Comparing quality of free range and battery cage eggs

Abstract

Quality parameters of eggs from laying hens kept in free-range respectively battery cage systems were compared. Lohmann Brown laying hens (n = 75) from 24 to 30 wk of age were used in the study. Feed and water were available ad libitum for both systems. Lightning was applied via a photovoltaic system planned to benefit from solar energy for the free range system. Eggs were sampled at 14-day intervals, interior and exterior quality parameters were recorded. The study showed that hen age was much more influential than housing system on egg weight (P< 0.05). However, shell weight was found to be significantly higher at 28 weeks of age in free-range eggs (P< 0.05). The yolk colour of free range eggs were significantly lower than that of cage eggs (P< 0.001). It might be caused by colouring agents supplemented to the cage hen diet. On the other hand, yolks of free range eggs were significantly heavier. However, similar effects were not observed with regard to albumen.