FREE RANGE EGGS * True free-range eggs are those produced by hens raised outdoors or that have daily access to the outdoors. Due to seasonal conditions, however, few hens are actually raised outdoors. Some egg farms are indoor floor operations and these are sometimes erroneously referred to as free-range operations. Due to higher production costs and lower volume per farm, free-range eggs are generally more expensive. The nutrient content of eggs is not affected by whether hens are raised free-range or in floor or cage operations. An extract wrt Free Range Eggs as taken from the Southern African Poultry Association CODE OF PRACTICE 2000. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FREE RANGE PRODUCTION Introduction International research has identified five basic freedoms that, if catered for, provide a generally acceptable welfare status for the confinement of livestock. These criteria require that livestock are: - Free from hunger and thirst via the availability of fresh water and the appropriate feed. - Free from abnormal discomfort via the provision of adequate shelter. - Free from abnormal pain, injury or disease via the provision of appropriate prevention or alternatively, rapid diagnosis and treatment, of normal pathological conditions. - Allowing for the freedom to express natural behaviour by providing sufficient space in suitable facilities and the company of the animals' own kind. - By providing conditions and care which avoid undue suffering and thus permit freedom from fear and distress. - Free Range egg or broiler stock may never be confined in cage production systems. MANAGEMENT For flocks to qualify for Free Range classification, layers must be introduced to the Free Range system at no later than 130 days of age and broilers no later than 21 days of age. Free Range stock must have access to an external range for a minimum of 6 hours per day, during natural daylight hours. It is accepted that it is counter-productive for birds to be outside during periods of extreme weather - routine external access may therefore be restricted at such times. Access to the external range should be provided by means of doors, gates orpopholes. When popholes are used, these should be provided at the rate of atleast one pophole per 700 birds and be of a minimum size of 100 cm wide and45 cm high. Moulting shall not be artificially induced in any Free Range flocks. FOOD Livestock must have access to an appropriate wholesome diet, which is available in sufficient quantity so as to satisfy their diverse and complex nutritional needs. Either mechanical or manual feed distribution systems are acceptable. WATER Water is an essential nutrient and must be available at all times, unless otherwise prescribed by an attending Veterinary surgeon. Such water must be clean and fresh and dispensed in a manner which minimises water spillage. Where conditions so dictate, adequate provision must be made for the continuous supply of water in sub-zero temperatures. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ("THE CHICKEN HOUSE") The chicken house must be so constructed that it provides for the welfare needs of the birds, whilst simultaneously providing protection from inclement weather conditions and both physical and thermal discomfort. A minimum period of 8 hours continuous darkness per 24-hour cycle must also be provided in order to accommodate the birds' requirement for adequate rest. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ("THE RANGE") The stocking rate of the external range should not exceed 5 birds per square metre.It is recognised that the prevalence of livestock theft is a reality, which restricts the provision of more extensive ranges. The range must be maintained in a manner that allows for a minimum of 50% living vegetation present at all times. It is acknowledged that certain climatic conditions and locations make it difficult for this vegetation to always be green, but that this should be the objective.External shade by way of either trees or artificial structures must be provided at the rate of 4 square metres shade per 1 000 birds. Fencing should be adequate to provide protection from indigenous terrestrial predators. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats must not be allowed into the enclosed range area. HEALTH It is an accepted fact that only healthy birds are able to produce to theiroptimum potential.Birds used in Free Range production must be adequately vaccinated against prevailing pathological conditions. It is important for management and stockkeepers to have ready access to competent Veterinarians.The environment provided must be conducive to good flock health as well as providing the necessary protection from pain, injury and disease. << RETURN TO NULAID PRODUCTS