What is a potential risk of cage-free agricultural facilities?

Cage-free agricultural facilities aim to provide animals, such as hens, with more space and freedom to move compared to traditional cage systems. However, one potential risk associated with these facilities is the increased likelihood of broken eggs. In cage-free systems, hens are often allowed to roam freely in larger environments, where they may potentially engage in natural behaviors. This freedom, while beneficial for their welfare, can lead to eggs being laid in less controlled situations, such as on the ground, where they are more susceptible to being crushed or damaged.

While options that discuss improved animal health, higher animal welfare standards, and reduced environmental impact present positive attributes of cage-free systems, these do not capture the specific risks that can arise from the operational changes implemented in such environments. The focus on animal welfare enhancements does not negate the practical challenges, such as the increased risk of broken eggs that can occur as a consequence of the hens' greater freedom of movement in less structured environments. This highlights the complex balance between animal welfare and the challenges that can emerge in cage-free systems.