Egg quality and production in free-range hens housed at different outdoor stocking densities

A group of free-range hens were housed in an experimental facility with different areas of space outside to create different outdoor stocking densities. Egg production was tracked including external shell quality and average egg weights. Samples of eggs were periodically analysed for both internal and egg quality measures. \nLineage: Free-range pullets were obtained from a commercial supplier and housed in an experimental research facility. They were provided range access as young adults with different sized outdoor areas. Production was tracked across a period of 15 weeks with eggs sampled periodically in the laboratory to measure internal and external egg quality.