Integration of animal welfare into housing systems for laying hens

Abstract

During the last 25 yr poultry husbandry has strongly been intensified, dramatically changing the living conditions of the animals and generating fierce debate on animal welfare. The most severe criticism was on the battery cage housing system for laying hens. At present it is the policy of some European countries to ban the battery cage if appropriate alternatives become available. First the concept of welfare is elaborated and parameters for welfare are identified. Secondly, requirements for the housing of laying hens are defined and the strategy towards a new and better housing system is described. The present state of research, especially on the tiered wire-floor system, and constraints and perspectives are discussed. -Authors