Comparing housing systems for layers: an economic evaluation

摘要

What are the Implications of the Introduction of the layer welfare directive on egg production costs in the European Union after 2012? A variety of housing systems are used worldwide for layers. On large commercial farms, birds are in general kept inbattery cages. At the other end of the scale, many millions of hens are still kept outside on small-scale backyard farms. In recent years, alternative housing systems have been introduced to keep layers in non-cage systems on large commercial farms. These alternative housing systems, e.g. deep litter, barns and aviaries, are based on floor accommodation with birds having access to litter, laying nests and perches. However, the newest development is the enriched cage (also called 'furnished cage'), which will become the minimum standard in the European Union from 2012.