A Compassion Over Killing Report:
Animal Suffering in the Egg Industry

Reproductive Problems

Uterine prolapse—a condition causing the uterus to be pushed outside of the hen's body—is frequently seen in caged hens, since, without a nest, the birds are exposed after egg laying.(12) Dr. Susan Clubb urges a ban on battery cages, claiming that because the birds are bred to lay larger eggs in greater quantities, they are more susceptible to uterine prolapse.(13) Laying hens today lay an average of 240 to 250 eggs per year, many more than the roughly 25 eggs their ancestors, Red Junglefowl, lay in a year.(14) Selective breeding for more productive hens has also led to the expression of "genetic factors which increase death losses."(15) In addition to laying larger eggs, the hens are also stressed by the use of artificial lighting to prolong laying hours. The hens' uterus cannot withstand the constant exercise of egg-laying, exacerbated by the above factors, and uterine prolapse often results.(16)

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