Could Scotland become the first nation in the UK to completely ban colony cages in egg production?
The proposed legislation, currently in a consultation phase due to close in June 2024, has sparked debate between animal welfare advocates and the egg industry.
The Scottish Government’s preferred option would see a halt on building new enriched cages by 2030, followed by a complete ban on all cage-produced eggs by 2034, including banning battery cages for pullets, breeder layers and layer hen units with less than 350 birds.
“There is a demand from society to move to more ethical production systems,” explains the Scottish government in its consultation document.
Campaigners for the ban, like the animal rights group Compassion in World Farming, highlight the welfare benefits for hens. Colony cages, while an improvement on the barren cages they replaced, still confine numbers of birds in a restricted space. “This is a huge step forward for animal welfare in Scotland,” says James Kirkwood, Head of Campaigns at Compassion in World Farming. “Colony cages deny hens the freedom to express natural behaviours like dustbathing and wing-flapping, causing them immense suffering.”
Free-range and barn production systems, which the ban would encourage, allow hens more space and freedom of movement. This is generally considered to be better for their physical and mental well-being.
Challenges for the industry
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland has raised concerns about the impact on egg producers. Transitioning to free-range or barn systems requires significant investment in new housing and infrastructure.
“The cost of conversion is substantial, and with tight margins in the egg industry, it’s not something that every egg producer will be able to afford,” says Stuart Mitchell, NFU Scotland’s Poultry Committee Chairman. Gary Ford, the Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council also raised concerns saying that “In addition to consumers, producers in Scotland who export to the rest of the UK will also be disadvantaged by the proposed changes”.
There are also questions about the potential impact on egg prices for consumers. Free-range and barn eggs typically cost more to produce than caged eggs, which could lead to price increases at the supermarket.
The Scottish government acknowledges these challenges and is proposing financial support measures to help egg producers transition to cage-free systems. However, the details of these measures are still being worked out.
The future of eggs in Scotland
The outcome of the consultation will determine the future of egg production in Scotland, however, there are hurdles to overcome, and the industry will need support to ensure a smooth transition, should the Scottish government decide to go ahead with this plan.
How can Livetec help improve the welfare of your livestock
Livetec have been at the forefront of the drive for greater animal welfare for over a decade. We have advised some of the largest poultry and egg producers on implementing strict biosecurity measures to protect their business, but also measures that should be considered when they have been looking to expand their businesses. From the siting of additional sheds or bringing contract farmers into the fold, our advice is bespoke and unique to your poultry or egg business.
You can take the first step to better protecting your farm business with our Biosecurity Advisory Service here, or contact us with any questions you have here.
