Consumer attitudes towards egg production systems and hen welfare across the world

Abstract

Concurrent with the growth of the human population, global egg production has experienced exponential increase in the last 50 years. This exponential growth has been made possible through the refinement of intensive egg production systems, predominately, conventional cages. The significant amount of liberties conventional cages withhold from hens has also formed the basis of growing challenge to the industry in many countries, with some major regions such as the European Union making sweeping regulatory reform. These reforms were driven by well-organised animal advocacy groups, fuelled by aligning consumer attitudes and behaviours. In the absence of concerted hen welfare advocacy and cage-free movement in much of the rest of the world, it is difficult to know what consumer attitudes and knowledge may exist outside the European Union. This study aimed to contribute to this knowledge by surveying 4,292 members of the public at random across 14 geographically and culturally diverse countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Thailand, UK and USA). The findings show that most participants across all countries eat eggs, most state that it matters to them that hens do not suffer in the process of producing the eggs they eat, and importantly, a majority of participants in most countries (except Nigeria) would prefer (to varying degrees) to purchase eggs from hens not kept in cages. Participant knowledge of the dominant system of egg production in their country varied greatly, with frequent uncertainty. This suggests a need for clarity and consistency in communication to consumers during campaigns, in order to mitigate confusion. Most importantly, although these similarities existed across the countries, important regional differences were also present. This underscores the importance of understanding animal and agricultural issues by geopolitical region, and of locally tailoring strategy. The findings of this research will be of strategic use to egg producers and animal welfare advocates alike in understanding and appropriately catering to consumers in the future.

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

“…As states find themselves in increasingly comfortable economic positions and stages of development, animal welfare is of increasing concern to consumers ( 28 , 29 ). In specific regard to the countries investigated within this study, recent research found that of egg consumers in China, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, ~72, 73, 77, and 78% in each country respectively stated that it mattered to them that hens laying eggs do not suffer ( 30 ). Furthermore, 65, 69, 71, and 68% in China, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand respectively went on to state that they would prefer to buy eggs from hens not kept in cages ( 30 ).…”

“…In specific regard to the countries investigated within this study, recent research found that of egg consumers in China, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, ~72, 73, 77, and 78% in each country respectively stated that it mattered to them that hens laying eggs do not suffer ( 30 ). Furthermore, 65, 69, 71, and 68% in China, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand respectively went on to state that they would prefer to buy eggs from hens not kept in cages ( 30 ). This shift is also reflected in the multitude of global commitments from large multinational food companies to source cage-free eggs in their supply chains ( 14 ).…”

Egg Quality, Yolk Fatty Acid Profiles from Laying Hens Housed in Conventional Cage and Cage-Free Production Systems in the Andean Tropics

“…This situation has promoted the transition to CF systems, which are currently considered to offer better animal welfare conditions [ 25 , 26 ]. Currently, a high percentage of egg consumers in many countries care about hens and tend to purchase more eggs from hens not kept in cages [ 27 ]. However, the growing demand for CF eggs in many regions of the world causes challenges to producers transitioning from CC to CF systems, due to higher costs and biosecurity issues [ 28 ].…”

Pigs’ capacity to experience feelings and to suffer from tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness: Exploring citizens and pig farm and abattoir workers’ knowledge and perceptions

“…Citizens prefer to eat animal product from production systems where the animals do not experience pain [ 36 ]. But although many citizens from different countries are concerned with animal suffering, as shown in a recent study with lay participants from 14 countries in different continents [ 37 ] and a growing proportion are becoming vegetarians due to moral concern for animals, including in developing countries [ 38 ], many others like to eat animal products. This has been discussed as “the meat paradox”, i.e.…”