Four new laying hen research barns have been recently completed, located in Cambridge, Canada. Each of these new investments were built with high biosecurity, animal welfare, and environmental standards in mind.
Laying hen improvement is the result of investment and continuous improvement. We heavily invest in our global R&D centers and testing methods to ensure accurate, efficient data collection and subsequent exceptional performance for our customers.
In 2012, we launched an ambitious project to invest in building four new laying hen research facilities in Canada. These barns are designed for the highest biosecurity standards and optimal use of resources. In 2018, the first two laying barns were completed (Maple Lane 1 and Oakdale). This year, we are excited to complete the last stage of this project with the final two facilities: a third laying barn (Maple Valley) and a pullet rearing barn (White Oaks).
Each of these barns were built to the highest biosecurity specifications. When entering the facility, employees change from their outside clothes into coveralls and then proceed through the transitional zone (named the “no man’s land”) to the wet shower. They then shower and change into another set of clean clothes. The extra “dry shower” principle lowers the chance of contaminants transferring into the barns. The barns are set up as “all-in-all-out”, meaning that when restocking, the entire flock is replaced. This allows a period of rest between flocks to allow time for viruses and bacteria in the environment to die.
Sustainability was another important consideration for this investment. For efficient use of resources, the design features LED lighting, motion sensing lighting in the entrance building, high efficiency fans, a wastewater collection system, and an automated manure removal system. Eggs are collected using a conveyer system which was designed so that data collection using handhelds can be completed easily by the staff. The individual pens also measure feed conversion, egg weight, body weights and many traits related to egg quality. This allows better tracking of resources and more automation to reduce our reliance on manual labor.
It was also crucial that the barns set a high standard for a healthy, welfare-friendly environment. The birds are housed in enriched family pens and optimal ventilation specifications, which have been designed for high animal welfare requirements.
The result of these new, state-of-the-art facilities? Efficient, accurate selection in our breeding program. We are also able to increase our testing capabilities in North America, allowing us to even more accurately tailor product performance for the North American market. Value chain excellence starts with great genetics, and we are proud to highlight these new facilities that are an important part of delivering high-quality genetics.
