ADAS Cost of Production calculations for White Birds

Published on : 17 Apr 2026

As the white egg share of the free range market increases, there is more interest in understanding production costs and financial margins and how they compare with brown eggs. ADAS is currently reviewing the methodology used for brown eggs to ensure a clear and fair comparison between the two.

There are a lot of different points to consider. White hens have a longer laying cycle than brown hens. This means that pullet and some other costs are spread over more eggs, so that production costs are lower on a ‘per dozen’ basis. Against that, the purchase price of a white pullet is higher than it is for brown.

Differences in feed intake are also evident. For the brown egg cost of production calculation in the Ranger each month, published breed standard figures are used for feed and for egg numbers. The same approach is needed for white eggs to provide a clear comparison. The Dekalb White UK management guide for free range has recently been published and this provides one good source of current information.

Whilst costs are important, the financial margin (returns minus costs) is a key indicator from a producer perspective. Calculating this requires the average selling price of the eggs (the packer to producer price), the value of end-of-lay hens and the percentage of seconds. At present, this is an area of uncertainty both for brown and white eggs given the new APHA egg quality guidance.

It is important to compare costs and margins on an annual basis as well as ‘per dozen’ or ‘per bird’. This takes account of different output levels and different cycle lengths for brown and white and provides a good comparison for the enterprise as a whole.

Providing a fair and comprehensive comparison of costs and margins between brown and white eggs is therefore not straight-forward. A plan of action is being developed and the key points of the process are set out below:

· Performance and cost data for white eggs are being compiled by ADAS at present and the key financial comparisons needed are being finalised. Seconds levels will be monitored closely in the coming months.

· BFREPA is recruiting an industry group to work with ADAS in the development of white egg costings. The remit of the group will be to provide information and feedback on the proposed metrics and how they are presented. In keeping with the brown and organic egg data already provided, the final figures will be determined by ADAS and not by BFREPA or industry.

· Monthly figures will be shared with the industry group first of all, before the data are published more widely in the Ranger. This will ensure that the format is suitable and that the comparisons are clear.

After any final changes are made, the intention is to publish white egg information in the Ranger this year.

ADAS carries out the costings independently, but we help by linking them with producers who can provide accurate flock data. If you’ve had at least one flock and would be willing to contribute, it would really help ensure the figures properly reflect white bird production.

If you’re interested, please contact Jason Gittins at ADAS on jason.gittins@adas.co.uk.

No data is shared with BFREPA or any other organisation.