And now new research into the nutritional strategies of layer hens could help egg farmers across the country further reduce their environmental impact through the diet formulations they feed their hens, according to Australian Eggs.
An extensive carbon assessment of the egg industry conducted in 2021 identified that the highest contributor of carbon to the supply chain is the feed hens eat.
In particular, soybean meal — which is used to provide hens with required protein — has a relatively high carbon footprint as it has increasingly been sourced from South America and shipped to Australia.
The exploration of feed alternatives became one of the best opportunities for carbon reduction, prompting Australian Eggs to invest in research into alternative ingredients that promoted sustainable production for laying hens and pig diets.
Now at the conclusion of this research, insect meal such as black soldier fly larvae, canola meal and lupins have been identified as the most viable alternatives to soy in the layer hen diet.
Black soldier fly technology is growing and already being explored in the Australian egg industry through research into its use in waste management solutions.
“Every day, the Australian egg industry is working hard on producing more sustainable eggs with lower carbon footprint, highly nutritious and to the best welfare standards,” Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies said.
“This research will help take the next step to encourage on-farm adoption of alternate proteins and carbon-reduction pathways.”
Elham Assadi Soumeh from The University of Queensland was responsible for conducting the research for egg layer diets, as well as pig diets.
He said it was clear that sourcing quality and sustainable feed ingredients at acceptable prices had become the major challenge for the industries.
“Finding alternatives that are lower carbon solutions seemed difficult in the early stages, but it is pleasing to see there are some viable options to start further exploring,” Dr Soumeh said.
To learn more about Australian Egg’s environmental sustainability and other research projects, visit: www.australianeggs.org.au/what-we-do/leading-research
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