Hens' welfare to egg quality: a European perspective

Abstract

In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and quality concept'. A holistic approach is adopted that encompasses the whole food chain in which responsibility for the production of safe and high quality eggs is shared along the entire food chain. Scientific data on egg quality traits in relation to laying hen welfare in different housing systems are presented. Public concern to improve laying hen welfare and egg quality is widely discussed, partly because it is an area of potential added value for producers, retailers, processors, manufacturers, producer cooperatives. Legislation and legal requirements for the labelling of eggs are described in order to demonstrate the ability to provide sound and scientifically based information on the welfare status of laying hens used to supply particular eggs. The study concludes by highlighting achievements and future aspects on the relationship between hens' welfare and egg quality.