KAT Guide for Laying Farms - Barn and free-range rearing Organic production "Animal welfare checked"
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KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Barn and free-range rearing
Organic production
“Animal welfare checked”
October 2013 version
replaces 1 March 2012 version
Status: releasedKAT Guide for Laying Farms
Contents
Part I: Introduction
Legal requirements
Basic principles
Part II: List of requirements
1. General condition of the henhouse buildings
Henhouse, storage, packing and packaging premises
Henhouse building/building security
Stamping machine/manufacturer of stamping machine
Pallet/egg labelling
Egg collection
2. Rearing conditions/henhouse
3. Free-range criteria
4. Organic rearing
5. Animal health/zoonosis prevention
6. Management of self-monitoring system
7. Database
8. Rearing requirements for “Animal welfare checked” label
9. Free-range criteria for “Animal welfare checked” label
10. Animal health/zoonosis prevention for “Animal welfare checked” label
11. Self-monitoring system for “Animal welfare checked” label
12. Risk assessment for dioxins/DL-PCBs
Annex:
Check list for KAT laying farms
Assessment criteria for KAT laying farms
KAT – Association for
Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry
Holbeinstr. 12
53175 Bonn
Germany
Telephone + 49 228 95960 0 Fax + 49 228 95960 50
Email: info@kat.ec Websites: www.kat.ec www.was-steht-auf-dem-Ei.de
Important Note:
This guide is the property of KAT. Due to copyright, it is forbidden to reproduce the guide or
checklist in whole or in extracts. Offence against the copyright will be pursued.
Status: released
Version: October 2013
Valid from: 1-1-2014KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Part I: Introduction
Legal requirements
The requirements of the Animal Welfare Act and the minimum requirements set out in the marketing
standards for eggs (Regulations 589/2008/EC and 1234/2007), Directive 1999/74/EC, the German Ordi-
nance governing Animal Welfare and Rearing of Farmed Animals including the current implementation
instructions and Registration Directive 2002/4/EC in the current applicable version, as well as the strict-
est national requirements with regard to the rearing of laying hens and, additionally, the provisions set
forth in the Annex to this Guide shall apply.
The minimum requirements set out in Council Regulation 834/2007 for the inclusion of animal produc-
tion in the scope of application of Regulation 889/2008 on organic production of agricultural products in
the applicable version as well as the strictest national regulations governing the rearing of laying hens
apply to organic egg production.
Amendments to and updating of the rearing requirements shall also apply to the participant contract
concluded.
Basic principles
It is recommended that an overview with henhouse information (henhouse size, interior area in m2, num-
ber of hens/hen stocking rate etc.) be put up outside each henhouse.
KAT laying farms which operate henhouses with free-range rearing and barn rearing on the same site
and collect eggs via an egg belt are advised to stock different hen breeds (egg colours).
Laying hens must be accustomed to their subsequent form of rearing from when they are chicks, if nec-
essary with a free-range area, since this is the only way to ensure that the animals make full use of the
rearing environment offered to them.
If the laying farm has official approval for two forms of rearing, it must document at which times it engag-
es in free-range or barn rearing. The change between forms of rearing must be notified to the Office at
least two weeks in advance.
Lockable henhouse facilities are sealed during the neutral inspection. If for special reasons the hens
have to remain in the facility, the Office must be notified in writing without delay. The farm shall bear the
cost of the resealing of the facility by the competent monitoring institute.
Further guidance on the rearing conditions as well as leaflets and forms are summarized in an accom-
panying document entitled “Rearing Requirements for Laying Farms” and are available for downloading
on the KAT website.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Page 1 of 10
Valid from:KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Part II: List of requirements
1. General condition of the laying farm
Henhouse building and storage, packing and packaging premises (Farmpacker)
The henhouse building must be constructed in such a way that the eggs are protected against the ef-
fects of the weather and any negative influence.
As a matter of principle, all henhouses must be lockable. Controlled access to the henhouse building
must be guaranteed.
Stamping of the producer code (rearing form/country/number) at the laying farm site is obligatory.
Stamping machine failures (incl. certificate of repair and maintenance records) shall be immediately re-
ported to the KAT Office and the packing station being supplied. Natural food colouring must be used to
stamp the eggs.
The eggs should be collected every third working day or once per week if an ambient temperature of
18°C is guaranteed. When the eggs are transported, to the packing station for example, a uniform tem-
perature must be guaranteed.
Organisation and cleanliness
The laying establishment must have a clean and tidy appearance overall and henhouse order and hy-
giene must be ensured, especially as far as the cleanliness of feeding systems/drinking troughs and the
hygienic storage of packaging material are concerned.
The eggs must be collected at least once per day. Dirty and broken eggs as well as misplaced eggs
shall be rejected. The eggs must be stored in clean containers in a room which is separate from the
animals. Storage between 5-18° C must be guaranteed for quality class A.
Staff hygiene
Non-establishment persons represent a risk to hygiene. Non-establishment persons shall be allowed
access to the henhouses and rearing facilities only when this is absolutely necessary.
Henhouses may be entered only with company-owned clothing or company-owned disposable clothing.
It must be ensured that the henhouse or other area where the animals are present can be entered by
non-establishment persons only in consultation with the animal keeper.
Sanitary facilities and changing rooms shall be provided unless the laying farm is situated directly
next to a residential building. Each henhouse anteroom must have at least one washbasin with water
and soap and paper towel dispensers. All persons must wash their hands before and after entering the
henhouses and before and after egg sorting. Hand disinfecting after hand washing and drying is recom-
mended.
Staff must be regularly instructed in hygiene regulations and the relevant documentary evidence of such
instruction must be available.
2. Rearing conditions/henhouse
Barn rearing
In general, a hen is deemed to have reached laying maturity when it starts to lay eggs. A flock is
deemed to have reached laying maturity at the latest when laying performance of 50% has been
achieved in this flock on three consecutive days. Taking account of the need for an acclimatisation
phase, access to the litter area shall be granted three weeks after stocking at the latest.
