The "five freedoms" model states that food animals are entitled to freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress.

The Manitoba Egg Farmers stated in a press release that enriched cages combine the food safety benefits of conventional cages with the welfare benefits of open housing. Such cages include "furnishings" such as perches, scratch pads and nesting areas, the group said, and enable hens to "express natural behaviours."

The new policy would be binding on egg farmers who build new facilities, or undertake a major retrofit after 2018. The Manitoba Egg Farmers, representing the province's 168 regulated egg and pullet farmers, stated it recognizes "the importance of providing the public with quality food along with the reassurance that our laying hens are well looked after."