Egg cartons are among the most meticulously labeled items in the grocery stores. In many situations, such labels are certified by third-party animal welfare advocacy groups like American Humane. For consumers looking for responsibly farmed products, buying eggs whose cartons feature such animal welfare labels would be a good idea. Leading egg farms of the United States like Hillandale Farms Pennsylvania essentially sells eggs that are United Egg Producers (UEP), American Humane, and Global Organic Alliance certified.
Hillandale Farms Pennsylvania briefly talks about UEP Certified guidelines
The United Egg Producers (UEP) Certified program provides guidelines for the optimal well-being of the hens, which includes their proper feedings. Their guidelines are backed by decades of recommendations and research from an independent Scientific Advisory Committee. According to the UEP Certified program, hens must be fed a diet that manages to effectively meet their nutritional requirements, and also promotes good hen health and welfare.
UEP Certified program underlines that the hens should be fed a nutritionally balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients for their health and well-being. Moreover, their feed must be made from high-quality ingredients that are free from contaminants and harmful substances. Hens not only must always have access to fresh food, but it should also be ensured that their feed does not become moldy, stale, or contaminated with litter or feces. Precautions have to be taken to see to it that the feed does not get infested by insects or rodents as well. In addition to feed, hens should also have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Their water must be free from contaminants, and fit enough to drink.
To lower the risk of bone fractures, hens at an egg farm should get consume an adequate quantity of phosphorus and calcium on a daily basis. This will help support eggshell formation without loss of structural bone.
According to the UEP Certified program, a minimum of 1.5 linear inches of feed trough must be provided per hen when straight troughs are used. 3 inches per chicken has to be used when only one side of the feeder is accessible. Farms can provide 1.5 perimeter inches of circular feeder space when round pans are used. It must also be taken care of that the hens do not have to travel more than 26 feet within the house to reach feeders. Their feeders and waterers additionally must be designed to prevent contamination and promote good hygiene. Moreover, the feed should be adjusted as per requirements to meet the changing nutritional needs of the hens.
All UEP certified farms, like Hillandale Farms Pennsylvania, effectively meet the guidelines discussed above. The hens at this farm get only vegetarian feed. Over the years, this farm has developed several proprietary techniques and technologies to increase the safety and comfort of the hens. Today Hillandale Farms is considered to be among the top five egg producers in the United States, and raises over 20 million chickens for eggs. This family owned and operated farm deeply cares about its consumers, employees, and hens.