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Modern commercial
egg production methods bear little resemblance to the 'horrific'
images so often portrayed through the mass media by animal welfare
groups.
Today's caged systems
offer the greatest scope for the development of all aspects of
egg production including animal welfare, animal health, environmental
sustainability, food safety and economics.
In Queensland,
caged hens are increasingly housed in meticulously clean, climate-controlled
sheds incorporating technically advanced feeding, watering and
egg collection systems.
Hens housed in
these facilities generally enjoy greater physical comfort than
would otherwise be possible, particularly during the extremes
of Queensland's winter and summer weather.
Commercial egg producers
have invested millions of dollars to ensure their flocks remain
healthy and are maintained in peak condition. Their hens receive
a balanced, nutritious diet and clean cool water, while waste
products are continually and automatically removed to maintain
a clean, stress-free, pollution-free living environment.
Caged hen egg production
methods deliver safe, affordable, nutritious eggs under the most
hygienic systems available. The risk of contamination from salmonella
is considered to be far less in a caged hen system than with floor
based systems. This risk has been recognised by microbiologists
for many years. In fact, it was originally cited as the primary
reason for moving away from the earlier floor based systems.
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