New research conducted by the National Veterinary Institute in Uppsala, Sweden, reported that hens housed in modern cage systems are at a lesser risk of mortality, cannibalism and disease than hens housed in free-range and cage-free systems.
The study was conducted to identify causes for the increased deaths seen in flocks transitioning from modern cage housing to alternatives ahead of the European Union's 2012 ban of cage production.
This study may be a surprise to some folks - after all, people are led to believe that these other production systems are better for the birds. Turns out, they may just make people feel warm and fuzzy. But warm and fuzzy doesn't necessarily feed people or provide the best care for the animals in question.
The study noted that bacterial diseases, viral diseases, parasitic diseases and cannibalism accounted for the increase in deaths of hens housed in free-range and cage-free systems. Researchers note that the study could have implications outside of Sweden given the housing systems used in the study are similar to those used throughout Europe and the United States.
The United Egg Producers put out a press release on the study. Click here to view.
"The results of the study are not surprising," said Gene Gregory, president of the United Egg Producers. "The modern housing systems we use in the U.S. today are a result of decades of best farming practices and based on research designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the hens as well as ensure the highest levels of food safety."
The sentence in bold is important and one often ignored by animal rights groups who believe food animals should be treated like pets (or people). There is a reason many animals are housed in doors. There is a reason sows farrow in crates. And on and on.
Check out this post and this podcast.
No comments:
Post a Comment