Why Free-Range Egg Production is the Best for Hens and Consumers

    There are so many options to choose from at a grocery store, and even in the egg aisle, there is bound to be at least three or four different classifications of eggs. However, a lot of consumers don't really know what all these labels and choices mean, and if they do, which of those labels is the best for them and the hens that laid those eggs? To answer that, free range egg production is arguably the best for both you the consumer and the hens because free range systems promote the hens' natural behavior/welfare while offering a more nutritious egg for you!

    The concept of a free-range production system has been in place for a long time, with homesteaders and backyard poultry raisers utilizing a stationary coop in which the hens could roam outside of during the day, and then have a safe place to sleep at night. Nowadays, commercial free-range egg production uses the same concept, but adds modern additions/automations to the barns without sacrificing the ability for hens to express their natural behaviors. 

While small free range flocks in backyards were the most prevalent until the 1950's, there has been a huge shift toward commercialization, with eggs being produced in large, climate controlled barns with multi-tiered cages. It wasn't too long before consumers wanted to know more about their food, and those questions and preferences have shaped the market demand for cage-free and free-range eggs. While there has been a major push to "go cage-free" in recent years, roughly 70% of all eggs in the U.S still come from caged hens. The remaining 30% of eggs are from cage-free hens. However, the contribution of free-range eggs to the market apparently isn't significant enough to be considered. However, is cage-free really satisfactory for the nutritional needs of the consumer as well as the welfare of the hens?

    As the term "free-range" implies, the hens are allowed to roam freely without being confined to a cage. While they still have boundaries put in place for their protection (predators) the hens are allowed to scratch, forage, fly, peck, and dustbathe, which caged hens are not able to do. The key difference between caged, cage-free, and free-range is this: the hens are given an exponentially larger area at their disposal. In addition to the extra space, the hens are offered an alternate feed source, which more often than not includes grass, bugs, ect...

 

    While we cannot talk to a hen in each system to find out her happiness level, scientists have been able to measure hormone levels within the hens and eggs to help determine if additional stress was present. The issue with measuring hormone levels was that the amounts were barely able to be detected in many cases, which meant that stress couldn't be accurately measured. However, observational data, such as egg production, feed and water intake, and death rates can tell a great deal about how stressed a flock might be. High production, feed and water intake, and low mortality are all signs of a flock under low stress. 

Depending on the system, there are some factors that can contribute to lower/higher production, intake, and mortality. On a numbers basis, it would appear that free-range hens are actually worse off than their conventional counterparts because of an average lower rate of production and overall higher mortality. But, unlike conventionally housed hens, free range hens are at more risk of predation, as well as bone fractures and diseases due to their increased range of motion, as well as environmental factors, like weather. Also, the addition of a low energy feed source, like grass, contributes to a slightly lower production average. 

    The good news is that there are benefits to these apparent drawbacks! Due to the diversified diet, the nutritional and textural quality of each free range egg is raised! Contrast a free-range egg with a conventional (or even a cage free egg) and you'll be astounded at the difference. In 2011, a study was done by the Poultry Science Association, in which the scientists were specifically measuring fat levels between conventional eggs and free range eggs. The study found that free range eggs have anywhere from 6%-8% higher polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats (healthy fats) than conventional eggs. While certain nutrient values, like protein and certain vitamin levels, are comparable in all types of eggs, there still are several major differences! 

    There are definite risks associated with any production system. While hens in cages may suffer fewer broken bones, or never have to worry about being attacked by a predator, the quality of life that we perceive is quite different from one system to the other. 

From a human standpoint, the increased risk associated with freedom results in an increased enjoyment of life. While hens may not have the same perspective, we have the freedom to promote as much of their natural behavior as possible.