EGGSTRA! CSIRO EGG INDUSTRY REPORT AMBASSADOR MANU FEILDEL - FORRESTDALE'S JOE SACCA - Australian Eggs
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EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MATTERS DECEMBER 2018 PAGE 6 PAGE 20 CSIRO EGG FORRESTDALE’S INDUSTRY JOE SACCA REPORT PAGE 8 AMBASSADOR MANU FEILDEL
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THE SCIENCE OF
HEALTHIER ANIMALS
EGG INDUSTRY MATTERS DECEMBER 2018
Contents
CONTRIBUTORS
AUSTRALIAN EGGS LTD
Rowan McMonnies
Managing Director 04 14
NEWS EGG FARMERS OF
Jojo Jackson
AUSTRALIA
Sustainability Program Manager 2018 Fast Facts
The importance of
Raymond Chia a national voice
Food Safety & Biosecurity Coordinator
10
Gemma Wyburn ENGAGEMENT 15
Sustainability Coordinator
CSIRO releases EGG FARMERS OF 28
egg industry report AUSTRALIA
Nick Baker NEWS
Adoption Coordinator Farewell John Dunn New report finds
healthy is wealthy
Frances Jewell
Marketing & Communications Manager 16
Carron Elvin
RESEARCH 30
Finance & Corporate Services Manager Animal welfare NEWS
research program Egg Standards of Australia
Andy Bou-Nasr
Company Secretary & Legal
08 18 31
Lorraine Mills
RESEARCH NEWS
Office & Stakeholder Coordinator MARKETING
Inefficient feed converters Sarah Wilson wins Student
Meet our new ambassador
Amy La at risk of fatty liver of the Year Award
ESA Extension Coordinator
EDITOR 09
John Barry MARKETING
Engagement Coordinator
World Egg Day
DESIGN celebrated in style
Gasoline Group
gasolinegroup.com.au
ADVERTISING
Steve Luxford,
Pulse Hub Pty Ltd 20
steve.luxford@pulsehub.com.au
FARMER PROFILE
Phone: 0429 699 553
Joe Sacca
OFFICE
Australian Eggs Ltd
Level 6, 132 Arthur Street
10 22 32
North Sydney NSW 2060
RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT
Phone: 02 9409 6999 MARKETING
www.australianeggs.org.au Probiotics show promise Mobile app for egg farmers
Christmas recipe
in improving Salmonella
COPYRIGHT WARNING
development immunity
The opinions expressed in Eggstra! Eggstra! are not
necessarily those of Australian Eggs. All material
33
NEWS
appearing in Eggstra! Eggstra! is the subject
of copyright owned by Australian Eggs. and is 11 24 Queensland students
protected under the Australian Copyright Act (1968),
international copyright and trademark law. No portion MARKETING EXTENSION learn about egg farming
may be reproduced or duplicated by any process without
Expanded campaign Scholar shines light on
the prior written permission of Australian Eggs.
European production systems
reaches more people REGULAR
DISCLAIMER
This publication is for information purposes only. MD’s report 04
The publisher and its agents or employees shall
not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any 12 26
person as a result of reliance on any of the contents EXTENSION Recipes34-35
hereof, whether such loss or damage arises from ENGAGEMENT
the negligence or misrepresentation or any act or
Food safety standards
omission of the publisher or its agents. Egg Industry Forum 2018 across the globe For the diary 36
4 MD’S REPORT
MD’s report
The Summer edition of Eggstra! closes out the year and gives
cause to reflect on achievements and challenges ahead.
T
he rapid pace of change makes to lead in this important area.
early 2017 seem like it belongs to Across this period, the failure of
another era. Strong supply over the the winter crop brought the realisation
2017 Spring and Summer period was of drought conditions in the eastern
having an impact in the marketplace but states along with substantial increases
egg farmer spirits remained buoyant. in grain prices. This was a seismic
A lot of attention was directed toward shift in operating conditions for egg
the public debates surrounding the farmers as the industry battled the
Animal Welfare Standards & Guidelines combination of strong supply and high
process with the issue of cage egg costs. Despite some rains, we are yet to
production continuing to overshadow emerge from this pattern with most of
the primary issue of introducing NSW still in drought and long term rain
mandatory animal welfare standards. forecasts looking to be below average.
Australian Eggs is seeking to respond
Through EFA and state representative to these changes in the development Rowan McMonnies
bodies, the position of the egg of its new operating plan for next year.
industry was presented with clarity With chick hatchings indicating supply on seeing existing projects through
and professionalism with a positive is likely to remain strong we are shifting rather than commencing higher risk
message of transparency and a our focus to driving consumption fundamental research at this time.
commitment to ongoing improvement. through a broader marketing program. Our strategic initiatives should and
The result was a much more balanced We have the benefit of a new, more will continue but we recognise that
debate in which the public was able targeted and more engaging campaign it will be more difficult to engage an
to gain a deeper understanding of – Get Cracking Australia! – and a industry facing significant immediate
animal welfare issues in context. strong network of agencies through challenges. Taking a longer term view
Behind the scenes, Australian which to deploy it. This will ensure the is one important aspect of the work
Eggs was emerging from an internal confidence to develop a larger marketing of Australian Eggs. Australia needs
rejuvenation process to focus on strategic program next year, providing more eggs and egg farmers and we want to
initiatives designed to increase the reach in more places. In combination do everything we can to improve the
sustainability of the egg industry. ESA with ongoing nutrition research and industry and ensure that when our
was introduced in January to drive a network of HCP influences, our immediate challenges ease, a more
more consistent outcomes across the marketing program will allow us to sustainable industry remains for egg
industry, the Sustainability Framework make the strongest possible contribution farmers to invest in. We look forward to
was launched in April to drive ongoing to increasing egg consumption. working with you to achieve this.
