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Layer Studies
The Poultry Nutrition Research Group from the Pig and Poultry Production Institute (PPPI) uses a state of the art facility to conduct layer research studies for clients for
- Evaluation of the nutritive value of mixed feeds and feed ingredients
- Comparative studies of feed enzyme products and other feed additives
- Efficacy testing for registration of feed enzymes and other additives
- Comparative studies of different genetic lines and crosses of layers
- Welfare, housing, husbandry and behaviour studies.
The layer research facility has the following features
- 96 double Harrison "welfare" back-to-back, single-tier cages with room for 8 birds per double cage (total capacity 768 hens)
- Programmable controllers for the operation of lights and thermostatic control of the evaporative cooling system
- Two separate controlled temperature rooms containing a total of 168 single cages for hens
- Back-up power from a diesel generator, a back-up water supply for bird drinking and cooling and an independent "over temperature" alarm system connected to automatic telephone dialler
- Availability of cameras, recorders, data logging and computer-based equipment for bird behaviour studies.
Highly flexible experimental designs are achieved through
- Availability of 96 group cages or 168 single cages
- Close consultation with the client for development of experimental protocols customised to the client's needs.
Typical variables measured or calculated during layer nutrition studies include
- Egg production
- Feed intake
- Feed conversion to eggs
- Liveweight gain
- Egg quality – egg weight, yolk colour, incidence of soiled eggs
- Excreta moisture.
Experimental accuracy and precision are obtained as a result of
- Availability of highly experienced staff on the research team
- On-site expertise in experimental design and statistical analyses ensuring experiments are well-designed, scientifically valid, and are conducted under conditions relevant to commercial practice
- Utilisation of a high degree of documentation of experimental protocols and procedures, and preparation of printed data record sheets prior to commencement of experimental work
- Thorough briefing of all staff involved in experimentation
- On-site data handling, verification and crosschecking.
Results of experiments
- Are kept highly confidential at all times
- Preliminary results are forwarded to clients by facsimile or E-mail soon after completion of each experiment
- Multiple copies of a printed final report are posted to the client by an agreed date
- The final report contains a detailed description of experimental protocols and procedures, all statistical analyses, tables of results, and data from each cage of birds
- Copies of the report, and all data files can be sent to the client on a diskette or by E-mail to enable the client to conduct independent analyses and interpretation of data
- Results of experiments can be submitted for publication in scientific journals or conference proceedings if mutually agreed by the client and the research staff involved in experiments
- Layer studies can be conducted in conjunction with AME bioassay and digestive physiology studies, for example, to elucidate mode of action of feed additives such as enzymes
- The PPPI Nutrition Research Laboratory is available for analysis of feeds and ingredients used in layer studies.
National and international clients include
- Companies involved in manufacture, distribution and marketing of feed enzyme products
- Egg production companies
- Layer breeding companies
- Commercial feed millers
- Grain merchants
- Research and development corporations.
The PPPI poultry nutrition research team welcomes the opportunity to develop collaborative links with scientists in other research institutions.
For further information contact the following staff at the Pig and Poultry Production Institute (PPPI)
- Bob Hughes for layer nutrition studies
- Phil Glatz for layer welfare, housing, husbandry and behaviour studies.
