Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cage-free egg production is now the predominant system in Australia. However, the occurrence of floor eggs (FE), which are eggs laid outside designated nest boxes, presents a major challenge for these producers. To understand factors that may be associated with the laying of FE, a national scoping survey of cage-free egg-laying flocks was undertaken. Forty-three flocks across multiple farms were surveyed via a phone-based interview using predetermined questions. Floor egg levels ranged from 0.01–17%. There was no difference in floor egg levels between the breeds of brown-egg-laying hens. Age at peak lay did not alter the level of FE, but higher rate of peak lay had a weak association with fewer FE (r = −0.31, p = 0.049). Larger flocks had a lower percentage of FE (r = −0.5, p = 0.002), and farmers of larger sized flocks considered a lower level of floor eggs to be acceptable. Farms with tunnel-ventilated sheds reported fewer FE compared to those using other ventilation systems (p = 0.013). Higher floor egg levels were associated with increased labor costs (p = 0.023). These findings suggest that shed design and environmental management may be leveraged to reduce floor egg occurrence and improve operational efficiency in cage-free systems.
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ani15131967
Authors: Ruby Putt, Hubert Brouwers, Peter John Groves, Wendy Isabelle Muir
Institution: The University of Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: Australian Eggs
Awards: G1119338201, G517353943
OpenAlex ID: W4412037103