improvement and a new hen welfare This immediate consumption focus
R&D program was released in June is likely to come at the expense of Yours sincerely,
to ensure the egg industry is able some R&D activities and we will focus Rowan McMonnies
With chick hatchings indicating supply is likely to
remain strong we are shifting our focus to driving
consumption through a broader marketing program.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018
NEWS
2018 Fast Facts
EGG PRODUCTION GROSS VALUE OF EGG PRODUCTION EGG CONSUMPTION
244.83
– AUSTRALIA (FARM GATE EQUIVALENT)
515.7m A$819.6m
EGGS PER CAPITA
DOZEN EGGS 2018 FY 2018 FY (MAT) 2018 FY
(Source: Sensing Value) (Source: ABS, cat. no. 7503) (Source: Sensing Value)
MAJOR SUPERMARKET GROCERY GROWTH BY SEGMENT IN DOZENS STATE FLOCK
CHAINS EGG SALES MARKET SHARE BY (000s) AND PERCENTAGE OVER 2018 FY PERCENTAGES
SEGMENT – 2018 FY (Source: AZTEC) – (Source: AZTEC) AS AT JUNE 2018
NSW/ACT
31.57%
Volume Value 000s %
Cage eggs 43.99% 32.68% Cage eggs -8,616.8 -8
Free Range eggs 45.38% 54.36% Free Range eggs 12,388.0 14
Qld
27.82%
Barn-Laid eggs 9.12% 9.45% Barn-Laid eggs 2,656.6 14
Specialty eggs 1.51% 3.33% Specialty eggs 465.9 15
Vic
22.41%
GROCERY SALE OF EGGS – VOLUME & VALUE GROCERY VOLUME MARKET SHARE OF EGGS
dozens (000s) dollars (000s) – BY SEGMENT
Specialty Barn laid Free range Cage
250 950 100%
900 90%
VOLUME (MILLION DOZEN)
WA
850 80%
VALUE (MILLIONS $)
200
10.60%
MARKET SHARE
850 70%
800 60%
150 800 50%
750 40%
750
SA/NT
30%
100
7.26%
700 20%
650 10%
50
0%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
FY ENDING 30 JUNE 2018 FY ENDING 30 JUNE 2018
Tas
0.34%
NOMINAL RETAIL PRICE OF EGGS – BY SEGMENT CHICKENS IN EGG PRODUCTION – LAYERS
Total eggs Specialty Barn laid Free range Cage
23
22
NOMINAL RETAIL PRICE (PER DOZEN)
NO. OF CHICKENS (MILLIONS)
NO. OF CHICKENS (MILLIONS)
(Source: ABS, cat. no. 7121)
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
FY ENDING 30 JUNE 2018 AS AT JUNE 2018
6 ENGAGEMENT
CSIRO releases
egg industry report
Australian Eggs commissioned the research to gain a better understanding of community sentiment, with
the ultimate goal of developing a Sustainability Framework to help ‘future-proof’ the nation’s egg industry.
T
he CSIRO report was released in Two different samples analyses, it was found there are
late-October and shows the egg Survey responses were collected three key things that drive trust and
industry is viewed positively by the across the country through two acceptance of the industry (see figure 6).
public but faces some key challenges in methods: a research panel matched
developing deeper levels of trust with to ABS population statistics They are (in order of importance):
the Australian people. (representative sample) and an open The responsiveness of the industry
call via a web link (open sample). to community sentiment
The report shows Australians see The CSIRO kept the representative and
the egg industry as important to our open samples separate in their analysis Confidence that the egg industry is
way of life in Australia, as they do because the two samples had very well regulated
the agriculture sector more broadly. different demographic characteristics
Eggs were seen to be an affordable, and often very different responses to the That the benefits of the industry
nutritious staple in the Australian diet questions asked (see figures 3 and 4). outweigh the costs
and survey participants also felt the While the research panel recruitment
industry contributes positively and process provided a representative sample Confidence in regulation and a
creates jobs for Australians (see figure 1). of Australians, the open self-nomination positive benefit/cost evaluation were also
However, according to lead researcher, process via the CSIRO website provided found to affect acceptance, independent
Dr Kieren Moffat, there are real and a sample of highly engaged Australians of trust. Together, this indicates that
important challenges to overcome to that are passionate about hen welfare. listening and responding to community
maintain this level of acceptance and This was largely due to the RSPCA concerns within a context of confidence
positive support from the community. publicising the survey to their members. that eggs are produced safely, to high
“The survey shows that hen welfare Within the representative sample quality standards and with regard to
is very important (see figure 2), with of Australians examined, when hen welfare, is critical for the future of
participants consistently, strongly people were asked to consider all a healthy egg industry in Australia.
agreeing that hens should be well cared of the benefits and costs associated The survey will be repeated
for,” Dr Moffat said. “It was also clear with the egg industry, there was annually over a three year period
that more needs to be done to help the support for the industry overall (see to enable Australian Eggs to
community understand the industry.” figure 5). That is, currently, the value benchmark progress.
“In analysing the data, we observed proposition for the industry is positive
a number of ‘not sure’ responses within the Australian community. Australian Eggs will release the first
Australian Egg Industry Sustainability
around issues such as the industry’s
Framework Report in February 2019.
environmental impacts, some hen A pathway to greater
welfare items and the economics of trust and acceptance
the industry. This indicates there is The CSIRO was also interested
work to do to help the community in identifying how the industry can
understand more clearly the nature work to improve the level of trust in
and characteristics of important parts and acceptance of the industry with
of the egg supply chain in Australia.” the Australian community. In the
The survey shows that hen welfare is very important ...
with participants consistently, strongly agreeing that hens
should be well cared for...
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018
7
Figure 1 – Australians rely on eggs as a staple food Figure 2 – The importance of hen welfare
EGGS AS A STAPLE (DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANT RATINGS) IMPORTANCE OF HEN WELFARE (DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANT RATINGS)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
LEVEL OF AGREEMENT: 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, 7 = STRONGLY AGREE LEVEL OF AGREEMENT: 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, 7 = STRONGLY AGREE
Figure 3 – Comparing the representative and open samples Figure 4 – My attitude towards the egg industry is a matter of principle
IMPORTANCE OF HEN WELFARE (DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANT RATINGS) A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE (PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPANTS %)
60
open
Female Male
40
Female Male 20
representative
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 not sure
LEVEL OF AGREEMENT: 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, 7 = STRONGLY AGREE LEVEL OF AGREEMENT: 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, 7 = STRONGLY AGREE
Representative Open
Figure 5 – Support for the industry considering the benefits and costs Figure 6 – Pathways to greater trust and acceptance
SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY (PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPANTS %)
The egg
industry
40
is well
regulated
0.11
30
0.25
20 The egg
industry is Trust Accept
0.36 0.32
responsive the egg the egg
to public industry industry
10
sentiment
0 0.15
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 not sure The
0.20
benefits
LEVEL OF AGREEMENT: 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, 7 = STRONGLY AGREE of the egg
industry
outweigh
the costs
The values on each arrow are called beta weights and represent the relative strength of each relationship:
i a higher number means that pathway is stronger than a path with a lower number.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018
8 MARKETING
Manu with the five Eggsellence Awards finalists on World Egg Day 2018.
