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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New Therapeutics for Poultry
The broad objective of this project was to assess the ability of ChIFN-γ to increase broiler growth performance, enhance vaccine efficacy and improve disease resistance.
Development of a live attenuated vaccine for chicken anaemia virus
The chicken anaemia virus is associated with increased mortality rates amongst chickens.This study makes considerable progress towards developing a defined attenuated vaccine against the virus.
Hindgut function in laying hens
This report details a series of experiments designed to provide evidence of a fermentative acidosis caused in the hindgut gut of layer-type birds after changes in their diet, and the development of a commercial feed enzyme.
Control of Intestinal Spirochaete Infections in Chickens
Infection of layer and broiler breeders with Avian Intestinal Spirochaetosis (AIS) has emerged as a widespread constraint to optimal production in both the egg and chicken meat industries in Australia.The micro-organisms involved are difficult to isolate and characterise, therefore diagnosis of AIS is often difficult.
Studies of Cloacal Haemorrhage, Vent Trauma and Beak Trimming in the Laying Hen
The long-term objective of this research program is to develop a world best practice to achieve peak egg production and to reduce mortalities to 2-3% in birds with intact beaks. .
Investigating Sanitation of Surface Water for Poultry using Chlorine-IBDV Models
Significant numbers of commercial poultry production sites in Australia rely on surface waters (dams, creeks and rivers) as their major source of drinking water.
Controlling Vent Trauma With Stockwound Sprays
Recent studies found that vent cannibalism was the biggest cause of loss in laying hens.Beak trimming, at two life stage intervals has been used as a means of controlling the problem.
Enhancing mucosal immunity in chickens
Infection in chickens caused by microbial pathogens at the intestinal surface can be a challenge for the Australian poultry industry.However, there are a number of novel vaccination strategies which can enhance antibody production and reduce the incidence of infection and ultimately improve flock health and performance.
Reducing Feather Pecking
This project aimed to improve feathering in laying hens by visually demonstrating (through video) the various bird behaviours that indicate positive and or negative outcomes.
Attenuation and characterisation of Eimeria spp
This purpose of this study was to isolate and purify field strains of E. Maxima and E. Acervulina for suitable use in a live poultry coccidiosis vaccine.
Marek's disease vaccine trials in commercial birds
This trial was undertaken to develop effective immunisation strategies for the prevention of Marek's disease using newer vaccines developed by RMIT Melbourne.
The significance of wet droppings in laying hens
The project was initiated due to numerous complaints from the industry egg producers regarding the issue of wet droppings and the hygienic implications this causes.The focus of the project was to examine wet litter problems from a nutritional perspective and to develop strategies minimising the problem.
Three vaccine trials on Marek's disease
The findings from three trials conducted to assess the efficacy of the newly developed RMIT vaccine against Marek's disease are detailed in the report on this project.
Evaluation of performance of tunnel ventilated layer housing
Competitive economic conditions mean that Australian egg producers seek ways to reduce the cost of egg production.Current housing design has proven unable to provide the economically optimum temperatures required by layers during winter and summer.
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.