Challenges of the new requirements for welfare of laying hens housed in cages

In this chapter, the technical challenges associated with laying hens housed in cage systems are discussed as well as the extensive modifications to the system necessary to guarantee welfare, which in turn can have a strong impact on egg production. The improved management of egg production throughout the year, especially in vertically integrated companies, has been accompanied by an increase in average flock size. This development, also known as intensification, has had consequences on rearing methods. This chapter focuses on housing for laying hens, and in particular on furnished cages, a new system being developed. Since 1999, an EU Directive (1999/74/CE) has fixed the minimum standards for laying hens (space allowance, litter, nest and perch availability). The use of new systems such as furnished cages and alternative systems can obviously lead to better welfare for hens. However, the improvement of animal welfare per se is not guaranteed (pecking, cannibalism, disease). Moreover, and especially with alternative systems, attention has to be paid to other secondary implications such as those related to human health and egg quality. We are clearly at a cross-road, and decisions need to be made regarding building design and equipment for laying hens.