Meet our new ambassador
Television star Manu Feildel began a 10 month term as an Australian Eggs ambassador in October 2018.
A
s co-host of long-running Channel 7 promoting eggs in Christmas meal
series My Kitchen Rules, Manu has planning, sharing brand new egg
become one of the most popular recipes and speaking about the
personalities on Australian television. importance of eggs in a healthy diet.
Before becoming a regular on television Media opportunities in 2019 have
cooking competitions, the French- already been earmarked for Easter,
born chef built a solid reputation Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and
running restaurants in both Europe Bastille Day (paying homage to his
and Australia. French heritage) to help drive egg
consumption across the country.
Manu is a genuine egg lover and he As well as his work on My Kitchen
needed no prompting on the goodness Rules, Manu has appeared on
and versatility of eggs before his debut Channel Ten’s Ready Steady Cook,
as an ambassador on World Egg Day. The Circle, Sunrise, Channel 7’s
In two months, he has already spruiked Morning Show, and 9am with David Manu will promote the incredible versatility
eggs on national radio, cooked new & Kim. He also co-hosted the series of eggs over the next eight months.
egg recipes on live television and Boys Weekend, and in 2011 won the 11th
shared fun egg-related content with series of Dancing with the Stars. As an
his many followers on social media. author, he has published four books:
Many more activities are currently Manu’s French Kitchen (2011), Manu’s
being planned and over the following French Bistro (2012), French for Everyone
months Australians will see Manu (2014) and More Please! (2016).
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018
MARKETING 9
World Egg Day celebrated in style
The Blue Swimmer restaurant
in Gerroa NSW took out the top
gong at the inaugural Eggsellence
Awards on World Egg Day 2018.
T
he centrepiece of Australian Eggs’
2018 World Egg Day campaign was
the inaugural Eggsellence Awards
– a national competition to uncover
Australia’s best egg dish. The campaign
kicked off in September by asking people
to nominate the best egg dish from their
favourite café or restaurant by taking a
photo and writing a short description
of why they love it.
Hundreds of nominations were The winning dish: Baghdad Eggs featuring fried eggs with spiced lentils, stewed peppers,
received and after a lengthy selection smoked almonds and cumin yoghurt on flatbread.
process five dishes were shortlisted for
the final. They were:
Crusted Eggs with Marinated Beef –
Industry Beans, Fitzroy, Victoria
Miso Scrambled Eggs – Caffiend,
Cairns, Queensland
Turkish Eggs – Morning After,
West End, Queensland
Baghdad Eggs – The Blue Swimmer,
Gerroa, NSW
Poached Eggs, Haloumi and Avocado –
The Dining & Co, North Ryde, NSW
Chefs from the five restaurants
were brought to Sydney to compete in a
live cook-off at the iconic Bondi Beach Lauren Brown with the three judges, Manu Feildel, Anthony Huckstep and Elizabeth Meryment.
Promenade. The panel of three judges
was headed up by My Kitchen Rules media interest in the competition and Other elements of this year’s World
co‑host and celebrity chef, Manu Feildel. Manu’s celebrity pulling power ensured Egg Day campaign were:
Gerroa restaurant, The Blue Swimmer, media outlets across the country took an
took out the award with their Baghdad interest in the story. Highlights included Five new egg recipes from around
Eggs featuring fried eggs with spiced appearances on Studio 10, The Morning the world (Australia, Italy, France,
lentils, stewed peppers, smoked almonds Show and a write-up in Delicious Magazine. Mexico, India)
and cumin yoghurt on flatbread. The result was a hugely successful first New material highlighting the role
Head chef at The Blue Swimmer, Lauren year, which establishes a strong platform eggs can play in reducing blood
Brown, told the judges the secret to the for the competition to grow over the pressure, targeted at GPs and
dish is the combination of spices and coming years. Australian Eggs has dieticians
using fresh, local ingredients. already been approached by a number
While The Blue Swimmer took home of cafés and restaurants interested in
the award, the real winner was the getting involved in the 2019 World Egg
campaign itself. There was significant Day Eggsellence Awards.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018
10 MARKETING
Bubble and squeak fritters Pastry wreath with pesto eggs
Christmas recipe development
A key driver of egg consumption is the development and distribution of new recipes that hero the egg.
W
ith the continuous rise of cooking
shows starring amateur chefs and
the ever-growing trend of sharing
home cooked meals on social media, the
demand for new recipes has never been
stronger. In response to this demand,
Australian Eggs is again ramping up
activity in the lead up to Christmas.
Recipe development and food styling
agency, Whisk Media, has been engaged
to develop Christmas themed recipes
and accompanying how-to videos.
The 2018 Christmas campaign was
built around three main themes:
A twist on popular Christmas classics
Easy made desserts
Making use of Christmas leftovers Pavlova with lemon curd and kiwi fruit Vegetable tart
There are 15 new recipes and seven They are: In addition to this, Australian
how-to videos in total and they will be Eggs has engaged a number of social
shared widely on social media in the Chicken, pork and egg centred terrine
media ‘influencers’ – personalities with
lead-up to Christmas. Cooking videos Pastry wreath with pesto eggs a large number of Instagram followers
are some of the most addictive content who influence everyday consumers
on the web because they are as close as Vegetable tart
– to create and share their own egg
anyone can get to eating with their eyes. Bubble and squeak fritters recipes. Using influencers to develop
The seven new how-to videos Pavlova with lemon curd recipes that use eggs provides a cost-
are simple, snappy and colourful, effective and independent avenue for
Epic raspberry trifle the creation of original dishes.
and follow the four themes of the
2018 campaign. Hash brown cups
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018MARKETING 11
TELEVISION OUT OF HOME
1
0 million Australians 8
.5 million Australians
18+ reached 18+ reached
S
een on average S
een on average
4 times per person 10.7 times per person
Screened over 2,600 times 1,547 Panels
6
2% of Australians 18+ 1 million+ digi plays
45% of Australians 18+
ONLINE VIDEO DIGITAL DISPLAY
At Jefo, we understand the importance of food safety and
5
.9 million Australians 3
.3 million Australians
18+ reached know you are doing your best to eliminate potential harmful
18+ reached
S
een on average S
een on average
3+ times per person contaminants such as per person
3+ times .
