The Effect of Housing Environment on Egg Production, USDA Egg Size, and USDA Grade Distribution of Commercial White Egg Layers

The housing environment has become a critical issue for consumers of eggs and egg products. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how various environments can affect the modern laying hen. In this study, alongside 40th NC layer performance test, four different were chosen based on industry prevalence, which include conventional cages, barren, enrichable colony enriched cage-free environments. Hens in these raised following standard feeding lighting practices. This study found that cage hens had highest production level, while from barren cages lowest level. Feed efficiency followed similar trend, where best feed efficiency, by hens. also largest eggs, smallest eggs. Cage-free mortality rate, rate. From data shown, appears standard, provide white layers with most optimal performance. However, further evaluation health stress needed determine provides hen welfare.