Publication Database

How the housing system can affect egg quality (2025)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Ruhnke, Isabelle (WE 15)

Sibanda, Terence Zimazile

Quelle

Lohmann-Information

Heftzählung: 1

Seiten: 2 – 22

ISSN: 1617-2829

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://lohmann-breeders.com/de/lohmanninfo/how-the-housing-system-can-affect-egg-quality/

Kontakt

Nutztierklinik: Abteilung Geflügel

Königsweg 63
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62676
gefluegelkrankheiten@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

he internal and external quality of table eggs is of crucial importance to the egg industry and the consumer, as a variety of markets have different demands. To meet this demand, several housing systems have been established, which allow for different breeds and strains to generate their eggs. This article summarises common challenges seen in various housing systems and shares information that can help to overcome typical pitfalls. Housing system has no impact on egg shape but inconsistent information has been obtained on egg weight, egg shell breaking strength, shell thickness, cracked eggs and dirty eggs. An impact on shell colour could be observed where free-range hens had lighter shell colour compared to barn and caged hens. The housing system may affect food safety and egg quality especially due to challenges associated with nest box use as well as ingestion of dioxin and lead contaminated soil, but does not necessarily impact the Salmonella prevalence as all housing systems have the potential to produce eggs of inferior external and internal quality depending on how they are managed. Furthermore, special emphasis is provided on new insights into the impact of freerange flock sub-populations on laying performance and egg quality.

While egg production differs with range usage, egg quality shows little difference between ranging and non-ranging hens. Awareness of typical pitfalls associated with the different housing systems and their impact of egg quality allows for prevention and preparedness, resulting in the reliable outcome of immaculate and safe eggs with minimal losses and hence improved sustainability of the industry.