The following general conditions governing the rearing of laying hens shall apply:
a) The animals can use the whole area of the henhouse at all times to a maximum of three levels; sep-
aration into large groups is possible. A level is deemed to be any accessible area counted as usable
area. In the event of big distances between the levels, these shall be bridged with hen ladders.
b) The animals have unrestricted access to a scratching area at all times; brief closures during the ac-
climatisation phase are permitted.
Status: released
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Valid from:KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Stocking rate
The hen stocking rate is a maximum of 9 chickens per square metre of usable area (accessible area). A
maximum of 6,000 hens may be kept per henhouse unit. In multi-floor systems the overall stocking rate
must not exceed a total of 18 hens per m² of floor area, meaning the henhouse interior space, which can
be used by the birds without restriction.
The usable area is deemed to be areas whose ground characteristics correspond to the requirements of
a scratching area and excrement level and which have a clear height of at least 45 cm and a width of at
least 30 cm. The ground must slope no more than 14%. No more than three levels one above another
are to be taken in account. The levels must be arranged such that no excrement can drop from a higher
to a lower level.
The scratching area is deemed to be that part of the henhouse with a flat compacted floor, the whole of
which is covered with material to be manipulated by the chickens and which offers scope for dust baths.
The area must always be completely covered with litter. The floor must be compacted and hygienic to
handle (excluded from this are mobile henhouses where the floor hygiene is guaranteed by the change
of location). Pecking stones or other material should be provided for activity purposes.
The scratching surface is located only on one level. The size must be at least 1/3 of the henhouse
floor area and each hen must have 250 cm² available with the maximum number of birds per square
metre not exceeding 40 hens.
A cold scratching area (conservatory) which is directly connected to the henhouse and to which all
birds have easy and unrestricted access, with roofing and compacted flooring, may be recognised as
scratching area if the hens have unrestricted daily access to it. The openings must be at least 35 cm
high and 40 cm wide and be distributed evenly across the whole length of the external wall. For 1,000
chickens there must be 2 metres of openings.
Perches
The total length of the perches must be calculated such that all birds can sit on them at the same time,
with at least 15 cm per hen; 25 cm are recommended. They must consist of non-slip material and be
such that the health of the balls of the foot is not adversely affected. The whole surface of the balls of the
foot should be able to rest on the perch.
Perches may not be attached above the litter area and 50% of them should be installed at varying
heights. There must be no cracks at the connecting points.
Integrated perches above the excrement pit must have a height of at least 2 cm.
Feeding and drinking facilities
If longitudinal troughs are used for feeding, an edge length of at least 10 cm per hen should be provided;
if round troughs are used, a length of 4 cm.
With round drinking bowls an edge length of at least 1 cm per hen should be provided; with nipple or cup
drinking bowls there must be two drinking bowls for up to 10 laying hens and an additional drinking bowl
for each additional 10 laying hens. Drinking troughs must be mounted at a suitable height for the hens
and be so designed that water loss is prevented.
Nests
Single nests (1 nest/7 hens) or group nests (120 hens per square metre) may be used to which the birds
have unrestricted access daily during the laying phase. Single nests must be at least 35 cm x 25 cm in
size; group nests must have a minimum depth of 30 cm. The nest area is calculated from the freely ac-
cessible nest floor area that is usable without restrictions (measured on the basis of the nest floor). The
floor of the nest must consist of deformable material or artificial grass mats (minimum height 0.5 cm);
“deformable” material is understood to mean material which can be manipulated by hens and does not
leave the roll-away traces typical of cage rearing. Each hen must be able to lay its eggs undisturbed.
Natural lighting
The availability of natural daylight is obligatory for buildings put into use since 13 March 2002. The light
openings must correspond to at least 3 percent of the ground area and ensure a uniform distribution of
light. Rows of windows with blackout option in the roof area are recommended. In the case of new build-
ings commissioned after 1 June 2005, the room depth must not exceed 12 m if there are side windows.
Direct sunlight should be avoided.
Status: released
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Uniform lighting of the henhouse in the activity area of the birds should be ensured. Laying nests,
perches and resting zones should be installed in the darker area.
Artificial lighting
The light phase should be at least 8 or no more than 16 hours per day with at least 20 lux in the bird
area. An uninterrupted dark phase of at least eight hours must be provided with a light intensity of less
than 0.5 lux. The dark phase should always be preceded by a dusk phase. The lighting schedule must
be documented.
Henhouse environment
A henhouse environment (ventilation system, ambient temperature) corresponding to the hen stocking
rate and hen age must be guaranteed in the henhouse area. The henhouse temperature must be regu-
larly checked. The ammonia content as the indicative value for contamination by noxious fumes should
not permanently exceed 20 ppm. Measurements shall be taken in the area occupied by the birds.
3. Free-range criteria
Definition
The rearing criteria for barn rearing shall apply. The free-range outdoor area must be in the direct prox-
imity of the henhouse and directly accessible to the chickens. For free-range rearing the relevant
plans/field maps indicating the free-range areas must be produced upon registration.
Cold scratching area (conservatory) obligatory
For new applications to the KAT system and for new buildings from 1 June 2006, a cold scratching area
(conservatory) with a size of 50% of the henhouse interior area, which can be used by the birds without
restriction (bird area in henhouse), is obligatory.
Older buildings which already possess a scratching area are allowed to continue to operate.
The conservatory can be counted towards the usable area; the statutory requirements must be ob-
served. Additional areas installed in the conservatory are not included in the usable area.
Nest areas, perches and feed conveyor belts in the conservatory are not included in the usable area
either and are deducted from the scratching area so that they cannot be used for calculating the stocking
rate. Only facilities in the interior of the henhouse are included.
The conservatory should have a ceiling height of at least 2 m and a curtain height of about 70% of wall
height. The conservatory must be designed in such a way that wild birds cannot gain access (e.g. by
using fine-mesh wire/netting). Separation of flocks in the conservatory is recommended. If however the
conservatory is counted as part of the usable area flock separation is compulsory in the conservatory.
