Leading Research

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.

Separate feeding of calcium for poultry

This series of studies investigated the presence and extent of an ‘appetite’ for an extra-dietary source of Ca in laying hens and established the optimum Ca and P concentrations and ratios of dietary Ca for optimum egg production and nutrient digestibility.

Reducing ammonia losses during composting of chicken manure without altering economic outcomes

This research trialled mixing poultry manure with organic materials such as sawdust and wood chips, in an effort to produce a nitrogen rich compost product.

Addition of sawdust or wood chips to manure was shown to maximise nitrogen retention but at an increased compost production cost.

Effects of phasing out caged farming in Europe

This project investigated egg production in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, where conventional cage systems for laying hens are no longer permitted. The report gives an overview of some of the systems and equipment in use; their set-up and cost, and flock management practices in place.

Egg Farming Systems Welfare Science Review

A review of the research to date on physiological and behavioural welfare indicators of hens in caged, barn and alternate systems; such as free range. The report provides a summary of the advantages, disadvantages and issues of different egg production systems.

Animal Welfare and Values

Australian Eggs engaged a panel of researchers, including animal welfare scientists, veterinary and social science experts to identify and describe values based elements that arise in the context of the available frameworks for animal welfare on egg farms.

Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Salmonella isolates from environments on Australian commercial egg farms

This project was conducted to identify the most appropriate mechanisms for obtaining and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on Salmonella isolates obtained from Australian layer shed environments.

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.

Best Practice Lighting Management for Australian Layers

A review of lighting systems in hen housing facilities, to understand factors that can help boost flock productivity through optimising bird growth, onset of lay, desired behaviours and number of eggs laid.

A Review of Animal Welfare Policy and Assessment Frameworks

Better informed industry on current developments in animal welfare theory and policy.