5.4 million impressions H
ighest perf
Millennials & Boomers
31% of Australians 18+
We have the 18% of Australiansto18+help you
achieve this goal.
Expanded campaign reaches more people
The new advertising campaign Get Cracking Australia! hit the airwaves and streets in early
September and has now reached millions of people.
T
he campaign positions eggs as the as simple ways to reinvent tried and audience of female grocery buyers
At Jefo, we understand the importance of food safety and
most versatile food people can eat
and seeks to energise and inspire
trusted favourites.
The three target audiences – families,
25-54, the potential campaign reach
on television grew from 4.4 million to
know you are doing your best to eliminate potential harmful
Aussies to enjoy eggs at their best –
creating togetherness through cooking
boomers and millennials – all present
opportunities to increase consumption
17 million Australians.
The figures on this page show
At Jefo, we understand
based the importance of food
contaminants such as
rituals, accessing vital nutrition worry- .
and specific campaigns were built to channel
know
performance
you are doing your
on the
best to eliminate poten
free and branching out from the same, reach them in the places they are most media investment from 2 September
repetitive meals. likely to see the ads. This means a mix of contaminants such as
to 4 November.
We have the to help you
media channels for each segment, across There is ongoing investment in out-of-
Market research shows egg eaters television, out-of-home (outdoor), digital Weonline,
home channels, have the
digital and social to help you
achieve this goal.
are seeking inspiration to grow their video, online and social media. media to support consumption right
achieve this goal.
repertoire of “go to” egg dishes, as well By expanding beyond the traditional through to the Christmas peak.
VITAMINS
MINERALS
ENZYMES
PROTECTED
ACIDIFIERS &
ESSENTIAL OILS
At Jefo, we understand the importance of food safety and GRANULAR AMINO ACIDS
know you are doing your best to eliminate potential harmful
contaminants such as .
VITAMINS
MINERALS
ENZYMES
We have the to help you PROTECT
ACIDIFIER
achieve this goal. ESSENTIA
GRANULA
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201812 ENGAGEMENT
Kieren Moffat from the CSIRO.
Egg Industry Forum 2018
The Australian Eggs
2018 Industry Forum in
November brought together
egg industry participants
from across the country.
H
eld at the Rendezvous Hotel in
Scarborough, Perth, the forum
brought together 130 egg farmers
and supply chain participants. The first
session featured an Australian Eggs
update from Rowan McMonnies and an
exploration of some of the social science
research being undertaken by the CSIRO
Rachel Ankeny from the University of Adelaide.
and University of Adelaide.
Other highlights across the day
included Cormac O’Shea’s run-down
of the hen feed efficiency work being
undertaken by the University of
Nottingham and University of Sydney,
Frances Jewell’s update on the extensive
marketing campaigns underway, and
John Dunn’s heartfelt farewell to the
egg industry.
But as always, the highlight was
being able to socialise over food,
drinks and ocean views with passionate
and dedicated people from across
the industry.
The next egg industry mini-forum will
be held 5 June 2019 at the Park Royal,
Melbourne Airport. Michael Gutierrez and Ian Wilson.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201813
Frances Jewell, Marketing & Communications Manager at Australian Eggs. Cormac O’Shea, University of Nottingham.
Philip Szepe, Kinross Farms. John Dunn, Egg Farmers of Australia. Jojo Jackson and panellists discussing the 2018
nutritional analysis of eggs.
David May and John O'Hara. Nadine Goody, Sue May, Joanne Coward and Dion Andary and Bernard Egan.
John Coward.
Heidi Fidler, Lisa Postregna, Andrew Postregna Leigh Langfield, Sarah Wilson, Scott Wilson and Mike McNaught, Christoffer Ernst, Peter Bell,
and Sophie Stamatakis. Brett Langfield. Brendan Bell.
Nola Simpson, Cheralyn Simpson, Jessica Daniel Cantarella and Frank Pace. The Australian Eggs team.
Spencer, Rachel Wilson.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201814 EGG FARMERS OF AUSTRALIA
EFA UPDATE
The importance of
a national voice
BY JOHN DUNN a minister will likely seek the position
CEO OF EGG FARMERS OF AUSTRALIA (EFA)
of an industry group before settling on
a policy that impacts all the individual
P
roducing eggs in a country as vast businesses in it. But if that position is
as Australia means that within splintered, with multiple voices calling
the industry, farmers are running for different outcomes it will have no
businesses of different sizes and power. The decision maker will give the
descriptions and operating in states views of a divided group little weight
and territories with different political and either make the best decision they John Dunn
landscapes and regulatory regimes. can on their own or potentially, be
lured towards bad policy by interest
Announced a new program
So what is it that binds us? It’s not groups opposed to the industry.
designed to foster female
just the end product but the need And there’s the rub. Whether to come
leadership capability in the
to have important industry issues together and have the benefit of collective
egg industry in partnership
considered by decision makers in power, or go it alone and hope single voices
are loud enough to cut through the noise. with the Australian Rural
the context of egg farming.
The industry is worth $1.5 billion In my two years at EFA, I’m proud Leadership Foundation
to the national economy each year and to say we took a national, collective,
that’s because eggs are an integral part consultative approach that delivered The biggest challenge currently
of the Australian diet. 17 million of real outcomes for the egg industry. facing our industry is the drought and
them are consumed every single day so We met with state and federal agriculture the strain on egg farmers resulted in
it’s undeniable that egg farmers play ministers, shadow agriculture ministers, the recent decision of the EFA Board
an important role in Australian life. policy advisors and members of to change its operating structure. In
Egg Farmers of Australia proudly parliament representing dozens of the short to medium term, this means
advocates for the nation’s egg electorates around the country. advocacy for the organisation will
farmers – acting as a national voice The egg industry has a great story be principally carried out by state-
for our industry; standing up for to tell and I have worked tirelessly to
based volunteer board members.
farmers and seeking change or clarity ensure our elected representatives
This move was taken because the
on the issues that impact us. hear the perspective of the people in it.
