Most Egg Production Worldwide Continues To Be In Traditional Cage Housing
According to the International Egg Commission (IEC), a pro-industry trade group, the majority (85%) of worldwide egg production continues to be in traditional cage housing. According to this study, cage housing systems provide hens with lower mortality and keep the price of eggs low.
Also, according to these findings, seven countries (Mexico, China, Brazil, India, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Iran) produce all of their eggs in cages. The United States produces about 95% of its eggs in modern cage housing, and about 5% in cage-free or other non-cage type systems.
Proponents of cage systems say that this housing system provides the hens with fresh food and water, and also allows for the eggs to be collected quickly for the freshest and safest eggs. Craig Reed, formerly with the Food Safety Inspection Service of the USDA says that hens in modern cage systems have fewer diseases, less mortality, require fewer medications, and leave the smallest carbon footprint, at the least cost for consumers.
On the other hand, a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit showed no substantial quality difference between specialty (cage-free, etc.) and traditionally-produced eggs, while a 2010 study by D.C. Lay Jr. with the USDA and other animal welfare experts said that “mortality can reach unacceptably high levels in non-cage systems,” “hens in conventional cages and furnished cages have less footpad dermatitis and bumblefoot” and “non-cage and outdoor systems provide a greater opportunity for disease and parasites.”