The welfare status of egg-production in New Zealand
W. Temple, T.M. Foster
Department of Psychology, University of Waikato, Private Bag,
Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 215-219
Of all farm production practices, intensive systems come under public
scrutiny most, and intensive egg-production is often a particular source of
concern. Caged hens are seen as unacceptable in most European countries
due to the density of housing, barrenness of environment and restriction of
"most normal behaviour patterns". In New Zealand most egg-production
systems involve practices which are being questioned overseas in terms of
their welfare impact. This paper presents the results of a survey of some
representative New Zealand farms in the light of public and scientific
concerns for animal welfare. Currently there appears to be no obvious system
likely to replace laying cages and guarantee good welfare. Pressure for
change, however, seems likely.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Egg-production; New Zealand; intensive housing; welfare; poultry.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