Openings
There must be at least 2 m of opening available for 1,000 birds. If there is a conservatory between the
henhouse and the outdoor area, the length of the opening from the henhouse into the conservatory must
also be 2 m for 1,000 hens. The openings must be evenly distributed across the whole henhouse area
and be easily accessible by all hens without obstacles. The openings must be on flat ground and may
not be mounted above one another. The openings must function properly.
Size/approval of outdoor areas
An unrestricted outdoor area of 4 m2 per bird with a radius of 150 m to the next henhouse opening must
be provided. An increase in distance of up to 350 m to the next henhouse opening is permitted if there
are at least 4 shelter opportunities per hectar distributed uniformly across the whole outdoor area. There
must be official approval for the free-range area intended for use in laying hen rearing.
Condition/equipment of free-range area
The legal requirements shall apply. In addition, drinking trough equipment protected against contamina-
tion should be installed to the extent necessary to ensure animal health. Access to the drinking troughs
by wild birds must be prevented. Their operation is not advisable during frost.
Use of free-range area
Daily unrestricted access to the outdoor area must be guaranteed from 10 am at the latest until sunset.
An outdoor period of 8 hours is recommended. Alternating use is recommended to reduce the risk of
parasite infection.
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Minimum widths in outdoor area
The minimum width for the outdoor area, irrespective of whether there is another building opposite, must
be at least as wide as the total length of the openings available in the relevant wall (2 m for 1,000 hens).
Henhouse width
Henhouses must not exceed a maximum width of 15 m if openings to the outdoor area are only provided
on one longitudinal side. This also applies if there is merely a conservatory on the second side without
access to the free-range area.
Fencing-in of outdoor area
It is recommended that the fence around the outdoor area close to the henhouse should have a height of
1.25 m and of at least 1.0 m in other areas.
Henhouse equipment
The conditions set out in the requirements for barn rearing apply to henhouse equipment for outdoor
rearing.
Documentation
The period of use of the outdoor area must be documented daily. Equally, the reasons must be noted in
the event that access to the outdoor area could not be granted (outdoor log form). Outdoor logs must be
retained for at least one year and kept in bound format as far as possible.
In the event of an official veterinarian certificate from the competent authority on the confinement of
poultry to their henhouses the hens may remain in their henhouses for no more than 12 weeks and the
eggs marketed nonetheless as free-range produce. After that the eggs may be labelled and sold only as
barn-reared products. The 12-week period is restricted to no more than twice annually.
4. Organic rearing
The requirements of the EC Eco Regulation in its current applicable version shall apply.
With regard to the conditions for the buildings the same requirements as for free-range and barn rearing
shall apply. The animals can use the whole area of the henhouse at all times to a maximum of three
levels; separation into henhouse units is possible. A level is deemed to be any accessible area counted
as usable area.
Valid conformity certificate
The establishment shall produce a valid conformity certificate from an organic inspection body (valid
organic certificate).
Feed
In accordance with the provisions of EU Regulation 889/2008 each feed-consuming establishment
(keeper of laying hens) is obliged to procure 20% of its feed per calendar year from the surrounding re-
gion.
Cold scratching area (conservatory) obligatory
For new applications to the KAT system and for new buildings a conservatory with a size of 50% of the
henhouse interior area, which can be used by the birds without restriction (bird area in henhouse), is
obligatory. Organic establishments without an attached conservatory which joined the KAT system be-
fore August 2010 are allowed to continue to operate.
Free-range criteria
The criteria for free-range rearing (e.g. outdoor area, use, approval of free-range area) are compulsory
for eggs from organic production.
Change-over of rearing form
The criteria for free-range rearing shall apply to KAT organic rearing. Organic laying hens which are kept
in barn rearing conditions cannot be transferred to organic rearing during the current laying period.
Separation from conventional henhouses
The complete separation of production units with henhouses for the production of organic eggs and
henhouses for the production of conventional eggs must be ensured in accordance with Regulation
(EC) 834/2007 Art. 40. Organically and conventionally reared hens must not be kept at the same estab-
lishment at the same time.
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Use of approved disinfectants
Only disinfectants not listed in Annex 7 of Regulation 889/2008 are approved. The details of the disin-
fectant used must be entered in the Comments field.
5. Animal health/zoonosis prevention
The "Animal health/zoonosis prevention" criterion includes an examination of the records kept on the
purchase and whereabouts of drugs as well as their storage in the farm, and on disinfection and pest
control measures.
Daily health check
The responsibilities related to the daily health check are laid down. Dead animals must be removed
from the henhouse on a daily basis.
Every animal keeper shall conclude a supervision contract with their farm veterinary surgeon, who must
be consulted in the event of abnormal features or diseases among the hens. The farm veterinary sur-
geon must examine all unexplained incidents (e.g. increased mortality rates). In order to prevent their
reoccurrence the measures taken shall be documented.
Moreover, the farm manager is obliged to and responsible for keeping a register on the use of drugs in
addition to the usage and release records.
The formal completeness of the register will be inspected. The register must provide information on the
veterinary surgeon’s visits, date, number, identity and location of the birds treated, drug designation,
waiting period and user. Traceability to the drug use and release records must be possible through the
register and vice versa. Random checks or checks in the event of suspicion are carried out to ensure
that there are no medicines without release records.
Pest control
In poultry houses special attention shall be paid to the prevention of pests (rats, mice, insects etc.). All
henhouses and production facilities must be protected against infiltration or contamination by domestic
animals, other farmed animals and birds so that transmission or the introduction of pathogens can be
eliminated as far as possible.
The laying farm must commission a specific prevention plan from an approved pest controller, in which
the frequency of the pest control measures is dependent on the type of vermin and the level of infesta-
tion. The minimum requirements are, for example:
Outline placement plan for bait and/or traps in areas of very frequent infestation
Monitoring of the acceptance and consumption of bait as well as regular checking of bait boxes
Documentation of the measures taken
Farm hygiene and disinfection after destocking
Each production facility shall draw up a relevant cleaning and disinfection schedule, which also serves
as an instruction manual for the employees performing such tasks.
