A commercial-scale study of housing alternatives for egg-laying hens in the U.S. is being conducted by the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply. The goal of the Coalition is to evaluate the viability of various laying hen housing systems by considering the impact of multiple variables on a sustainable system.

The Coalition believes a significant gap exists in scientific knowledge related to a wide range of sustainability impacts of laying hen housing:

• environmental impact
• food safety
• worker safety
• animal health and well-being
• food affordability

This research will help food companies and other organizations make independent, informed purchasing decisions that are ethically grounded, scientifically verified, economically viable and ultimately in alignment with the desires of consumers.

Michigan State University and the University of California-Davis are leading this commercial-scale research. The study includes:

• cage-free aviary;
• enriched housing including nests and perches;
• caged housing environments currently used by a vast majority of the contemporary U.S. food supply system.

The first research flock was placed in April 2011.  The study will be replicated over two flocks with conclusion in 2014 and results reporting to follow. Watch this video to learn more!