NGO welcomes Defra-funded study on raised laying cages

More News

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) has welcomed the long-awaited and detailed Defra-funded scientific study into cage-based breeding systems for pheasants and partridges, which is published today (24 July 2015), and considers that the research shows these egg-laying methods to be a valid part of modern-day game production.

It is clear from the Defra-funded research that well-run raised cages do not compromise game bird welfare and their proper use is consistent with good game bird husbandry. The science showed that in some respects the raised laying units outperformed the more traditional ground-based systems with which they were compared.

It has been the long-held view of the NGO that welfare must always be the primary consideration in any egg-laying system, and that good welfare can be achieved within a whole range of production systems, just as any system can cause problems if it is badly managed. It should always be remembered that the objective of game rearing is to produce fit, healthy game birds. Gamekeepers know that in the absence of good management this is impossible to achieve.

The report highlighted a few areas where systems may be slightly modified to enhance even further game bird welfare. The NGO will review these findings in consultation with others within the game rearing industry.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “We welcome the findings of this research. Keepers know game bird welfare must always come first, and this extensive scientific study has clearly shown that cage-based laying systems are a valid part of modern-day game bird production, being consistent with the demands of the very best in game bird welfare.”

He added: “The research confirms the NGO’s view that keepers will know the system that works best for them – and their birds. It is clear that many of those who had previously poured cold water on the use of raised cages for game bird egg production were hostages to emotion. Animal welfare decisions need to be based on hard evidence.”

To view the final report on the Defra website please visit http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&,Module=More&,Location=None&,Completed=0&,ProjectID=17541

Notes to Editors

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. It defends and promotes gamekeeping, gamekeepers and ensures high standards throughout the profession. It was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that their profession was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. The NGO has around 15,000 members.