Discussion about welfare problems of caged layer and layer’s rearing system in future

The present study paid attention to the development of keeping the laying hens in cages, and the current status of welfare and health problems caused by the cage system. The layer welfare, production cost, mortality and performance were compared among some different rearing systems. The results showed that there were advantages and disadvantages existed in these rearing systems: If aviary system and free-range system suggested by EU were adopted, the production cost of layers would be increased by 13% and 21%, respectively; The layer mortality under traditional cage system was the lowest compared with those under deep litter and free-range system. So a viewpoint that our country’s layer rearing system will still give priority to the cage system in future was put forward, and on the basis of which, some adoptable measures were suggested in order to improve the welfare and health of caged layers, such as selection of cage style, reasonable design and installation of cages, modulation of stocking density, improvement of feed and management, and environmental conditions, etc.