Welfare versus natural behaviour: A fine balance

Colony egg systems are often considered lower welfare, but by some measures can offer birds easier access to feed and water, and less risk of disease, as delegates at the latest meeting of the UK Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association heard. It was almost two years ago that Tesco announced it would end the sale of colony eggs, prompting Aldi, Asda, Lidl and Morrisson’s to follow suit. They joined Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury and Waitrose, meaning that, if commitments are