Leading Research
To generate focused research, Australian Eggs works with industry to build a clearer understanding of the needs of farmers, identifies research groups with the skills to address the issues, and develops targeted research project ideas that have clear pathways to on-farm adoption.
Australian Eggs Open Call for Research Proposals
Australian Eggs announces our annual open call for research proposals in line with accompanying research priority areas. Through a process of consultation with industry stakeholders, Australian Eggs have identified 11 priority areas. We invite all interested researchers to submit a research proposal by 2 November 2026.
Please complete a Research Proposal Template and submit to [E-Mail not displayed].
Any questions relating to the process or the Research Proposal Template can be emailed to [E-Mail not displayed].
Latest Research Project
Development of single administration, slow release vaccine delivery system
This project aims to develop a single-shot, slow-release vaccine delivery system using hydrogel technology. It will investigate the best vaccine release pattern from hydrogel implants (extended “burst” verses multiple “pulses”) to induce immunity.
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Evaluating the effectiveness of wild bird deterrents in Poultry Operations for Avian Influenza Control: A literature review
Avian Influenza poses a significant threat to poultry health, public health, and the global agricultural economy. The growing concern over Avian Influenza (AI) in commercial poultry operations, particularly free-range systems, has underscored the importance of effective bird deterrents.
Avian influenza aerosol spread risk and mitigation
This project aims to improve understanding of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) aerosol transmission during depopulation and disposal (D&D) on infected chicken layer farms in Australia. The project will quantify virus viability in shed litter, measure fine dust aerosol generation during D&D, and estimate aerosol transmission risk.
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) pathogenicity
This project is an extension to a previous project on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in free-range layers in Australia. The research resulted in identification of 69 isolates of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), which is an emergent respiratory bacterial pathogen in poultry.
Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-based environmental bioaerosol sampling for early avian influenza detection
Detecting avian influenza (AI) in its avian hosts through environmental DNA/RNA sampling offers a promising method for real-time monitoring. This early detection strategy could improve on-farm disease surveillance and bolster prevention and control efforts against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.
Addressing Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) for Australian egg industry
This study addresses an industry need to better understand and mitigate the impact of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in layer chickens. By utilising a large sample collection of over 5,000 E.
Mechanisms of Spotty Liver Disease pathogenesis and immune protection: informing vaccine development
This project aims to investigate the mechanisms driving Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) pathogenesis. Currently antibiotic therapy is the most effective way to control SLD. Understanding the role of toxins and other virulence determinants in disease pathogenesis and immune protection will help to identify targets for vaccine development.
Development of single administration, slow release vaccine delivery system
This project aims to develop a single-shot, slow-release vaccine delivery system using hydrogel technology. It will investigate the best vaccine release pattern from hydrogel implants (extended “burst” verses multiple “pulses”) to induce immunity.
Management tools to minimise floor eggs
To better understand how floor eggs may be avoided, this project compiled information on factors that can affect the propensity of hens to floor lay and management strategies that may prevent the undesirable behaviour from developing.
Australian egg layer disease benchmarking survey
The project aimed to provide a summary of the current disease burden in the Australian layer industry.
Genetic restoration to protect Australian poultry against Avian Influenza
The initial stage of research found the key in chicken genetics that is responsible for high pathogenic avian influenza virus. This project builds on this important finding, by testing the most appropriate and effective intervention to prevent low pathogenic avian influenza progressing to high pathogenic avian influenza.
Investigations of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)
This research project investigated upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in layer farms. URTIs cost the egg industry $35 million annually through reduced production, medication, vaccination, and mortality.
Extension and communication strategies to improve biosecurity
This project will develop the most appropriate and applicable biosecurity extension and communications strategies that will target small, medium and large segments of the egg industry.
Alternatives to antibiotics in the layer industry
As part of the Australian Egg Industries antimicrobial stewardship, a review of the literature regarding potential alternatives to antibiotic treatment in laying hens and pullets was commissioned. The literature was searched using bacterial disease terms, laying hens, pullets and “alternatives to antibiotics”.
Effect of microbiota seeding on gut health and egg production
Extending flocks productive lifespan has been a challenge for the egg industry and remains a priority. This project aims to investigate the “seeding” of gut with beneficial organisms as a potential layer hen
management strategy to improve the gut health of hens.
Practical strategies to increase individual layer hens feed efficiency
The overall findings of this study reveal that significant variation exists in the feed efficiency of layer hens. In this project, hens that put on more weight from the point of lay to mid-lay tended to be less feed efficient and have poorer quality eggs. The high feed efficient hens had better egg quality and were less prone to liver damage or fatty liver.
Projects you might find interesting
Alternative protein-rich ingredients for Australian pigs and laying hens
Feed cost accounts for 70% of the production costs in farming, and any strategy to reduce it will have a significant impact on total production costs and farm profitability.
Development of single administration, slow release vaccine delivery system
This project aims to develop a single-shot, slow-release vaccine delivery system using hydrogel technology. It will investigate the best vaccine release pattern from hydrogel implants (extended “burst” verses multiple “pulses”) to induce immunity.
Practical strategies to increase individual layer hens feed efficiency
The overall findings of this study reveal that significant variation exists in the feed efficiency of layer hens. In this project, hens that put on more weight from the point of lay to mid-lay tended to be less feed efficient and have poorer quality eggs. The high feed efficient hens had better egg quality and were less prone to liver damage or fatty liver.
Review of rodent control for the Australian chicken meat and egg industries
This final report on current rodent control strategies employed by the Australian chicken meat and egg industries also includes a manual for producers on use of rodenticide products.
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