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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Layer Hen Manure Analysis Report
Poultry layer manure and litter composition data are essential for accurately determining sustainable application rates of manure to crops and pastures.This study collected some 20 samples of manure and litter from five different layer production systems from all major production regions in Australia.
Composting Every Day Mortalities and Other Wastes from Layer Farms
Composting is a viable alternative method for disposing of daily mortalities, spent hens, egg and other waste produced on Australian egg farms.
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.
The importance of nests for the welfare of laying hens
As the majority of hens in Australia are housed in cages, which is a controversial animal welfare issue for the egg industry, an analysis of nest boxes and their use by laying hens is an important aspect of understanding the effect on bird welfare, behaviour, and ultimately, egg production.
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).
Reducing the use of animal by-product meals in layer diets
Economic constraints and public concerns have compelled the poultry industry to increasingly use a range of cheaper, alternative plant-derived feedstuffs in feed formulations and eliminate the use of animal by-product meals.
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.
An Egg: Salmonella Quantitative Risk Assessment Model
A quantitative risk assessment of Salmonella contamination of eggs in
Australia, through the development of a tool to predict how changes in industry practices
may impact on the occurrence of Salmonellosis in humans.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.