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. 2022 Dec 5:9:1038362.
doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1038362. eCollection 2022.

Cage egg producers' perspectives on the adoption of cage-free systems in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

Maria Catalina Tan de Luna  1 , Qing Yang  2   3 , Ali Agus  4 , Shuichi Ito  5 , Zulkifli Idrus  6 , Rahayu H S Iman  7 , Jutamart Jattuchai  8 , Elissa Lane  3 , Jayasimha Nuggehalli  3   9 , Kate Hartcher  3   10 , Michelle Sinclair  10   11
Affiliations

Cage egg producers' perspectives on the adoption of cage-free systems in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

Maria Catalina Tan de Luna et al. Front Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Asia is responsible for ~60% of global egg production. As in most of the world, nearly all of the egg-laying hens are housed in cages. While there is growing demand for cage-free eggs in many regions of the world, challenges have been reported when transitioning to these systems, which may affect the willingness of producers to transition. The aim of this research was to investigate the views of Asian egg producers on the feasibility of cage-free systems and what they perceive to be the main challenges and proposed solutions in adopting cage-free systems. A total of 224 egg producers (165 cage egg producers) completed questionnaires containing a mix of free-form, Likert scale and demographic items. Data were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis and descriptive quantitative statistics. Responses indicated that cages are primarily used for their efficiency and ease of management. The most common reasons to consider adopting cage-free systems included improved animal welfare, increased market access, and increased product quality. A majority of producers (65%) responded "yes" or "maybe" when asked if they consider cage-free systems to be feasible in their country. Perceived challenges in adopting cage-free systems included reduced profitability, higher costs, and biosecurity and disease. Potential solutions included the development of the cage-free industry and market development. Most producers (72%) said more support is needed to establish cage-free farms, mostly pertaining to technical advice, training and resources. The findings of this study provide an enhanced understanding of the egg industry in these countries and potential areas for producer support in transitioning to cage-free systems.

Keywords: Asia; animal welfare; chickens; egg; hens; production.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cage egg producers' top 10 reasons for using cage over cage-free systems of production, displayed as the aggregate of data across all countries.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cage egg producers' perceived reasons to adopt cage-free systems across all countries.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cage egg producers' perceived feasibility of cage-free systems in their respective countries by percentage (%).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cage egg producers' most frequently identified barriers to adopting cage-free systems displayed by country.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Egg producers' most frequently proposed solutions to the barriers preventing cage farmers from using cage-free systems.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Egg producers' perception of the support needed to transition to cage-free systems, by emerging theme.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Egg producers' perception of the stakeholders that are most frequently deemed as required to provide support for transitioning to cage-free systems by percentage.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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