United Egg Producers Improves Ammonia Guidelines for Laying Hens |
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February 1, 2007
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HSUS
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The United Egg Producers, the primary U.S. egg industry trade group, recently announced improved air quality guidelines for egg-laying hens raised under its controversial "UEP Certified" voluntary labeling program by lowering the limit on ammonia concentration.
According to the UEP, more than 80 percent of the nation's egg supply are produced under UEP Certified guidelines, meaning the change will affect approximately 241 million hens.
Air quality in egg factory farms is notoriously poor and is associated with impaired health of both chickens and workers. Preventing excessive gas, dust and microorganisms is difficult in enclosed, intensive egg factory farming operations where animals are confined by the tens or even hundreds of thousands in restrictive battery cages. This challenge becomes even more daunting in cold climates where ventilation is hindered by heating requirements. Hens, like most birds, are especially sensitive to poor air quality, and research has shown that hens find concentrations above 25 parts per million (ppm) aversive and prefer fresh air over concentrations as low as 10ppm. Despite this, ammonia concentrations in many poultry houses are frequently in excess of 50ppm.
The sense of smell is important to hens, and aerial contaminants restrict this ability. As C.M. Wathes of the Silsoe Research Institute explains, "For a bird with an acute sense of olfaction the polluted atmosphere of a poultry house may be the olfactory equivalent of looking through dark glasses." Ammonia destroys the cilia that would otherwise prevent harmful bacteria from being inhaled, and high levels of this pungent gas can adversely affect the health and welfare of chickens by causing painful skin and respiratory problems, pulmonary congestion, swelling, hemorrhage and even blindness.
The UEP's new requirements set ammonia limits at 10ppm with brief allowances of 25ppm. This is an improvement over the industry group's previously recommended limits, which were set at 25ppm with brief allowances of 50ppm.
"The new limits are a welcome improvement for both laying hens and workers," said Miyun Park, vice president of Farm Animal Welfare at The HSUS. "While the UEP guidelines still permit the cruel confinement of hens in restrictive battery cages, the new ammonia guidelines are a step in the right direction and should be applauded."
Related Links
The HSUS's Campaign to Ban Battery Cages
EPA Offers Large Producers Amnesty on Clean Air Act Violations
Wondering What The "UEP Certified" Logo Means?
