Eggs and poultry - Research and development
This page aims to provide information on research and development in eggs and poultry.
Please note that the contacts listed below are not the responsibility of Defra and we can therefore take no responsibility for their content or views expressed therein. Please email us with any changes, or additions you would like to see.
Eggs and poultry research and development
We operate an eggs and poultry R&D programme which aims to improve the efficiency of poultry production, maximising the genetic potential of modern breeds and reducing losses due to inefficient feed utilisation. The programme also includes research on the development of new technologies for integrated management systems. The research is primarily driven by a need - with the reduction of pollutants in mind - to move away from the use of animal proteins in feed and to utilise home grown sources of proteins.
- Further information is available on our science webpages
ADAS contract
We currently have an annual budget for commissioning ad hoc studies and research from ADAS. Reports relate to eggs and poultry, including the marketing aspects and economic viability of these commodities. Research is also commissioned to develop systems to assist the Egg Marketing Inspectorate with their enforcement role.
Most studies and research contain commercially confidential information and are for internal purposes only. However, we will consider commissioning studies that will assist the UK egg and poultry industry and publish these where appropriate.
ADAS research projects
You can email suggestions for future studies.
LINK Programme - sustainable livestock production
The principal objectives of this programme are to enable and accelerate the commercial exploitation of technology leading to new products, processes, systems and services; to promote close interaction between industry and the research base.
Livestock Knowledge Transfer
The aim of the Defra funded initiative was to provide technical support to the agricultural industry. The livestock element includes support for the egg and poultry sectors. A website was formed to provide farmers and industry access to technical information that will help them to improve their profitability. The programme focused on consultation with industry to identify technical issues currently facing smaller farm businesses and to implement effective strategies through knowledge transfer programme to address them.
- Further information about Livestock Knowledge Transfer (this project is now unsupported and the content of this website will no longer be updated)
British Egg Marketing Board Research and Education Trust
The BEMB Trust is a registered charity that funds research into the production of hen and duck eggs in the UK.
Other eggs and poultry R&D links
Page last modified: 10 September 2007