EFA Board wants to ease the load
This unified and national approach of Over the last two years we have:
of egg farmers by discontinuing the
having a central body to advocate for the Opened our farms and voluntary levy system that funds
industry as a whole is critically important. committed to transparency EFA’s operations. So while EFA will no
It can be challenging to get consensus longer have dedicated resources, the
at a national level sometimes but the Become the first livestock peak
work will continue in a different way.
overall benefit of a national voice far body to support mandatory animal
Maintaining a national view
outweighs the difficulty in getting there. welfare standards and guidelines
and unified approach to ensure
This is because of the way in which
Undertaken a community the voice of egg farmers is heard is
our nation’s policy makers make
consultation program allowing critical. This drought, like all farming
decisions. In a representative democracy
members of the public to see egg challenges, will pass. And over that
like Australia, individuals like you and
farms in-person to promote greater hump, the future is bright for an
me get to choose the people that carry
understanding and demonstrate that industry that produces one of the
out the business of governing on our
we are listening to the community healthiest, cheapest, tastiest and most
behalf. But once a government is formed,
decisions are made for collectives rather Released our first Animal Welfare environmentally sustainable foods
than each and every individual. Policy Statement, articulating how on the planet. I hope the industry can
Just as a local member of parliament egg farmers will deliver on their maintain a unified voice on important
consults community groups to test how animal welfare commitments industry issues and realise the
an upcoming decision might be received, in the way they farm opportunities that are before it.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018Bede Burke, John Dunn and Angela Griffin
Farewell
John Dunn
Egg Farmers of Australia was formalised
in 2016 as the national representative body
for the egg industry and John Dunn was
tasked with leading the new organisation.
J
ohn previously worked as a federal political advisor and
he brought a level of political acumen to Egg Farmers of
Australia that is rare amongst Australia’s agricultural peak
bodies. That expertise, combined with an understanding of Protect your reputation – and your business from
agriculture developed during his time as a policy officer at
Escherichia coli and Salmonella with the Poulvac modified
NSW Farmers, gave the egg industry an effective national
voice for the first time. live bacterial vaccines: Poulvac E coli and Poulvac ST.
These vaccines from Zoetis offer a vaccination program
Egg farmers warmed to John because he’s a salt of the
earth bloke who shares their honest, no-nonsense values.
for your flock that helps fight the threat of two major
That likeability, combined with his scholarly mind and bacterial diseases. Your business depends on safety
incredible work ethic made for two very productive years and quality. It’s your brand. It’s your reputation.
with John at the helm.
To say he threw himself into the role at EFA would be an
The Poulvac portfolio from Zoetis helps protect both.
understatement. The Australian Eggs team who worked on the
same floor had running jokes about cyclone JD who never slept, To learn more about the Poulvac range
was always on the phone to an important stakeholder and who visit us at Zoetis.com.au or call 1800 814 883
generally titled the work-life balance scales very heavily in the
direction of work.
Angela Griffin became an assistant and advisor to John in
2017. She brought organisation and order to EFA and quickly
won the trust of egg farmers with her sharp mind and cool head.
John and Angela built a great working relationship together,
with EFA members, the EFA board and more broadly, the
Australian Eggs team. ST and E coli
It is with a heavy heart that we bid John and Angela farewell.
Their commitment to the egg industry is greatly appreciated Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138.
© 2018 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. www.zoetis.com.au ZL0868
and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.16 RESEARCH
Lighting management
for Australian layers
Dr Hewitt’s review recommends research be carried out into the production and welfare impacts of using LED and other lighting alternatives in poultry housing.
Getting lighting systems right in hen housing facilities can help boost flock
productivity by optimising bird growth, onset of laying, desired behaviour
and number of eggs laid.
A
new review of lighting management source and spectral composition, and Spotlight on intensity
has identified best-practice the interaction between these factors. The amount of light output, or
techniques to improve egg intensity, in the hen housing facility is
production and recommended areas Determining the photoperiod typically measured in lux. This refers
needing further research. Photoperiod is the length of time to the brightness of a beam and it will
the hen is exposed to light and Dr be higher if the light is focused on
The Australian Eggs funded Hewitt says this is the most important a small area and weaker if there is a
project was carried out by livestock part of the lighting system to get wide beam used across a bigger area.
consultant Dr Leisha Hewitt and right for optimal egg laying results. But Dr Hewitt’s review revealed
involved a scientific literature review Intermittent lighting programs this is not the ideal measure for
as well as interviews with farmers that use multiple photoperiods within illuminance as perceived by poultry.
and technical experts to provide 24-hours are becoming more popular She says this is because hens have
context and practical insights into large eyes (relative to the size of the
in Australia, for example, the use of
optimum lighting conditions. brain) on the sides of their head and
midnight feeding. Dr Hewitt says this
Dr Hewitt found most egg farming an estimated visual range of light with
can reduce energy costs and, more
systems rely on artificial lighting and a wavelength of 350-780 nanometres.
importantly, feed consumption without
this influences bird biological responses This allows them to see in the UVA
any drop in the rate of lay or egg size.
that impact on egg production, part of ultraviolet radiation.
including growth, hormone levels, But she recommends more research
“Sensitivity to colour is also
immune status and the reproductive is carried out into the effects of
different between birds and humans
system. This, in turn, influences the intermittent light use – in rearing and and hens perceive red light at levels
age when a hen starts laying and the during production – on bird health and three times brighter than we do,” she
number of eggs produced. Lighting welfare, production and behaviour, says. “This means lighting programs,
can be manipulated to control these including mortalities and levels of and introduction of artificial light,
factors, as well as undesirable flock feather pecking. Dr Hewitt’s review also can potentially affect a hen’s ability
behaviours, such as feather pecking. recommends more work be done on the to use its visual system to the fullest
Dr Hewitt says when choosing the potential production impacts of changing extent. It is possible this contributes
best lighting system for a particular lighting patterns and systems between to development of deleterious
hen housing facility, it is important rearing and the onset of laying, especially behaviours, such as feather pecking,
to consider photoperiod, intensity, focusing on the period approaching lay. cannibalism and smothering.”