In new buildings the establishment of dry locks/hygienic sluices (changing of shoes, boot covers, over-
alls) in the anterooms of henhouses is recommended. The areas can be separated by means of a low
wall or a bench as long as the material can be cleaned hygienically and easily.
In order to counteract contamination with salmonella, strict hygiene and cleanliness and in particular
dust reduction requirements must be complied with in the henhouse during the entire laying phase.
After each destocking the henhouse buildings and all equipment (e.g. feed silos and the entire feeding
system) shall be cleaned and disinfected. Litter material shall be stored in dry and clean conditions.
Moist or contaminated litter must not be used.
Emergency power supply
An emergency power supply must be provided for all henhouses. The emergency power unit must be
tested at regular intervals to ensure that it is in working order. These tests shall be documented.
Visual animal assessment
Any abnormalities regarding the general condition of the laying hens shall be documented on the data-
base under “Comments”.
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Storage of excrement/storage of dead animals
Excrement must be stored in such a way that the laying hens cannot gain access to it.
Animals that have died must be removed from the henhouse as quickly as possible (daily). The carcas-
es must be stored in refrigerated carcase boxes.
6. Management of self-monitoring system
Rearing of young hens
KAT laying farms may purchase young hens and chicks only from KAT-registered breeding establish-
ments.
Documentation
Stocking and destocking shall always be carried out in compliance with Section 1 of the Animal Wel-
fare Act. Before each stocking and destocking the persons acting on behalf of the laying hen keeper or
the latter’s representatives shall be instructed and this shall be put on record. Destocking companies
shall be recorded on the check list and registered. Before destocking a live animal inspection shall be
carried out by the official veterinary surgeon who grants permission, among other things, for the killing of
the animals and confirms that they are fit to be transported. During destocking the lighting shall be re-
duced or dimmed altogether so as to calm the animals down; the incidence of light shall be observed
when the doors are opened or closed. Constant access to drinking water and feed shall be ensured until
destocking has been completed.
The stocking data as well as the daily hen number per age group/daily egg number, feed consumption
and laying performance shall be documented accordingly.
The KAT management shall be informed immediately:
If there is a suspicion or supposition that a product is not suitable for trading in accordance with
the laws in force at the time and/or does not meet the requirement criteria.
If a test for salmonella proves positive.
In the event of an official instruction for the confinement of poultry to their henhouse or special
authorisation.
If at given lockable facilities the lead sealing has to be removed for special reasons.
Crisis management (emergency plans)
There must be emergency plans with clear responsibilities (telephone nos.) for crisis situations. These
must be tested at least once per year and updated as necessary. The emergency plans must include the
following rules of conduct:
- Conduct in the event of accident-related injuries,
- Conduct in the event of fire, flood, power failure etc.; fire prevention precautions must include
restricted access to buildings and safe use and storage of flammable materials,
- Plans of the henhouse buildings with all entrances incl. information on fire extinguishers, first aid
kits, water connections etc.
The producer shall train all staff in emergency action and contingency plans and procedures specially
developed to address potential hazards, such as fire, flooding or workplace accidents. In addition, farms
must have contingency plans in place that allow continued operation in the event of notifiable disease
outbreaks, including Avian Influenza.
Documentary evidence of compulsory vaccinations for young hens/certificate of salmonella-free
young hens
Young hens must be given a salmonella vaccination in the eighteenth week of life at the latest, but at
least 10 days before stocking at the laying farm. KAT laying farms have to test for salmonella on hens
from the age of 22 to 26 weeks at 15-week intervals (boot covers/sock swabs). The results of testing
must be presented for each separate henhouse (no pool samples).
Feed supplier
Laying-hen feed may only be acquired from KAT-approved mixed feed manufacturers or agricultural
self-mixers.
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In the event of the use of own crop the establishment must register as a self-mixer and is then moni-
tored within a laying farm/self-mixer combined audit in accordance with the List of Criteria for Feedstuffs
(check list criterion 9) in relation to the parameters cited therein.
Water quality
Drinking water shall be used in accordance with the legal requirements (suitable as drinking water). If
non-public water supplies or well water are used, microbiological quality tests must be conducted every
12 months and the relevant laboratory results produced.
Digital photography
Photographs of the henhouse building/free-range area and/or shortcomings shall be taken as part of the
audit.
Keeping of visitor lists
Visitor lists (including telephone numbers) shall be kept for non-establishment persons. These records
shall be kept for at least one year and presented upon request.
Dioxin/DL-PCB and NDL-PCB testing
The licensing of organic, free-range and barn rearing farms requires obligatory dioxin/DL-PCB and
NDL-PCB testing of the eggs. The sampling can be conducted by the inspection institute and must
subsequently be carried out on an annual basis. In-house test results are accepted provided that the
tests were carried out in accordance with scientifically or officially recognised procedures and the KAT
Office or auditor had access to them at the time of the inspection.
7. Database/goods reports
All establishment and henhouse data must be documented in the KAT database (hen flock, henhouse
size, number of feed conveyor belts, perches, drinking troughs etc.).
Reports on the movement of goods in the process chain must be entered in detail by Wednesday
midnight of the following week in the online database weekly in accordance with the requirements (Da-
tabase Entry Instructions form). Each establishment is responsible for the confidential treatment of ac-
cess data and, correspondingly, for the content of all entered data.
The laying hen keeper also enters reports on feed deliveries (feed type, supplier and quantity).
8. Rearing requirements for “Animal welfare checked” label
The German animal welfare organisations Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V., Bundesverband Tierschutz
e.V. and Bund gegen Missbrauch der Tiere e.V. place more stringent requirements on the rearing of
laying hens.
The aim is to ensure rearing especially appropriate to the species for laying hens in barn-rearing and
free-range establishments. The Association for Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry (KAT), for eggs
from organic, barn and free-range rearing, and the animal welfare organisations have drawn up addi-
tional requirements above and beyond the KAT standard aimed at laying hens from these systems.
