Layer Research

CRF’s first layer research facility opened in the fall of 1957, and since then 364 layer trials have been conducted for the benefit of egg producers worldwide. Our strong history of layer research leads us to our mission to continue to provide programs & information which will allow the CRF members to produce innovative, competitive and socially acceptable layer feeds while improving the return on investment for egg producing operations. CRF layer research is applied annually to 900,000 metric tons of layer feeds.

Our current layer research focus is to…

• Finding alternate solutions to the increasing cost & reduced availability of raw materials, in an economical and profitable way.
• Being proactive in providing products to meet concerns in animal welfare management.
• Finding alternate solution to antibiotics and coccidiostats without impairing growth performance.

CRF’s layer research is predominantly conducted at our research facility located in St. Jean-Baptiste, Quebec, Canada that is owned by CRF member Sollio Agriculture.  Some of the research farm’s features include…..

• The layer trials utilize 100 cages of 3 hens. Each cage is equipped with one feeder and one nipple. The room is divided in 2 rows and 2 tiers of 25 cages each. The room is equipped with a heated floor and a central lighting system.  All hens are fed manually and ad libitum.
• Current hen genetics are Dekalb White.
• Typical trial is 8 weeks, but can be extended if necessary.
• Per CRF’s standardization trials, the coefficient of variation allows for 4-5 treatments with 20-25 replications in order to measure a difference of 4 grams in feed intake and a 2 gram difference in egg weight.
• All research diets are manufactured under CRF’s specific operating procedures.
• Feed analysis varies based on the questions of the trials, but in all studies we determine crude protein, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium.
• Trial observations and measurements typically include:
  • All hens are weighed twice during the trial (at the beginning & end of the trial). It is also possible to weigh hens during the trial if necessary. Initial hen weights are used to distribute and block according to their body weight and their previous treatment for the new trial.
  • On a daily basis researchers check nipple waterers, collect eggs, check egg quality (dirty eggs, broken eggs, soft shell), check hens’ health (injury and mortality).
  • On a weekly basis the researchers conduct weigh backs of non-consumed feed per cage, determine egg weights per cage, conduct a litter clean out, etc.
  • Data collected and analyzed includes feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, dirty eggs, broken eggs, soft shell and body weight gain.
• Other procedures & analysis can be conducted as specified by the trial protocol.
• The CRF Layer Research Farm has the capability to include water treatments and/or separate feeders for special ingredients.
• An on-farm lab can provide:
  • Intestinal biopsy.
  • Collection of dropping per cage.
  • Blood samples.
  • Fracture force of each egg.
  • Shell thickness.
  • Candling test.
  • Haugh Unit measurements.
• Confidentiality and efficiencies of research as the CRF Poultry Research Team reviews all of our layer trial protocols, provides an assessment & interpretation of the results, and prepares an economic analysis.