ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 43 MANAGING THE SHIFT TO CAGE-FREE EGG PRODUCTION Dr. Harriet Walker Poultry Specialist Alltech “Cage-free environments expose hens to more disease-causing organisms due to increased contact with other birds, wild animals and bacteria. Studies indicate that mortality rates are generally higher in cage-free systems. This may lead to increased antibiotic use, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which threatens both animal and human health. Since 90% of poultry diseases are linked to gut health, gut health management is crucial to mitigate disease and reduce the need for antibiotics.” The European egg industry is transitioning away from caged farming as the European Commission pushes for more humane practices. While a definitive timeline for a full ban remains unclear, many countries have already banned — or scheduled the phase-out of — cage systems. Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria have already banned caged production, with Germany, Czechia and Slovakia planning to follow suit over the coming years. Cage-free systems allow hens to express natural behaviors like wing stretching, walking, dust bathing and foraging, which are seen as welfare improvements. However, this shift also brings challenges, including higher disease exposure, increased production costs, and the need for better management of litter quality, aggression and feed efficiency. Proper biosecurity, nutrition and gut health management are essential to maintain productivity and food safety. CHALLENGES IN CAGE-FREE EGG PRODUCTION The transition to cage-free systems includes two main types of housing: barn and free-range systems. In barn systems, hens can move freely within the house and have access to perches and litter for dust bathing and scratching. Free-range systems offer additional access to outdoor areas covered in vegetation. However, this increased movement and exposure to the environment bring new concerns, particularly regarding disease control, feed consumption, wet litter management, and the potential rise in antibiotic usage. Increased disease risk and antibiotic use Cage-free environments expose hens to more disease-causing organisms due to increased contact with other birds, wild animals and bacteria. Studies indicate that mortality rates are generally higher in cage-free systems. This may lead to increased antibiotic use, raising concerns about antimicrobial
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