The “Animal welfare checked” label may be used only for eggs from forms of rearing which conform with
laying hen rearing in accordance with the following additional requirements. The criteria stipulated for
barn and free-range rearing shall also apply.
When eggs from barn rearing are marketed under the “Animal welfare checked” label, the criteria stipu-
lated for free-range rearing shall apply. Whilst a free-range outdoor area is not prescribed, an outdoor
scratching area is however compulsory for barn rearing.
Henhouse rearing requirements for “Animal welfare checked” label
Hen stocking rate
The hen stocking rate is 7 hens per square metre of usable area. No more than 9,000 hens per hen-
house (one age group) may be kept, with a maximum group size of 1,500 animals being compulsory.
With systems comprising several levels the stocking rate overall must not exceed 14 hens per square
metre of the henhouse floor area which can be used by the animals. No more than 3 henhouses, each
containing 9,000 animals, are regarded as a laying farm (laying farm = a separate hygienic unit).
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Perches
The total length of the perches must be calculated in such a way that all birds can sit on them at the
same time, with at least 20 cm being allowed for each hen.
Nests
Single nests (1 nest per 7 hens) or group nests (120 hens per square metre) may be used to which the
birds have unrestricted access daily during the laying phase.
Natural lighting
The availability of natural daylight is obligatory. The window area must be equivalent to at least 5 per-
cent of the henhouse floor area and ensure the uniform distribution of light. Rows of windows with
blackout option in the roof area are recommended. The room depth must not exceed 12 m if there are
side windows. Direct sunlight should be avoided. Uniform lighting of the henhouse in the activity area
of the birds should be ensured. The lighting conditions must guarantee the animals a clear distinction
between day and night and allow them to get their bearings during daytime, to recognise other animals
of the same species and to exhibit their normal patterns of activity. Laying nests, perches and resting
zones should be installed in the darker area.
Artificial lighting
The light phase should be at least 8 or no more than 16 hours/day with at least 20 lux in the bird area.
An uninterrupted dark phase of at least eight hours must be provided with a light intensity of less than
0.5 lux. It should be prevented in particular that the hens are kept in half-light conditions for fear of
feather pecking or cannibalism and the hens’ whole range of activity is reduced artificially. The dark
phase should always be preceded by a dusk phase. The lighting schedule must be documented. Con-
trolled lighting can be provided only using warm light lamps; use of white neon light is prohibited. UV
light is recommended.
9. Free-range criteria for “Animal welfare checked” label
Outdoor scratching area/cold scratching area
An outdoor scratching area measuring at least 50% of the usable henhouse floor area or with a maxi-
mum stocking rate of 28 hens per square metre is compulsory. At least 3 m² per 1,000 animals must be
available to the animals in the outdoor scratching area as a dust bath for plumage care, with 5 m² rec-
ommended.
Outdoor area conditions
The free-range outdoor area must be in the direct proximity of the henhouse, directly accessible to the
chickens and within a radius of no more than 150 m from the henhouse. Each henhouse of 9,000 hens
forms a separate unit in the outdoor area.
For free-range rearing the relevant plans/field maps indicating the free-range areas must be produced
upon registration.
The aim is to ensure sufficient use of the outdoor areas by the hens. Access to the outdoor area must
be guaranteed daily from 10 am at the latest to sunset, with an outdoor period of 8 hours being recom-
mended in accordance with good farming practice.
There must be official approval for the free-range area intended for use in laying hen rearing.
Size of outdoor areas
The birds must always have unrestricted access to the free-range area (4 m² per hen). The maximum
distance from the outdoor area to the next opening of the henhouse is 150 m.
Condition/equipment of free-range area
The legal requirements shall apply. The first few metres from the henhouse to the outdoor area must be
compacted for hygiene reasons (crushed rock, gravel); the recommended width of the compacted area
is 2-3 metres.
The outdoor areas must be mainly covered with vegetation and provided with shelter facilities. The
whole free-range area should be planted with bushes, hedges, and so on, which are tended regularly,
providing the animals with protection and shelter. The outdoor area must be mowed at regular intervals.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Page 9 of 10
Valid from:KAT Guide for Laying Farms
10. Zoonosis prevention/animal health for “Animal welfare checked” label
Visual animal assessment
A visual assessment of the animals’ general condition and of their plumage, for example, must be car-
ried out and documented.
Beak trimming is strictly forbidden.
11. Management of self-monitoring system for “Animal welfare checked” label
Young hens from rearing farms with daylight
Young hens may be purchased only from rearing farms with daylight or “conditions similar to daylight”.
Daylight lamps, i.e. full-spectrum lamps which radiate both UV-A and UV-B light, are recognised as
providing conditions similar to daylight. Daylight lamps must be replaced after one year.
12. Risk assessment for dioxins/PCBs
A survey/risk assessment shall be carried out at all KAT laying farms with a free-range outdoor area
(free-range rearing/organic/animal welfare checked) regarding the risks of possible dioxin/PCB contam-
ination.
If the site conditions or materials/paintwork pose risks, the laying farm is advised to instruct an auditor to
take egg samples for dioxin/PCB testing and to commission an expert to conduct a detailed farm analy-
sis.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Page 10 of 10
Valid from:KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Check list for KAT laying farms
Laying farm: ………………………………………………………….LF no.: ………….……….…………………….
Address: …………………………………………………………….. ………………………………..……….
Telephone: ………………………………............................................ Fax: ...…………………………..…….
Email: …………………………………………………………………. Combined audit: ..……………………
Person in charge/person providing information: .………………………………………………………………………
Certification audit Initial inspection Verification Special inspection Follow-up audit/ Sampling
Audit date: …………………………. Time: ….…….. - ………… – Duration: .…….……hrs.
Kilometres driven: …………….. km Auditor: ……………………………
Henhouses No. of hens Stamp no(s.)
Organic: ……. ………………… ………………………………………………………...
Free-range: ……. ………………… ………………………………………………………...
Barn rearing: ……. ………………… ………………………………………………………...
Small group/
enriched cage: ……. ………………… ………………………………………………………...