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201817
INTERACTIVE EFFECTS of LIGHTING on HEN PRODUCTION and WELFARE
Light Light
Intensity Source
Artificial and
Poultry perception
natural
Dawn/dusk
Energy efficiency
sequence
Flicker
Dimming
perception
Spectral
Photoperiod
composition
Light period
Poultry perception
Distribution
Wavelength
Intermittent
Colour
Production Health Behaviour
Growth Mortality Feeding
Sexual maturity Eye health Resting
Egg production Skeletal health Activity
Egg weight Inspection Synchronous behaviour
Egg quality Stress indicators Feather pecking
Feed consumption Cannibalism
Fear and smothering
(SOURCE: Dr Leisha Hewitt)
In practice, light intensity in light intensity, including specific investigations into the potential for
housing must be sufficient for the instructions for producers and hens to discern flicker associated
flock to be adequately inspected auditors when using light measuring with different light sources and any
and monitored for health, feed and equipment and techniques. effects on production and welfare.
water consumption and behaviour.
Natural sunlight, including UV Light source Spectral composition
radiation, also affects chicken behaviour A range of light sources are used to Spectral composition, typically
and welfare and Dr Hewitt says more illuminate laying hen facilities, including measured in wavelengths, will
research is needed into the implications incandescent, fluorescent and, more change depending on the type of
of the intensity of this light source. recently, LED light. This has mainly been light source used in the hen house
She recommends industry undertake driven by a need for systems with more facility. Dr Hewitt says her review
more R&D into the aspects of natural longevity and better energy efficiency. found it was difficult to quantify
light (including UVA) that are crucial The type of light source used the effects of spectral composition
for adult hen behaviour and welfare, determines the wavelength that hens on poultry production and welfare
including any perceived aversion are exposed to and might have a positive without the confounding effect of
or preferences for natural light. impact on the bird, although results light intensity (as perceived by birds).
“Work also needs to be done to are not clear. Dr Hewitt says hens may She says often producers don’t
assess the impacts of dawn/dusk perceive some types of artificial light to consider the impact of the wavelength
dimming, in particular in relation flicker, which could be detrimental to associated with their chosen lighting
to length of the dawn/dusk period, health and welfare outcomes. She says system, but this may have a big
and any associated smothering hen perceptions will tend to depend impact on bird behavioural issues.
incidents in pullets,” she says. on the brightness of the light source Her review recommends more
Dr Hewitt says, overall, the intensity and frequency of the current it emits. research into interpreting the effects
requirements from artificial and natural Her review recommends R&D be of the lighting program on bird
light sources will vary depending carried out into the production and behaviours and egg production.
on the hen housing type and will be welfare impacts of using LED and Australian Eggs is considering all
different in cage and non-cage systems. other novel lighting alternatives in of the recommendations stemming
She says it would be highly valuable poultry housing and the strength from this review to identify priority
for industry to undertake R&D into of bird preferences for certain light areas for future research, development
methods of objectively measuring sources. She also calls for further and extension.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201818 RESEARCH
The latest findings indicate the occurrence of FLS in a flock is related to the metabolic variation that determines the feed efficiency of individual hens.
Inefficient feed converters
at risk of fatty liver
Hens that eat more than required for their metabolism will store the extra
calories mostly as fat and are at high risk of succumbing to fatty liver syndrome.
F
atty Liver Syndrome (FLS) occurs in Tissue turnover rates intake by the bird as it tends to over-eat
hens that are genetically predisposed due to its impaired nutrient use.
to being inefficient feed converters Cellular homeostasis In the research conducted so far, hen
and can lead to significant economic liver weights and incidence of FLS were
Immune response
losses for poultry producers and the higher in the inefficient feed converter
wider industry. group of hens compared to the efficient
Hens affected by FLS appear to
suddenly succumb to illness. But it is feed converters, as illustrated in Figure 1.
An Australian Eggs funded research This suggests that metabolic
more likely the condition builds-up over
project being conducted by the Poultry differences in liver function – related
time and clinical signs only appear when
Research Foundation at The University to feed efficiency – may also be an
the bird's liver and other organs can no
of Sydney and the University of important factor leading to incidence
longer compensate.
Nottingham is investigating the key of FLS in flocks.
The condition is easy to recognise
drivers of poor hen feed efficiency and The research team identified
through a post-mortem examination,
suboptimal egg quality and production. oxidative stress, which causes damage
as there is clear evidence of excess
The original project did not set out to to proteins, lipids and DNA and can
abdominal and liver fat, and liver
explore links between hen production
haemorrhages. contribute to cell toxicity, as another
traits and FLS but when trial results
potential risk for development of FLS
revealed higher prevalence of the
Underlying causes and liver injury in poultry. This was
condition in low feed efficient hens, the
When a bird’s feed intake is too high expressed in the livers of inefficient feed
project scope was widened.
and excess energy is available for fat converters by higher lipid peroxidation
The latest findings from the project
synthesis by the liver for an extended value, or cell damage, which may become
indicate the occurrence of FLS in a flock
period, obesity and increased fat an important indicator of the condition
is related to the metabolic variation
infiltration of the liver occur. This can in future.
that determines the feed efficiency
alter liver function and lipid use.
of individual hens. However, the
The liver plays a central role in storing, Identifying predisposing factors
researchers stress that bird metabolism
synthesising and recycling nutrients The research team found hens that
is only one driver of feed efficiency,
absorbed by the hen. were inefficient feed converters ate
which is also influenced by:
It metabolises key nutrients, such as more, effectively putting their body
Body composition carbohydrates and proteins, and ensures in a ‘positive energy balance’ where
necessary short and longer-term supply they deposited the extra calories as
Physical activity into the bloodstream. abdominal and liver fat.
