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.
Latest Research Project
Spotty Liver Disease Epidemiology
This project identified key risk factors for Spotty Liver Disease outbreak.
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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.
The economics of layer diet amino acid levels throughout lay
With feed costs high and egg prices volatile, its important to explore alternate ways of maximising profits, which may mean challenging traditional production practices. Although formulating a layer diet which meets nutritional requirements at the lowest possible cost seems to make sense, there are alternative ways of formulating diets which can lead to greater profits.
Assessment of the efficacy of autogenous vaccines in Spotty Liver Disease control
This project demonstrated that autogenous vaccination of Campylobacter hepaticus can produce a measurable humoral immune response in layer hens. This humoral response is related to some level of protection against Spotty Liver Disease.
Eggs for breakfast: acute satiety responses
Eggs eaten for breakfast resulted in a lower energy intake at lunch. Subjective measures of satiety indicated that hunger was less during the morning after the egg breakfast and returned more quickly after the cereal breakfast.
Systematic Review of Lutein and Zeaxanthin and the Maintenance of Vision
The objective of this systematic review was to assess whether dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) helps maintain vision in adults.
Development of an Australian Choline Database
This project was conducted to develop an Australian choline database for analysing population intakes and key food sources using the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey. Prior to this project no Australian choline data had been collated.
Managing pullets for extended layer life, improved productivity and shell quality
The aim of this project is to understand how different lighting regimes and diets during rearing, either used singularly or together, can improve flock uniformity, egg production and persistency of production, egg size and egg quality, from 16 to 90+ weeks.
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.
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.