Semester of Graduation
Fall 2025
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
A recent outbreak of avian influenza increased egg prices nationwide. One combating proposal to reducing the cost of eggs is to remove the ban on caged eggs. However, it would decrease the welfare of laying hens. Using an incentive compatible elicitation, we investigate Willingness to Accept (WTA), a rarely examined concept in the context of animal welfare, defined as the level of savings required among consumers in California, Massachusetts, and Nevada to support the removal of the ban on caged eggs, potentially reducing animal welfare. We find the average WTA is $1.12, $1.07, and $1.27 per dozen eggs (26.4%, 25.2%, and 27.7% of average reported price paid) in California, Massachusetts, and Nevada, respectively. It implies that shoppers from these states need a substantial decrease in egg prices to support the removal of the ban. Based on industry cost estimates, this required level of savings exceeds expected cost savings to farmers resulted from using cages, suggesting that the ban on cage-free eggs should be maintained in all three states.
Date
8-29-2025
Recommended Citation
Sakeni, Atiyeh, "Willingness to Accept to Reduce Animal Welfare by Removing the Ban on Caged Eggs in California, Massachusetts, and Nevada" (2025). LSU Master's Theses. 6217.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6217
Committee Chair
Penn, Jerrod