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.
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Opportunities to increase engagement of Australian egg producers with biosecurity practices
This project identified factors that influence adoption of biosecurity practices by Australian egg producers, and provides direction on initiatives that may help improve adoption across all sectors within the industry.
The efficacy of feed additives to reduce the impact of Spotty Liver Disease
Evaluation of the protective effect of various feed additives fed to commercial layers before exposure to the causative agent of Spotty Liver Disease to provide farmers with a tool to reduce its impact.
Determining the cause and methods of control for ‘Spotty Liver Disease’
This project aimed to identify the causative agent of Spotty Liver Disease, in order to improve productivity of commercial layers placed in alternative systems without the need for antibiotics.
Field application of a Rispens-specific qPCR test
Vaccination success and effective methods for detecting MDV breaks in vaccinated flocks
Evaluation of energy usage and ventilation performance of tunnel ventilated layer sheds
Due to increasing pressures on operating margins within the Australian egg industry, this study investigated the energy usage and ventilation systems in cage egg sheds.Optimising electricity usage is an important factor in improving the bottom line of egg production systems.
Salmonella control in layer chickens
Confidence in the ability to reduce any presence of Salmonella on shell eggs by the use of vaccine technology determined.
Occurrence and control of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in caged hens
Since the 1950s there has been extensive research into the causes and prevention of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS).
Vaccination and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) challenge in mature laying hens
All pullets currently reared in Australia for egg production are vaccinated with live attenuated strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV).However, questions have been raised about possible negative effects of attenuated vaccines in adult layer birds.
Development of real-time PCR test to quantify infections bronchitis virus in tissues of chickens
This study was conducted to develop and evaluate the use of reverse transcriptase real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect and quantify the viral copy number of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) from infected tissues of vaccinated and unvaccinated laying hens.
Rapid identification and pathotyping of virulent IBDV, NDV and AI isolates
The objectives for this project were the development, evaluation and implementation of molecular diagnostic tests for the rapid identification of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus (AIV).
Improving mycoplasma vaccines - targets for defined attenuation
This project aims to improve the effectiveness of mycoplasma vaccines, and to use these findings to develop new vaccines capable of providing protection against variant strains that may not be controlled by the current generation of vaccines.
Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of infectious laryngotracheitis viruses in Australia
The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence and spread of the Australian ILTV virus, in order to establish a genetic marker for the disease.This could then be developed as a tool for investigating the epidemiology of the disease.
Use of cytokines to enhance vaccine efficacy in poultry
This report outlines the analysis of the immune response during Marek's disease virus infection and the development of reagents used, and assessed, as potential cytokine therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants.
Investigating the cause of Miliary Hepatitis in laying chickens
Miliary hepatitis can cause mortalities and loss of egg production in chickens.The cause is unknown.This trial attempted to establish a model of the disease, so that preventative and control measures can be undertaken.
Typing of Pasteurella multocida
The objective of the project was to establish a novel DNA-based typing scheme for Pasteurella multocida.This publication describes the development of the first ever Multi-locus Sequence Typing scheme for this bacteria. .
Projects you might find interesting
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.
Barriers to the implementation of Max- profit and Stochastic models to industry
This research found that more resources and education may be needed to help nutritionists implement Stochastic and Max- profit feed formulation in the Australian layer industry.
Traceability for the egg industry
Robust traceability systems are critical to ensuring that in the event of egg quality and food safety issues, the correct farms, specific production areas or sheds can be efficiently identified, and steps taken to rectify concerns.