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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Optimising reduced-protein diets for an efficient and sustainable layer production
This project addresses the knowledge gap of the optimisation of reduced protein diets, by exploring the
effects of dietary enzyme inclusion on the production performance of laying hens fed reduced-protein
diets.Eggs for breakfast: long-term (6-month) impact on body weight
The aim of the study was to investigate, over 6 months, the impact of consuming 2 eggs for breakfast on 5 days per week compared with eating cereal for breakfast on body weight, body composition, glucose and lipids and Vitamin D status.
Eggs: protein that’s good for the planet and your body
This project focused on two key questions: identify the positive benefits of egg consumption, and identify influencing factors and barriers likely to encourage or prevent consumers from perceiving eggs as an appropriate nutritional and environmentally-friendly meat alternative.
Carbon and environmental impacts of poultry production: 2020 and beyond
Climate change action is a global priority for governments, business and industries. The egg industry produces highly efficient, high-quality food products with a relatively low environmental footprint but along with every sector, there is an imperative to reduce impacts over time.
Monitoring hen health with machine vision on free range farms
This project will develop a proof-of-concept machine vision system with the capability to detect abnormal flock appearance and behaviour, that would indicate poor animal health or welfare.
Effect of microbiota seeding on gut health and egg production
Extending flocks productive lifespan has been a challenge for the egg industry and remains a priority. This project aims to investigate the “seeding” of gut with beneficial organisms as a potential layer hen
management strategy to improve the gut health of hens.Nutritional management of free range laying hens
Building on previous research, this project further investigated the preferences of individual hens to use the range. Using RFID technology, this project indicated that there are linkages between a hen's preference to use the range and health and performance throughout life.
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.
Values in layer hen welfare 2.0: The application of community values to key layer hen welfare issues
Following on from the Australian Eggs Animal Welfare and Values project, completed in June 2019, this project sought to expand understanding of animal welfare by exploring how the community applies values to key welfare issues using social science research methods.
Surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in enteric commensals and pathogens in the Australian commercial egg industry
Funded by the Commonwealth government, the Australian egg industry investigated the levels of antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and Enterococcus on egg farms.
This research helps the egg industry to understand how effectively antimicrobials are currently being used.Optimisation of use of probiotics for control of Salmonella in hens
This project tested the effect of commercially available probiotics and synbiotics on layer gut development and Salmonella shedding. Results indicated that continuous feeding of a Bacillus based probiotic supplement can benefit layers.
Evaluation of the duration of immunity induced by a vaccination program against Salmonella Enteritidis 7A in laying hens in Australia (Stage 2).
In this research, a combination of live Salmonella Typhimurium and autogenous Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) vaccine did provide layers with a long- term humoral immune response, but did not prevent the shedding of Salmonella.
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.
Evaluation of vaccination program options against Salmonella Enteritidis 7A in laying hens in Australia
This project tested three different vaccination programs for their efficacy in Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) prevention in laying hens. The results of this study indicated that SE control is possible using a combination of the current registered live Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) vaccines and an SE killed autogenous vaccine.
In Stage two of this project hens vaccinated with the ST + SE program were challenged 35 weeks after their second vaccination. Results indicated that vaccinated hens had a sustained humoral immune response, but were no less likely to be infected with SE long- term than non-vaccinated hens.Promotion of competitive exclusion by ‘good’ bacteria against Salmonella
To investigate one way of biologically controlling Salmonella, potential control organisms were isolated from the layer farm environment by demonstration of inhibition to a single Salmonella Typhimurium strain. The ability of the isolates to inhibit Salmonella growth using the agar overlay method was assessed, then the ability of the isolates to competitively exclude Salmonella attachment to stainless steel coupons was assessed by the use of pre-formed biofilms.
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.