2120 final report.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

APPENDIX 2: THIRD COUNTRIESStandards to be followed for inducing molt with producers encouraged to consider methods thatdo not require feed withdrawal.Sick birds to be culled with an approved humane euthanasia method.In catching and transporting, a maximum of seven birds to be carried by hand and space intransport crates for all birds to sit at the same time.Holding time at the slaughter plant not to exceed 6 hours with adequate ventilation duringholding. Stunning efficiency of not less that 98%.Beak trimming should occur only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism andbe carried out by properly trained personnel.The economic implications of the adoption of these standards and the degree to which they will allbe adopted by the sector remain unclear at this point 156 . In the near-term, reduced stocking densitycontributed to a slightly smaller flock during the second half of 2003 and record high egg prices. Thisinfluence is expected to be temporary as growers respond to the higher prices by expandingproduction.Table A2.38: Schedule for implementation of U.S. Animal Care Certified ProgramDateSpace allowance per henPrior to April 2002 342 cm 2April 2002 – September 2003 361 cm 2October 2003 – March 2005 381 cm 2April 2005 – September 2006 394 cm 2October 2006 – March 2008 413 cm 2From April 2008 432 cm 2Source: Don Bell’s Table Egg Layer Flock Projections and Economic Commentary – 2002, July 16, 2002.If those growers who are presently committed to the ACC program adhere to it, the industry willreduce the flock size by about 46 million hens or 20%. Expansion to meet future demand willrequire investment in new or rebuilt layer houses, estimated by Don Bell at the University ofCalifornia to cost as much as US $15 per bird. This will add to the cost of production. Otheractivities required by the guidelines could also entail additional costs.At least partially offsetting these added costs are some positive benefits of reduced cage density. Forexample, it is estimated that removing one bird from each cage will result in an increase of 5 to 10eggs or more from each remaining hen. Also, it is estimated that reduced density will lower eggbreakage by 5% and improve mortality by 2%-3%. However, with all factors taken into considerationindustry analysts consider that the adoption of the new standards is likely to result in higher per unitcosts.156 There is, for example considerable debate (ACC apart) about the issue of beak trimming. Producers are being advised beak trimmingmay not be required but since it is estimated to result in 5% feed saving and widespread cannibalism is thought likely if it is not done, fewproducers are thought likely to take the risk.373