Pilot project on best practices for alternative egg production (LEGALT)

The EU pilot project LEGALT aims at a critical comparison and evaluation of egg production systems as currently found in different European countries. The aim is to gain insight into better practices in uncaged housing for laying hens. The end goal is that the laying hen industry can switch to an alternative egg production system based on reliable data and practical knowledge. Since the 2012 EU ban on battery cage systems, only two types of indoor housing systems are still allowed for laying hens: enriched cages and non-cage systems (including the aviary system). Enriched cages still limit the exercise of highly motivated behavior of laying hens. A transition to non-cage systems has occurred partially, or completely, in some countries. In other EU countries there is less extensive knowledge and expertise around non-cage systems. In terms of animal welfare, transition to non-cage systems is known to be beneficial for laying hens.  

The research consortium took a close look at non-cage systems in several European countries and evaluated them thoroughly on multiple indicators. From all data we then distilled the best practices for the use of non-cage systems. These best practices were intensively communicated to the European laying hen sector. Best Practices were presented and discussed during a seminar on the Agriflanders 2023 fair. The presentation can be rewatched on the project website: https://bestpracticehens.eu/nl/disseminatie-event-in-belgie/. The Best Practices were also discussed during an international event in Brussels. 

This pilot project aimed to provide practical support to egg producers and encourage them to voluntarily switch to non-cage systems. The lack of knowledge and expertise regarding non-cage systems, as a reason to stick to the still-allowed cage systems, will be reduced. We expect that the transition to non-cage systems will become easier and that this will increase the welfare of the average European laying hen, and will also improve the social acceptance of consumers towards egg producers.