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Poultry industry aware of consumer interest in “cage-free”

The director of the Minnesota Chicken and Egg Association says that while consumer demands can influence food production, there are proven methods used for good reasons.

Steve Olson tells Brownfield whether it’s the use of antibiotics or cages, the ultimate goal is to keep birds as comfortable as possible.

“And if they’re comfortable they grow faster, giving us a higher-quality product.”

Some food companies have cited studies that indicate consumers prefer poultry raised in a cage-free environment.

Olson says the public should know an open area for birds might not actually be in the best interest of the animal.

“Birds are colony animals, so they like to be in small groups in those cages.  When they’re in larger facilities and keep meeting new birds, they have to establish a pecking order.  That literally comes from hens, where they have to keep looking for the dominant (bird) in the group.”

He says that can cause problems in the flock like fighting, which leads to injuries and sometimes death.

Olson acknowledges that there is a growing market for cage-free poultry and says the industry is responding accordingly, but he wants to make sure consumers understand cages aren’t necessarily bad for egg-laying birds.