The Impact of Different Housing Systems on Egg Safety and Quality

Authors: Holt, Peter; DAVIES, R - Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA); DEWULF, J - Ghent University; Gast, Richard; HUWE, J - North Dakota Department Of Agriculture; Jones, Deana; WALTMAN, D - Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network; WILLIAN, K - Tuskegee University

Submitted to: Proceedings of Iowa Egg Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2010
Publication Date: 11/10/2010
Citation: Holt, P.S., Davies, R.H., Dewulf, J., Gast, R.K., Huwe, J.K., Jones, D.R., Waltman, D., Willian, K.R. 2010. The Impact of Different Housing Systems on Egg Safety and Quality. Proceedings of Iowa Egg Symposium. Proceedings of the Iowa Egg Industry Symposium, November 10, 2010, Iowa State University, Ames, IA..

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A move from conventional cages to either an enriched cage or a noncage system may affect the safety and/or quality of the eggs laid by hens raised in this new environment. The safety of the eggs may be altered either microbiologically through contamination of internal contents with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis) and/or other pathogens, or chemically due to contamination of internal contents with dioxins, pesticides, or heavy metals. Quality may be affected through changes in the integrity of the shell, yolk, or albumen along with changes in function, composition or nutrition. Season, hen breed, flock age, and flock disease/vaccination status also interact to affect egg safety and quality and must be taken into account. An understanding of these different effects is prudent before any large scale move to an alternative housing system is undertaken.