This edition of EGG-NEWS sponsored by Big Dutchman USA incorporates the announcement that NATURA aviaries now house 200 million hens worldwide. The achievement was recognized  with a reception at the IPPE.

Monthly statistics and postings on current events of interest are provided for the benefit of subscribers. Comments and contributions are always welcome

The Scientific Committee for Food and the Environment for Norway has extended shelf-life of table eggs to 35 days.  This in contrast to the 28-day limit imposed by the EU.  The European Food Safety Authority limit is based on models assuming vertical transmission of Salmonella Enteritis and subsequent multiplication of the pathogen within eggs stored at room temperature.

The decision by Norway is based on the low prevalence of SE in laying flocks presumably attributed to surveillance, biosecurity and vaccination. In addition and possibly more important, is the national mandate for a cold chain from packing through to point of sale as in the U.S.

Outbreaks of SE traced back to eggs are frequent in nations with a combination of warm summer temperatures and the absence of a cold chain as in Australia and in Eastern Europe.

During the 2016 IPPE, Big Dutchman announced that 200 million hens are now housed in NATURA® aviary systems worldwide.  This achievement was attained following the installation of a NATURA® Step system at Forsman Farms.  The threshold announced during the Expo was followed by a well-attended reception of loyal producers.  Big Dutchman technical, sales and corporate representatives expressed thanks to farmers who have adopted and benefit from NATURA® systems in all egg producing nations.  The NATURA® cage-free aviary models represent the culmination of 85-years of experience in housing egg-producing flocks.  NATURA® systems offer optimal return on investment, a high standard of welfare, maintenance-free operation and a prolonged operating life.

The NATURA® range comprises: -

• NATURA® Filia Rearing Aviary

This two-tier rearing aviary has an open design with ramps to encourage vertical movement within the system to establish balance and muscle development in pullets. This contributes to flock uniformity and matutity leading to early and high peak production after transfer to NATURA® laying aviaries. 

Features include:-

• Feed and water are available on both tiers to eliminate competition. 
• Sliding partitions are installed at five-foot intervals to facilitate placement, depletion and vaccination. 
• The raised system extends the litter area available to the flock. 
• The Filia system is provided with foldable approach perches to allow access to the tiers. 
• The system is available in either 74” or 88” width.

• NATURA® Primus Rearing Aviary

This three-tier rearing aviary is designed to ease the transition from rearing to laying housing.

Features include:-

• Feed and water are available on all tiers. 
• Uniformity of temperature in the vertical and longitudinal planes is achieved through the design of the modules contributing to uniform distribution of chicks and pullets.

• NATURA® Visio Laying Aviary

This two-tier open access aviary system is equipped with feed, watering and nests on each level. 

Features include:-

• Dedicated areas for nesting, feeding and perching. 
• The open design allows complete access to the floor area
• The step platforms allows hens to move vertically through the system with ease,   allowing foraging, scratching, play and dust bathing conforming to welfare requirements. 
• The Visio NATURA® aviary incorporates a twin belt design for egg collection allowing visibility and contributing to shell integrity and cleanliness. 
• Hens can access nests from both sides of the system
• The attractive entrance to the nest reduces system-laid eggs. 
• The height of the system allows retrofitting in existing buildings. 

• NATURA® Step and Step XL Aviaries

These three-tier installation represent a culmination of experience in optimizing return on investment from aviary-housed flocks.

Features include:-

• Upper and lower tiers equipped with chain feeding circuits. 
• The middle tier incorporates two rows of Colony 2+ nests.
• The Step platforms allow hens to move vertically through the system. 
• The Step concept includes dedicated areas for perching, feeding and laying.
• The completely open design conforms to the highest EU and U.S. standards allowing hens access to litter for natural behaviors.

The NATURA® Step aviary is available in two widths with the Step XL allowing up to 25 percent more usable house space than the NATURA® Step, depending on house configuration and dimensions.

• Colony 2+ Nest Installations

NATURA® aviary systems are equipped with the Colony2+ nest. 

Features include: -

• Center-located egg belt with a short roll-out from the nest pad.
• The divided nest floor can be raised completely excluding hens from the nest.
• The plastic mat has molded fingers to protect shells from soiling and damage
•  Solid nest pads prevent up-draft of air optimizing hen comfort.

The advantages offered by NATURA® rearing and laying aviaries have contributed to acceptance by producers as denoted by the 200 million milestone with more than 100 million hen places added over the past five years. 

Further details on NATURA® aviaries are available at BigDutchmanUSA.com/egg production.