The effects of housing systems for laying hens on egg safety and quality

Publication date: 31/03/2017
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: Deana R. Jones, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USA

Chapter synopsis: Since the turn of the century, there have been rapid shifts worldwide in the housing and management systems used for laying hens. These have been mandated partly as a response to consumer concern for hen well-being. However, factors such as the quality, safety and price of eggs are also very important to consumers. In this chapter, we examine the impact of different housing systems on the safety and quality of eggs. Sections 2, 3 and 4 concentrate on safety, and review recent research about how hen housing and flock management affect indicator populations, food borne pathogens, and chemical contamination. Section 5 then considers the quality of both the egg’s shell and its interior. We also note how different research settings and methods have produced apparently contradictory results, and make recommendations for the direction of future research.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0012.09