Eating/feeding behaviour When a chicken develops FLS These birds were heavier than
this process is disrupted as liver cells efficient feed converters but produced
Maintenance requirements gradually accumulate fat and cannot the same number of eggs. Variation in
work as efficiently. This can potentially body weight between the heavy and light
Nutrient digestibility hens was mostly attributed to differing
lead to cell destruction over time and
exacerbates the problem of excess feed amounts of abdominal fat.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201819
Figure 1 – A
bdominal fat weight (%), liver weight (%) and fatty liver score (0-5) of
high feed efficient and low feed efficient hens.
10
Low feed-efficient hens
8 Highly feed-efficient hens
FREQUENCY
6
4
2
0
Abdominal Liver Fatty liver
fat weight % weight % score
A normal hen liver . A fatty liver with haemorrhage.
Those with higher feed intake and fat This is part of their ongoing Researchers involved in the project:
levels were more likely to develop FLS. investigations into the relationships
Dr. Yeasmin Akter,
But the underlying biological processes between production variables and The University of Sydney
of feed efficiency leading to incidence of feed efficiency, including quality of
A/Prof Peter Groves,
FLS are complex and will be influenced the diet, age and health stages of The University of Sydney
by external factors, including climate, the flock and poultry management Dr. Sonia Liu,
feed properties, gut microbiota, and systems used. The University of Sydney
individual genetic predisposition. With high feed prices currently A/Prof Cameron Clark,
putting extreme pressure on egg The University of Sydney
Where to from here? farming businesses, this work is Doreen Anene, Schlumberger PhD fellow,
The research team is now evaluating a important as it has the potential University of Nottingham, UK
range of dietary and animal husbandry to increase productivity while A/Prof Cormac O’Shea,
strategies to reduce the incidence of FLS reducing input costs and lowering University of Nottingham, UK.
in laying hens. mortalities.
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Creating more than an impress ion
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201820 FARMER PROFILE
Joe in his shed configured with enriched colony cages.
Never do things by halves
Joe Sacca is the owner of Forrestdale Farm Fresh Eggs, an egg farming business in the
Southern suburbs of Perth. He runs the business with his wife, daughter and son-in-
law, running 100,000 hens in aviary barns and enriched colony cages
F
orrestdale supplies eggs to IGA From the age of five to ten Joe worked for with ambition and life experience
from Albany in the south to Port for his grandfather who ran sheep and learned through hardship. He left the
Headland in the north and as far goats in Southern Italy. In 1951, his family farm to do ship loading in the
east as Kalgoorlie. Although their eggs father set-off to Australia with nothing early days of iron ore production in
are known all over the state, few people but the suitcase he carried and one year Western Australia and taught himself
know that the man behind the brand later the family sent Joe to join him. His how to read and write. “I read three
is one of the industry’s most colourful mother, two brothers and sister joined different newspapers every day for
characters. Joe and his father two years after that. many years to become literate,” he says.
“We settled near Brunswick Junction Reading the business pages day
Joe arrived in Australia in 1952, and ran dairy cows and grew potatoes,” after day during the resources boom
at the age of 10, after his family was he recalls. “I did two years of school here of the 1960s triggered an interest
forced to leave a post-World War II Italy but stopped going and worked with my in public companies and Joe set his
that was reeling. The second eldest of parents on the farm. I didn’t go to school sights on becoming a director. “When
four, he was forced to go and live with at all in Italy either so I didn’t get much I first tried to become a company
his grandfather after his two younger of an education.” director I was told I didn’t have the
siblings were born. “My parents couldn’t Whatever Joe missed out on education or qualifications. So I started
afford to keep me,” he laughs. education-wise, he more than made up studying the stock market to learn
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201821
more and six months later I got my first
board position.”
They say success breeds success and so
it was for Joe as he proceeded to build a
successful career as a director of several
companies while also investing in the
stock market. “I led a couple of mining
companies and made a lot of money
during that period but when the stock
market crashed in the late 80s I lost a lot
of it,” he says bluntly.
“I needed a new start after that and
my sister-in-law had a small egg farm at
the time which got me thinking about
eggs. I thought eggs looked safe cause
they’re cheap to buy and are used a lot in
food manufacturing which makes them
pretty recession proof.”
As Australia battled through the
“recession we had to have” Joe started
building up Forrestdale Farm Fresh Eggs.
“I stayed working in the mining industry
for those first few years so it was really
my wife and kids who looked after the
chickens,” he recalls.
“Our first shed was built in 1992 and
we had 8,000 layers. We built another
shed two years later and a third in 1996.
So in the space of four years we went
from 8,000 to 30,000 hens.”
When he first entered the industry,
Joe was asked to attend an association
meeting of egg producers in Western Three generations working together: grandson Joe (centre) and son-in-law Nigel (right).
Australia. Never one to wait it out, he got
himself on the committee after only two
meetings and has been a regular figure in
state and national industry associations When it comes to getting involved at an all-
ever since. industry level, my attitude has always been
“When it comes to getting involved
at an all-industry level, my attitude has either do it fully or stay out of it completely.
always been either do it fully or stay out
of it completely. You don’t offer anything
tinkering around the edges,” Joe says
emphatically. law in 1999. Hens are housed indoors Record high feed costs, low prices
Forrestdale now runs two aviary barn in cages but in a different environment and uncertainty around the
sheds and the third is configured with to conventional cages. ‘Enriched’ development of new national
what is understood to be Australia’s only because the cage includes features such standards is causing anxiety for
enriched colony cage system. Joe says it as a perch, nest box and scratch pads. all egg farmers.
was an expensive and somewhat risky ‘Colony’ because a lot more hens are kept It is cold comfort at the moment
exercise but he believes it has future- in significantly larger cages. but Joe admits he has made it
proofed his business from a possible “It was a huge expense just to fit out through tough times before and
phase-out of conventional cage systems. one shed,” Joe says. “Around the same he will ride this period out as
“I went to Europe to look at what was time we also built a new shed for rearing well. He has built a successful and
happening because the EU moved to so we can train the chicks to jump before sustainable business and with
enriched cages a number of years ago. they go into the aviary. It was another his wife, daughter, son-in-law
I spent some time with Valli, an Italian big investment but you have to teach the and grandson working alongside
company that designs poultry sheds, birds how to go up top to lay rather than him, the pieces are in place to
and I liked what I saw.” on the floor of the shed.” ensure a smooth generational
Enriched colony cages were developed Like many in the egg industry at the transition. Just don’t expect that
to meet an EU directive that came into moment, Forrestdale is doing it tough. to be anytime soon.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201822 RESEARCH
Probiotics show promise in
improving Salmonella immunity
Researchers at the University of Sydney are seeking to crack the
code of how Salmonella immunity develops in young layers.
