Research
Developing solutions for Australia's egg producers
AECL’s Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) operations strive to provide solutions for Australia’s egg producers and industry stakeholders across the supply chain.
AECL continues to invest heavily in research and development initiatives on behalf of the egg industry. This program is funded through a levy on egg farmers, which is matched by funds from the Australian Government.
The program has recently been enhanced to reflect industry demands, while maintaining a demonstrable commitment to the Government's stated R&D priorities.
AECL is one of 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). RDCs bring industry and researchers together to establish research and development strategic directions and to fund projects that provide industry with the innovation and productivity tools to compete in global markets.
Outcomes of our RD&E research projects include:
• improving egg quality
• increasing the efficiency and profitability of egg production systems
• providing health and nutritional information for consumers
• and ensuring the sustainability of egg production.
Information and tools are developed and provided as resources to enable producers to improve the efficiency of their egg production systems and to inform the industry’s many stakeholders.
Each research project will have outcomes directed towards a specific target market or audience depending upon their location within the supply chain. Project reports are peer reviewed to ensure that the information is of the highest quality and then the findings are released to the relevant audience.
Three major subprograms
Research and development is prioritised into four major subprograms to more effectively focus our research support for the benefit of the industry. These subprograms are:
• Hen Welfare & Elite Production Systems program - A research, development and extension program that aims to deliver efficient and economical egg production in all systems without compromising hen welfare. Themes within this program include flock health and disease management, welfare, hen nutrition, feed availability and managing flock uniformity and physiology.
• Product Quality program - A program that focuses on delivering high egg quality whilst maintaining maximum production efficiency. In this program research, development and extension focuses on egg quality, supply chain, human nutrition and food safety.
• Sustainability, QA & Technology Transfer program - A program that aims to deliver certainty in production, extension and communication of R&D outcomes. This program includes projects that deliver production and supply efficiency, environmental solution, building and maintaining R,D&E capacity, quality assurance and certification (Egg Corp Assured), skills development, and commercialisation and utilisation of project outputs and intellectual property.
Apply for funding
Any organisation, company or individual is eligible for support to undertake R&D activity that addresses AECL's key long term and immediate research priorities.
If you believe you or your organisation have an idea that could maximise benefits and revenue for the industry and minimise costs, please apply for funding.
Latest research findings
Research into hen stress in commercial housing systems
Environmental Assessment of an Egg Production Supply Chain using Life Cycle Assessment