Layer-hen stocking density affects Salmonella shedding

Lower stocking density for laying hens was associated with less fecal shedding of Salmonella Heidelberg in a USDA study. Investigators assessed the effect of layer-hen stocking density on fecal shedding of S. Heidelberg and S. Typhimurium, both pathogens that can cause foodborne illness in humans. Hens in the study were in a colony cage system with either 973 cm2 per bird, considered low density, or 648 cm2 per bird, considered high density. Read more