiles as an effect of the production system and the outdoor space availability.