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Are hens
fed growth hormones?
No. Growth hormones are never fed to pullets being grown for
egg-laying nor during the egg-laying period. The hens have a high
quality, nutritionally balanced diet. The feed is meticulously formulated
with the proper nutrients to produce quality eggs and is perfectly
balanced with ingredients made up mostly of corn, soybean meal,
vitamins and minerals.
What is the risk of Avian Influenza in America’s
poultry farms?
Modern farming techniques help prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Almost all eggs produced in the U.S. originate from farms with modern
cage production systems in housing that protect the flock from contact
with migratory birds, predators, and other diseases. Few visitors
are allowed in poultry houses to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
Modern cage systems allow for daily inspection and monitoring of
hens for diseases, and quick treatment.
Most egg facilities have extensive bio-security programs that include
cleaning and disinfecting of housing and equipment between flock
cycles and all transport equipment for moving birds in and out of
the houses; careful planning to keep flocks protected from other
domestic and wild birds; fully developed and monitored immunization
programs to keep flocks healthy; and complete training of all employees
concerning bio-security procedures. For more information on
Avian Influenza visit: www.avianinfluenzainfo.com
Is it true that cage-free and free-range hens are
healthier and require little or no drugs or medicines?
Actually, cage-free and free-range hens require continuous medicated
feed for some diseases and often require more drugs than cage hens,
because of their constant exposure and contact with liter and waste
on barn floors. Hens in cage systems seldom require drugs and only
receive medicines or drugs for therapeutic reasons. In fact, hens
kept in cage-free, organic, or free-range systems have higher rates
of mortality than those kept in cage production systems.
Do egg farmers starve their hens to make them lay
more eggs?
Until recently the only known method to extend the life of a hen
and rejuvenate its reproductive cycle was through the use of a feed
withdrawal molt. However, through research funded by the egg industry
through the United Egg Producers, new methods have now been found
to induce a successful molt that does not eliminate feed.
The UEP encourages all egg farmers to use these molt programs.
And only those farmers who do provide their hens with nutritionally
adequate suitable feed are allowed to use the UEP Certified seal.
This seal tells consumers that that the eggs they are buying are
from farms committed to the high standards regarding the health
and well-being of their laying-hens. For more information
on animal husbandry guidelines for laying-hens, please visit: www.uepcertified.com
Why do egg farmers clip the chickens’ beaks?
UEP Certified guidelines recommend beak trimming only when necessary
to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism and only when carried
out by properly trained and monitored personnel. Some of the advantages
of beak trimming include reduced pecking, reduced feather pulling,
reduced cannibalism, better feather condition, less fearfulness,
less nervousness, less chronic stress and decreased mortality.
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