Samples: Isotopic analysis Dioxin/DL-PCB and NDL-PCB testing Animal welfare checked
Photos: No Yes
Current (notifiable) diseases in the flock: No Yes, …………………………….........................
Complaints from third parties with regard to certification aimed for: No Yes, …………………..…………
Structural changes (henhouse, facility/equipment, free-range area): No Yes, ………………………………
Initial inspection of further henhouses: No Yes, …………………………
Stocking and destocking through: ………………………………………………… Stocking date: …………………
User of own crop/self-mixer: No Yes (Feed Check List item 9)
Marketing methods: Direct sale Packing station(s) Other ………………………………………..
Packing station(s) supplied: ………………………………………………………
_____________________ ________________________ __________________________
Place/Date Auditor Farm
Copy received
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Laying farm number:____________________________ Date:________________
Assessment: A = no shortcomings B = slight shortcomings C = rectifiable shortcomings D (or K.O.) = serious shortcomings M = Major
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
1. General condition of the laying farm
1.1 Henhouse building, storage, packing and packaging premises (Farmpacker)
1.1.1 Eggs protected against effects
of weather
1.1.2 Henhouse building
1.1.3 Building security/controlled Check lockability
access to henhouse
1.1.4 Stamping machine/manu- K.O. Enter name of manufacturer of stamping
facturer of stamping machine: machine in “Comments” field
1.1.5 Pallet/egg labelling K.O.
1.1.6 Egg collection
1.2 Organisation/cleanliness
1.2.1 Egg gathering (Farmpacker)
1.2.2 Eggs storage
1.2.3 Henhouse order/hygiene
1.2.4 Feed/feed storage
1.2.5 Drinking troughs
1.2.6 Packaging material stored hy-
gienically
1.3 Staff hygiene
1.3.1 Use of company-owned cloth-
ing
1.3.2 Sanitary facilities
1.3.3 Changing rooms
1.3.4 Staff hygiene training
2. Rearing conditions/henhouse
2.1 Stocking rate K.O.
2.2 Group size K.O.
Spatial separation of flocks in
henhouse and conservatory
2.3 Number of floors K.O.
2.4 Access to scratching area K.O.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
2.5 Size and condition of scratch- K.O.
ing area
2.6 Openings into conservatory K.O.
2.7 Raised/integrated perches K.O.
available
2.8 Length of perches
2.9 Length of feed conveyor belts
2.10 Number of drinking troughs
2.11 Nest material/nest area K.O.
2.12 Light conditions K.O.
2.13 Suitable henhouse environment
3 Free-range criteria
3.1 Conservatory available K.O.
3.2 Running metres of openings K.O.
3.3 Distribution of openings K.O.
3.4 Size of openings/working order K.O.
3.5 Size/approval of outdoor area K.O.
3.6 Condition/equipment of free- K.O. B assessment not applicable for organic
range area rearing
3.7 Use of free-range area K.O.
3.8 Minimum width of outdoor area K.O.
(2 m/1,000 hens)
3.9 Width of henhouse K.O.
3.10 Keeping of outdoor K.O.
log/exceeding of 12-week peri-
od for confinement of poultry to
their henhouses
4. Organic rearing
4.1 Valid conformity certificate
4.2 20% feed from the surrounding
region
4.3 Free-range criteria
4.4 Change-over of rearing form Organic hens which are kept in barn rearing
conditions cannot be transferred to organic
rearing during the current laying period.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
4.5 Separation from conventional
henhouses
4.6 Use of approved disinfectants In accordance with Annex 7 Regulation
889/2008
5 Animal health/zoonosis prevention
5.1 Daily health check
5.2 Examination of dead animals
5.3 Documentary evidence of the K.O.
purchase of medicines
5.4 Register/medicines K.O.
book/supervision by veterinary
surgeon
5.5 Documentary evidence of the (Especially with regard to the use of
purchase of disinfectants nicotine-free disinfectants and pesti-
cides)
5.6 Pest control
(structural preventive
measures, no discernible infes-
tation, no open bait, documen-
tation: contract, baiting sched-
ule, pest control measures)
5.7 Disinfection mats/baths; shoe
changing
5.8 Farm hygiene/disinfection after K.O.
destocking
5.9 Emergency power supply
5.10 Visual animal assessment Document abnormalities under “Comments“
5.11 Storage of excrement
5.12 Storage of dead animals
6. Management of self-monitoring system
6.1 Documentation: young hens K.O.
from KAT-registered establish-
ment; age of hens; number of
hens, feed consumption, laying
performance
6.2 Stocking and destocking, doc- K.O. Name the company which carries out
umentation of stocking dates stocking/destocking
6.3 Documentation of daily egg K.O.
production
6.4 Documentation of daily hen
quantity (per age group)
6.5 KAT documentation require- K.O.
ment
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
6.6 Course of action in the event
of a crisis (emergency plans)
6.7 Documentary evidence of
compulsory vaccinations for
young hens/certificate of sal-
monella-free young hens
6.8 Documentary evidence of
salmonella checks
(per henhouse, no pool sam-
ple)
6.9 Approved feed supplier K.O. Enter name of factory
6.10 Examination of documentary
evidence regarding water
quality
6.11 Digital photography of hen-
house views and/or shortcom-
ings
6.12 Keeping of visitor lists
{6,13| Dioxin/DL-PCB and NDL-PCB
6,13} testing of eggs
7 Database
7.1 Database entries K.O.
(egg quantities and feed)
8 Henhouse rearing requirements for “Animal welfare checked” label
8.1 Stocking rate K.O.
8.2 Group size/spatial separation K.O.
of flocks
8.3 Number of floors K.O.
8.4 Access to scratching area K.O.
8.5 Size and condition of scratch- K.O.
ing area
8.6 Openings to conservatory K.O.
8.7 Raised/integrated perches K.O.
available
8.8 Length of perches
8.9 Length of feed conveyor belts
8.10 Number of drinking troughs
8.11 Nest material/nest area K.O.
8.12 Light conditions K.O.
8.13 Suitable henhouse environ-
ment
9 Free-range criteria for “Animal welfare checked” label
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
9.1 Conservatory available K.O.
9.2 Running metres of openings K.O.
9.3 Distribution of openings K.O.
9.4 Size of openings/working K.O.
order
9.5 Size/approval of outdoor area K.O.
9.6 Condition/equipment of free- K.O.
range area
9.7 Use of free-range area K.O.
9.8 Minimum width of outdoor
area (2 m/1,000 hens)
9.9 Width of henhouse K.O.
9.10 Keeping of outdoor K.O.
log/exceeding of 12-week
period for confinement of
poultry to their henhouses
10 Animal health/zoonosis prevention for “Animal welfare checked” label
K.O.
