Influência do bem-estar e dos sistemas de produção de aves poedeiras na qualidade dos ovos

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between laying hen farming systems, animal welfare indicators, and egg quality parameters. Through an integrative review, empirical and theoretical evidence was evaluated regarding the impacts of nutritional, environmental, and behavioral management in different production models, including conventional and alternative systems (cage-free, free-range, and organic). The results indicated that practices promoting animal welfare not only meet ethical and regulatory demands but also improve egg quality in terms of shell strength, yolk color, and Haugh unit. However, challenges such as high operational costs and environmental variability limit the large-scale adoption of alternative systems. The integration of monitoring technologies and hybrid management strategies emerges as a viable solution to balance production efficiency, product quality, and animal welfare. This study contributes to advancing knowledge in laying hen farming, providing a foundation for more sustainable and ethically responsible practices.