Leading Research

Practical strategies to measure hen welfare

Using the emerging field of microRNA to identify potential biomarkers of affective states in hens. This project will identify positive and negative markers that can be tested in pooled egg samples.

Eggs to improve Choline intake in pregnancy

Choline is an essential nutrient which research shows is particularly important in pregnancy. In this research, 100 pregnant women will have their Choline levels measured, and then throughout their pregnancy keep track of their daily intake of foods known to be rich in Choline.

Effects of egg consumption on vitamin D status

Recent research has shown that a serve of eggs contains up to 82% of adult daily vitamin D requirements. This research will investigate the role eggs play in preventing vitamin D deficiency.

Biotechnology: Black solder fly for soil improvement

Australian Eggs is one of 6 contributing RDCs in this collaborative project. Researchers are developing a novel solution, using black soldier flies to convert agricultural waste into high quality fertiliser to improve soil.

Spotty Liver Disease Epidemiology

Researchers will collect information and cloacal swabs from 30 free range flocks across Australia to find patterns in Spotty Liver Disease infection. This data will improve our understanding of how management factors affect or prevent flock infection of Spotty Liver Disease.

Sustainable Worm Control

Through surveying producers, collecting faecal samples and examining spent hens, researchers will be able to determine the prevalence and significance of worm infection in free range layer flocks in Australia.

Decontamination

Researchers will address knowledge gaps by developing a set of guidelines and procedures for everyday decontamination of layer production areas, which will help to manage the risk of disease infecting and spreading within the flock.

Optimising performance, health, flock consistency & egg quality characteristics through management

In this project, researchers will work with free range farms to understand the management factors which influence common problems in free range systems such as variable peak of lay timing and inconsistent egg size and quality.

Improvement in egg shell quality at high temperatures

Resilient plants to entice hens outdoors on free range farms

The aim of this project was to consolidate available agronomic information and provide an up-to-date resource for free range egg farmers on what and how to plant on the range. To complete this project the researcher integrated existing research on the topic, as well as learnings from 5 'case study farms' that the researcher worked with throughout the project.

Determining resource requirements for removal of waste from egg farms

These resources will assist egg farms in planning their approach to waste disposal, particularly in preparing for infectious disease in the flock. Using a risk-based approach these resources will enable egg farmers to identify the resources that would be needed on their farm to support the disposal of all types of poultry farm waste.

RD&E Project List 19/20

Traceability Technology Desktop Review

To review current egg traceability systems and available technologies to support enhanced traceability in the Australian egg industry

On-farm Biosecurity Risk Identification Framework for the Australian layer industry

This report provides a support tool for Australian egg producers to determine biosecurity risks on-farm. As well as assisting Egg producers in understanding what constitutes a risk and why, the report offers potential management strategies to decrease on-farm risks to biosecurity.

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.