10.1 Daily health check
K.O.
10.2 Examination of dead animals
10.3 Documentary evidence of the K.O.
purchase of medicines
10.4 Register/medicines K.O.
book/supervision by veteri-
nary surgeon
10.5 Documentary evidence of the (Especially with regard to the use of nicotine-
purchase of disinfectants free disinfectants and pesticides)
K.O.
10.6 Pest control
(structural preventive
measures, no discernible infes-
tation, no open bait, documen-
tation: contract, baiting sched-
ule, pest control measures)
10.7 Disinfection mats/baths; shoe K.O.
changing
K.O.
10.8 Farm hygiene/disinfection
after destocking
K.O.
10.9 Emergency power supply
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
K.O.
10.10 Visual animal assessment
(plumage, general condition,
beak trimming)
K.O.
10.11 Storage of excrement
K.O.
10.12 Storage of dead animals
11. Management of self-monitoring system for “Animal welfare checked” label
11.1 Documentation: young hens K.O.
from KAT-registered estab-
lishment; age of hens; hen
number, feed consumption,
laying performance, rearing
from daylight production
11.2 Stocking and destocking; K.O. Name the company which carries out
documentation of stocking stocking/destocking
dates
11.3 Documentation of daily egg K.O.
production
11.4 Documentation of daily hen
quantity (per age group)
11.5 KAT documentation require- K.O.
ment
11.6 Course of action in the event
of a crisis (emergency plans)
11.7 Documentary evidence of K.O.
compulsory vaccinations for
young hens/certificate of sal-
monella-free young hens
11.8 Documentary evidence of sal- K.O.
monella checks conducted
(per henhouse, no pool sam-
ple)
11.9 Approved feed supplier K.O. Enter name of factory
11.10 Examination of documentary
evidence regarding water
quality
11.11 Digital photography of hen-
house views and/or shortcom-
ings
11.12 Keeping of visitor lists
11.13 Dioxin/DL-PCB/NDL-PCB
testing of eggs
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
No. Criterion Result Comments
A B C D M
12 Risk assessment for dioxins/PCBs
12.1 Description of surrounding
conditions (within a radius of
about 10 km)
12.2 Description of site conditions
on establishment premises
12.3 Previous use of outdoor area
12.4 Henhouse floor/outdoor area K.O.
12.5 Fencing-in of outdoor areas K.O. Fencing materials, paintwork
12.6 Building/conservatory If materials posing a risk are used, take
egg samples for dioxin/DL-PCB and NDL-
PCB testing
Space for further comments
Discrepancy report for neutral inspection of laying farms
Farm short name: Inspection date:
Discrepancies observed:
Agreed corrective measures:
Place, date Auditor’s signature Signature for farm
__________ __ ________ ____________________ ________ ________
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Preliminary calculation:
No. of categories: A= B= C= D= Major =
No. of points for A/B/C/D/ 20 pts 15 pts 5 pts -5 pts
Category multiplied by = K.O. no
number of points licensing
Total points (max. 1340) =
Total points divided by Score achieved ______ of 20
applicable categories (max.
Score achieved * 5 = [%]
67)
For Major -15% of result = [%]
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Assessment criteria*) for KAT laying farms
(October 2013 version)
*) Assessment criteria are only intended as indications; in general the statutory provisions apply!
Item Inspection criterion Assessment Comment/target
1 General condition of the laying farm
1.1 Henhouse building, storage, packing and packaging premises (Farmpacker)
1.1.1 Eggs protected against effects B: - slight negative impact - no extraneous smells
of weather C: - direct exposure to sunlight, - no effects of the weather
- extraneous smells - no exposure to light
D: - eggs chilled artificially at under 5 °C
- strong negative impact
1.1.2 Henhouse building B: - slight structural shortcomings
C: - major structural shortcomings
D: - negative impact on eggs/hens
1.1.3 Building security/controlled D: - no controlled access, B and C not selectable
access to henhouse - no locking option Check lockability.
1.1.4 Stamping machine / D = - no stamping machine available B and C not selectable
manufacturer of stamping - no stamping machine failure report Name of manufacturer must always
machine to KAT be entered in the “Comments” field
D = K.O.
1.1.5 Pallet/egg labelling B: - only daily output labelled incom- Eggs of quality class A must not be
pletely washed or otherwise cleaned either
- Farmpacker available, before or after sorting.
stamping machine defective
(documentation, e.g. henhouse log)
- pallet labelling without D = K.O.
laying farm no., no laying date
C: - no pallet labelling
- stamping machine defective: docu-
mentation, but no separate pallet la-
belling
- unclear, incomplete stamping
- more than one day’s output with
incomplete labelling
D: - lack of stamp not documented
- stamping machine defect not doc-
umented
- use of unapproved stamping col-
ours (in accordance with German
Additives Approval Ordinance)
1.1.6 Egg collection Mjr: The eggs are not collected on every Collection every third working day or
third working day and there is no storage once per week if the room tempera-
area in which the room temperature is ture is maintained artificially at under
maintained artificially at 18°C. 18°C (apart from eggs for industrial
use).
