WELFARE PERSPECTIVES ON HENS KEPT FOR EGG-PRODUCTION

Welfare issues relative to egg-laying hens are addressed in terms of h istorical developments and current concerns. Ethical perspectives, att itudes, and public opinion of the past and present are reviewed. Indic es of hens' well-being and what those reveal about alternative husband ry practices and production systems are presented along with estimates of economic consequences of alternative systems of table egg producti on. Possibilities of genetic selection to reduce welfare-related probl ems are discussed.