Location: Egg and Poultry Production Safety Research Unit
Project Number: 6040-32420-003-010-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2023
End Date: Aug 31, 2028
Objective:
The United States is transitioning to more extensive style laying hen housing for egg production. This shift is due to consumer demand and legislative initiatives. More information is needed to determine the impact of hen housing systems on egg safety and quality. In particular, there is limited scientific research on free-range laying hen management and resulting impacts on egg safety and quality.
Approach:
The cooperator will purchase, install, and subsequently manage laying flocks in commercial mobile laying hen housing units. The collaborative studies will include examining the role of range management, flock nutrition, and natural and artificial lighting on laying hen welfare quality, production characteristics, flock efficiency, and egg safety and quality. Additional studies will be conducted as personnel and fiscal resources allow.
