At VEOS Group, we are dedicated to producing high-quality feed ingredients while upholding strong ethical standards. We believe that the quality of our feed-grade egg powder starts with the well-being and nutrition of the hens. That’s why we are proud to announce a significant step in this commitment: our egg powder manufactured in our production site “Valco” in Poland is now certified to be produced exclusively from eggs coming from cage-free hens, following previous certification from our production site “Hemoprot” in Brazil. This isn’t just a label; it’s a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare and a more ethical approach to ingredient sourcing. 

For too long, the focus in some areas of agricultural production has been solely on efficiency, sometimes at the expense of animal welfare. However, there is a growing global awareness among consumers, food producers, and across the supply chain that the way we raise animals matters. This is not just about ethics; it’s also about recognising the intrinsic value of animal well-being and its impact on the final product. 

What does “cage-free” mean for laying hens? 

The term “cage-free” means that laying hens are not confined in cages. Instead, they are housed in open indoor environments, such as barns or aviaries, where they have more freedom to move around than in traditional cage systems. In certified cage-free systems, hens can typically engage in important natural behaviours like: 

• Walking, stretching, and flapping their wings. 
• Laying eggs in nesting boxes. 

• Perching (in many systems). 

• Socialising with other hens. 

This environment, free from the severe restrictions of cages, significantly improves the living conditions for the hens, allowing for a better quality of life and the ability to perform these essential behaviours. These behaviours are not simply preferences; they are fundamental to a hen’s well-being. Providing the space and opportunity for these natural instincts significantly reduces stress and can lead to healthier, more robust birds. 

The Ripple Effect: from hen welfare to feed quality 

The benefits of cage-free systems extend beyond simply providing more space. By allowing hens to move freely, stretch, perch, and lay eggs in nests, these systems significantly reduce the stress and physical ailments often associated with prolonged confinement in cages. Healthier, less-stressed hens are better positioned to produce quality eggs. For feed manufacturers and the animals consuming the feed, using egg powder derived from cage-free eggs means incorporating an ingredient sourced from a system that prioritises improved animal health and the ability to perform natural behaviours indoors. This directly aligns with the increasing demand for transparency and ethical practices throughout the entire food production chain. It offers our customers a way to demonstrate their commitment to more humane sourcing within the animal nutrition sector.  

Our commitment to progress 

Achieving cage-free certification for our feed-grade egg powder is a significant step in our journey. It reinforces our belief that responsible sourcing and animal welfare go hand in hand with producing high-quality feed ingredients. We are committed to working closely with our network of cage-free egg producers who share our values and adhere to rigorous standards. 

We understand that the animal nutrition landscape is constantly evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and ethical considerations. By offering certified cage-free egg powder, we are providing our customers with an ingredient that not only meets their nutritional requirements but also helps them meet the expectations of their customers who are increasingly concerned about the origins of their food, including the feed given to the animals they consume. 

This certification is just one part of our broader commitment to responsible business practices within our supply and value chain. We believe that by prioritising animal welfare, we contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and ultimately, higher-quality food system for everyone. We are excited to offer our customers this certified cage-free egg powder and look forward to continuing to lead by example in the feed ingredient industry.