B, C and D not selectable
1.2 Organisation/cleanliness
1.2.1 Egg gathering (Farmpacker) B: - slight soiling (no day-old dirt)
C: - additionally, extraneous smells and
higher level of soiling
D: - high degree of incrustation, mould,
extraneous smells
1.2.2 Eggs storage B: - slight soiling Storage of eggs at 5-18°C must be
C: - major soiling ensured for quality class A
D: - neg. impact on eggs possible
distinct extraneous smells, mould, no
storage of eggs between 5-18°C (=
no quality class A)
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Item Inspection criterion Assessment Comment/target
1.2.3 Henhouse order/hygiene B: - soiling, access to equipment, waste, Soiling means waste, equipment,
machines machinery, feed remains, etc.
C: - high dust levels in henhouse
D: - henhouse hygiene insufficient
1.2.4 Feed/feed storage B: - slight negative impact
C: - medium negative impact,
slight rodent infestation
D: - major negative impact, distinct ex-
traneous smells, mould, major ro-
dent infestation
Mjr: - no regular cleaning of feeding
equipment or no cleaning hatch in
silo
1.2.5 Drinking troughs B: - slight soiling
C: - medium soiling
D: - major soiling
1.2.6 Packaging material stored B: - directly on the floor –
hygienically clean environment
C: - storage in external area
D: - dirty packaging material
- negative effect from packaging ma-
terial possible
1.3 Staff hygiene
1.3.1 Use of company-owned cloth- D: - no company-owned clothing or dis- B and C not selectable
ing posable clothing
1.3.2 Sanitary facilities B: - slight soiling, A: A: no sanitary facilities but laying
paper/dispensers not refilled establishment directly adjacent to
- not easily accessible farmstead
(not located on production premises)
C: - higher level of soiling,
- lack of soap
D: - no sanitary facilities
1.3.3 Changing rooms B: - slight soiling A: no changing rooms but laying
C: - not available establishment directly adjacent to
- major soiling farmstead
1.3.4 Hygiene training D: - no hygiene training carried out B and C not selectable
- no documentary evidence of hygiene
training available
2. Henhouse rearing conditions
2.1 Stocking rate D: - more hens stocked than the number B and C not selectable
approved by law D = K.O.
2.2 Spatial flock separation in D: - no spatial separation of flocks - Conventional rearing: separation of
henhouse and conservatory henhouses in 6,000-hen units ( wire
or similar)
- flock separation obligatory in
conservatory if conservatory forms
part of usable area
- organic rearing: 3,000-hen units
with permanent separation/visual
protection screen (wall, wood, etc.)
B and C not selectable
D = K.O.
2.3 Number of floors D: - clearance height between floors is B and C not selectable
under 45 cm
- excrement falls onto underlying The lower three levels are to be
levels taken into account
- more than 3 calculable areas are
counted towards usable area D = K.O.
2.4 Access to scratching area D: - no access to scratching area three B and C not selectable.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Item Inspection criterion Assessment Comment/target
weeks after stocking at the latest or
after 50% of laying performance has D = K.O.
been reached.
2.5 Size and condition of scratch- B: - solid areas in places and lack of Conservatory directly adjacent to
ing area litter in isolated cases henhouse and accessible to all ani-
C: - > 50% of area is solid or lacking mals at all times – recognised
litter
- no textured litter material available D = K.O.
- perches above scratching area
(no landing perches)
- floor plate permeable for litter
material
D: - < 1/3 of henhouse floor area
- scratching area on several levels
- no scratching area available
2.6 Openings to conservatory B: - 2 m per 1,000 hens or 120
hens/m²
- nest depth 5 % but < 15 %) from the required used by the hens is compulsory.
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
Valid from: …….KAT Guide for Laying Farms
Item Inspection criterion Assessment Comment/target
size Such a requirement does not apply
D: - no conservatory available to already existing buildings.
D = K.O.
3.2 Running metres of openings B: - 90% of prescribed length is availa- Free-range rearing: at least 2 m of
ble, outdoor area well used, with un- openings for every 1,000 animals
restricted access Organic rearing: No. of animals in
C: - 80% of prescribed length is availa- relation to net area, at least 20 me-
ble, openings well accepted, no un- tres of openings for 3,000 animals
restricted access openings from henhouse to con-
D: - prescribed length is not complied servatory of 2 m/500 animals
with, outdoor area is not well used
B and C for existing buildings
D = K.O.
3.3 Distribution of openings B: - not distributed over the whole length Each hen must have access to the
of an external wall, official approval opening
granted
D: - not distributed over the whole length D = K.O.
of a building
3.4 Size of openings/working B: - opening height < 35 cm At least 40 cm wide and 35 cm high,
order - minimum dimensions not always at ground level and not on top of
complied with, openings well used each other
- openings at a height of 20-30cm
C: - opening height 50 cm
- openings cannot be opened, not
functioning properly
3.5 Size/approval of outdoor area B: - access to total area is restricted 4 m² per animal, max. 150 m dis-
- narrow places in outdoor area tance from henhouse or 350 m dis-
< 2 m/1,000 animals tance from next opening given at
C: - access to total area is restricted least 4 sheltering options per hec-
(e.g. fence with insufficient openings tare
– running metres of openings (3.1)
are stipulated)
- area available but used otherwise
D: - prescribed area is not available
- organic rearing without outdoor area
- outdoor area not approved as usa- D = K.O.
ble area
3.6 Condition of free-range area B: - For free-range: > 30% of area with- No agricultural use of areas except
out vegetation; not applicable with for orchard, forest, meadow with
organic rearing official approval; at least 50 percent
C: - > 50 % without vegetation of area planted with vegetation for
- insufficient sheltering options organic rearing; 50 % without vegetation need not be provided; trees and
- no sheltering options bushes are regarded as shelter
D = K.O.
3.7 Use of free-range area B: - hens not in free-range area on day
of inspection (give reasons);
outdoor area well used otherwise
however
C: - hens not in free-range area for sev-
eral days according to outdoor log
D: - 6 hours outdoors per day not en- D = K.O.
sured, untouched turf, free-range
area looks unused
3.8 Min. width of outdoor area B: - spacing on max. 10% of length not Spacing must at least conform to the
Status: released
Version: October 2013 Appendix
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