Collaborative project: Integration of broiler and egg production by using a dual-purpose genotype: ways to improve animal welfare, Subproject 9 (Integhof)

Project

This project contributes to the research aim ' Environment and ressource management'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Environment and ressource management

Project code: 28RZ372077
Contract period: 02.09.2015 - 31.07.2018
Budget: 155,922 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development

The objectives of the collaborative research approach ‘Integhof‘ are to investigate the feasibility of using the genotype of a dual-purpose chicken for meat and egg production on one farm. The following parameters will be evaluated under experimental and field conditions: animal welfare aspects including health and behavior, consumer acceptance and protection with food safety and product quality, environmental as well as economic aspects. Raising both female and male dual-purpose chicken of different age groups on one farm requires a new and to the needs of these animals adapted housing system as well as thorough prophylactic strategies to secure a sustainable and economically acceptable poultry production. The project ‘Integhof’ will consist of three major working approaches: 1. experimental phenotype characterization of dual-purpose chickens in comparison to commercial genotypes; 2. on-farm investigations for the practicability of keeping different age groups of dual –purpose chicken on one farm. These subprojects will start in parallel, and results will continuously be used to improve the subsequent placements. In parallel we will analyze the profitability as well as consumer acceptance of this ‘Integhof’-concept considering different players including farmer, consumer, society, and commerce. The synthesis of all data (working approach 3) at the end of the project time will lead to recommendations for field application of the ‘Integhof’-concept and advice how to optimize the housing conditions as well as the prophylactic strategies in order to raise dual-purpose chicken successfully.

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