[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” background_image=”https:\/\/novogen-layers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bg-blur.jpg” background_blend=”overlay” min_height=”450px” min_height_tablet=”” min_height_phone=”” min_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”136px|10.8%|136px|17.7%|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”100px|12%|100px|12%|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”100px|7%|100px|7%|true|true”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.6″ max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title author=”off” date_format=”j\/m\/Y” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”||||||||” meta_text_color=”#e0e0e0″ title_font_size_tablet=”45px” title_font_size_phone=”8vw” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2.2″ max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjQzNzQ3In19@” button_text=”Back to the news” button_alignment=”right” button_alignment_tablet=”” button_alignment_phone=”left” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_margin=”||0px” custom_padding=”80px|17.7%|0px|17.7%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|12%||12%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|7%||7%|false|true”][et_pb_row gutter_width=”4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||50px” custom_padding=”0px||0||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]Due to attitude changes in Europe a few decades ago that have since spread to numerous countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand and many others, consumer expectations regarding animal welfare in farming are ever-increasing. What this means is that producers need to adapt, and change their production systems to alternative systems (floor housing, aviaries, free range, etc.).<\/p>\n
In order to remain competitive and respond to such market changes, a layer breeding company must anticipate and tailor its selection programme as best possible.<\/p>\n
For over 10 years now, NOVOGEN has demonstrated its expertise in this area by developing unique and innovative breeding program, including, among others, complementary farming systems, collective cages, and floor systems that make it possible to select animals in environments resembling the production systems seen around the world. These also allow for selection based on behavioural criteria, alongside traditional production and egg quality criteria.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|30px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_width_left=”6px” border_color_left=”#000000″ border_style_left=”solid”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]This wholly innovative selection system allows us to measure new criteria. While within the floor housing and in groups, the hens are individually monitored using electronic identification. It is therefore possible to record a diverse set of information on a daily basis, including nest laying rate, laying time, time spent in the nest, the interval between two egg-layings, number of nests visited, etc.<\/p>\n
One of the primary objectives is obviously to optimise egg laying in the nest. While this is highly dependent on both environment and management, there are genetic variations dictating hen behaviour regarding nests. This floor selection technique therefore contributes to improving production performance and facilitating flock management in alternative systems.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|30px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_width_left=”6px” border_color_left=”#000000″ border_style_left=”solid”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n
Varied egg laying profiles are identifiable. Some hens lay regularly\u2014at the same time every day\u2014while other hens tend to change their laying times, or even take a break from laying. After this break and at the start of each new cycle, a hen will usually lay the first egg of a clutch at a similar time\u2014but remaining defined by its own potential.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/novogen-layers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/schema-01.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ custom_margin=”||40px||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n
This criterion also varies a lot, as it has never been specifically selected before. While some hens only spend a few minutes per day in their nest, others can stay there for over 90 minutes. Nest use is optimised by short attendance times.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/novogen-layers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/schema-02.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ custom_margin=”||40px||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n
It is also possible to assess hens\u2019 capacities for exploratory behaviour using this new system. While some hens only visit a few nests during the entire period, others are more curious and visit many nests.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/novogen-layers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/schema-03.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ custom_margin=”||40px||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n
Criteria correlation
\nIt is also interesting to measure correlations between certain criteria. Hens\u2019 exploratory capacities have a positive impact on nest laying intensity. Selection based on this criterion therefore allows for an improvement in technical and economic results, while also providing the farmer with improved working comfort.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|30px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_width_left=”6px” border_color_left=”#000000″ border_style_left=”solid”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_font_size=”20px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]Criteria measured in floor systems are also related to production and egg quality criteria. They allow for improved performance throughout all types of production systems.<\/p>\n
For example, the average laying time during the cycle and the frequency of laying clutches impact egg quality criteria such as shell strength. The amount of time spent in the nest may also be closely related to other egg quality criteria.<\/p>\n
This innovative floor selection system opens up new avenues for genetic improvement thanks to in-depth knowledge of the animals\u2019 laying behaviour. <\/p>\n
In order to provide strains that suit customer expectations, innovation remains a core focus of NOVOGEN’s R&D strategy. The results obtained by NOVOGEN breeds in field conditions in all types of production systems wholly justify these strategic decisions and make NOVOGEN a benchmark in laying hen selection.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#f2f2f2″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/novogen-layers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/photo_tb-02.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ custom_margin=”||||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ header_2_font_size=”30px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”3px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ max_width=”80px” height=”0px” custom_margin=”5px||20px”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ header_2_font_size=”30px” hover_enabled=”0″]Floor system selection brings us complementary information on birds behavior in an environment close to cage free field conditions. Due to the moderate to strong relationship between these floor housing behaviours and egg quality, this system makes it possible to meet producer expectations both in alternative and conventional systems.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”Obvia Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_line_height=”50px” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”28px” header_3_line_height=”30px” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”45px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff”]Additional information[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”3px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ max_width=”80px” height=”0px” custom_margin=”5px||20px”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_color=”off” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”|auto|20px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#1d1d1b” header_2_line_height=”50px” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”28px” header_3_line_height=”30px” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”||10px” custom_padding=”|0%|0px|0px|false|false” border_radii=”||||” border_style_all=”none” border_color_top=”#ffffff” border_color_right=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#ffffff” border_color_left=”#ffffff” global_module=”53048″ saved_tabs=”all”]<\/p>\n