Higher mortality in free-range aviary houses

摘要

Welfare issues have initiated the use of aviary systems. Some farmers use covered or free ranges. Managing flocks kept in these housing systems proves to be complicated: birds suffer from health problems and high mortality rates abound. In light of the new EU directive for housing laying hens, the Dutch government is promoting a switch from battery cages to alternative systems (deep litter/aviaries). There are, however, some issues that prevent farmers from switching to this type of housing: more labour is needed, the number of floor eggs increases, management is more difficult, NH3-emission is higher, disease risk increases, and dust concentration is higher As a result, eggs are more expensive.