I
t is hoped their project, funded Assoc Prof Groves says natural In a floor pen system, they
by Australian Eggs, will underpin Salmonella infection at an early age can challenged 1-day-old Hyline Brown
more effective vaccination and provoke cell-mediated immunity to the layers with Salmonella and then
supplementation regimes to help disease, but this protection is typically provided a weekly oral probiotic.
minimise the incidence and prevalence lost when birds start to lay eggs. The birds were injected with the
of this disease in laying flocks. He says another issue with vaccine Vaxsafe® ST at 10-weeks-
early natural Salmonella infection old and given a second treatment
Led by poultry health senior is that it does not necessarily lead in drinking water at 16-weeks-old.
lecturer, Associate Professor Peter to production of serum antibody A sub-set of birds were further
Groves, the research follows the team’s by the bird. This is important at
challenged with Salmonella
earlier findings that administering the sexual maturity stage to boost
disease at 17 or 18-weeks-old.
two doses of live Salmonella vaccine to immunity when the cell-mediated
birds in the lead-up to laying is one of immunity process starts to wane. Key findings from the
the most effective treatment regimes To address this, the University project to date include:
tested to date. This is done by injection of Sydney team found an injection
when birds are 11-weeks-old and via of the live Vaxsafe® ST vaccine at Birds infected at 1-day-old
drinking water at 16 to 18-weeks-old. sexual maturity is beneficial. had detectable Salmonella
The researchers are now investigating They are now finding that adding disease for 8-12 weeks
the effectiveness of using vaccinations a probiotic supplement every week
with the addition of a probiotic when to drinking water has potential to These birds did not develop
Salmonella strikes very early – appearing further improve bird immunity detectable antibody to Salmonella
in a flock at the start of rearing. and Salmonella disease control. by week 10 (prior to vaccination)
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201823
After the first injected vaccination at
Figure 1 – Cloacal swab log10 Salmonella count
10 weeks, serum antibody levels rose
Addition of the probiotic increased
1.6
serum antibody levels further – to very
high rates in this vaccinated group First vaccination
1.1
Log10 count
Levels of antibodies then dropped
0.6
at 16-weeks-old before the second
(oral) vaccination was given
0.1
Detection of Salmonella in birds 1 2 3 4 8 12 16 18
vaccinated twice ceased between -0.4
Age (weeks)
13 and 18 weeks post-treatment.
Assoc Prof Groves says it was
interesting to note that the antibody Unchallenged control Challenged control Vaccinated
levels of all groups became positive
at 18 weeks, even in unvaccinated Vaccine + probiotic Probiotic
and unchallenged groups, which
is right on the point of lay.
“This fits with the known suppression
of cell-mediated immunity around sexual
maturity that allows bacteria, including with Salmonella, at the start of rearing, and then the oral Vaxsafe® ST
Salmonella, to become more active and can be managed with carefully planned vaccination closer to sexual maturity,
stimulate antibody production,” he says. vaccination and probiotic regimes. at about 18-weeks-old, to promote
Assoc Prof Groves says the project He says it appears to be particularly higher antibody responses and
is showing that birds challenged early beneficial to use a weekly probiotic disease protection.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 201824 EXTENSION
Scholar shines light on
European production systems
BY JESSICA SPENCER, These new flock management strategies percent for hens at 38 weeks old, on
LIVESTOCK TECHNICAL have been integrated into their the back of rates of 96-97 percent
MANAGER AT DAYS EGGS
operations to maintain production for the preceding nine weeks.
M
at levels previously achieved with Other producers were consistently
y recent study trip to Europe
conventional caged systems. achieving rates of 96 percent
provided some key insights
for hens at 40-41 weeks old.
on flock management tactics Economic impacts
that Australia’s egg industry could My scholarship project involved Management measures
adopt for non-cage systems. meetings and surveys with poultry Stocking densities used in the
operators and I found the costs bulk of operations I saw were about
Europe has some of the most associated with setting up non-cage nine birds per square metre, or less,
automated free range egg production systems varied between countries, to help reduce stress and minimise
operations in the world and I used but averaged A$63.70 per bird for a potential behavioural issues
my Australian Eggs International 40,000 head free range operation. associated with over-crowding.
Leadership Scholarship to visit a range This did not account for land Free range and barn housing
of farms in the Netherlands, United area, which was worth around systems also tended to be split into
Kingdom and Germany that have A$25,000-$26,000 per acre on colonies with a maximum of about
transitioned to these systems from average in each country. 6,000 birds per section, dropping to
conventional cage egg farming. Poultry stocking densities in about 3,000 in typical organic sheds.
The focus was to assess the economic the Netherlands, UK and Germany Most producers I visited in the
and animal health impacts on their are set at a maximum 2500 birds/ Netherlands, Germany and UK had
businesses. I also investigated winter ha, which means a 40,000 bird daily routines involving two full
and summer stocking densities being operation needs 16ha of land at a cost shed checks, one in the morning
used in internal and external free range of about $1 million. This is before and another in the afternoon.
systems and the perceived welfare infrastructure costs are considered. These were to monitor feed, water,
benefits of having lower bird densities. Most farms visited were achieving lights, ventilation, misplaced eggs,
European producers with non- high production levels, with average mortalities and mechanical issues.
cage systems, and those phasing-out flock laying rates of 95-99 percent During the rest of the day, the birds
enriched cages, are using innovative for birds at 50 weeks old. were left alone to reduce animal stress
rotation, vegetation, shading, housing, One producer I met had a flock and improve production by minimising
ventilation and biosecurity tactics. with an average laying rate of 97.6 the time spent by people in the shed.
These new flock management strategies have been
integrated into their operations to maintain production at
levels previously achieved with conventional caged systems.
EGGSTRA! EGG INDUSTRY MAT TERS DECEMBER 2018You can also read
