The European OMELETTE project brings together 11 partners and 42
associated organizations with the aim of extending hens’ laying cycles,
reducing environmental impact, and improving animal welfare.
The mid-term meeting, held in Brittany and organized by INNOZH, ANSES, and the
Regional Chamber of Agriculture of Brittany, gathered 48 participants and
provided an opportunity to review technological progress and remaining
challenges.
- The quality of pullet rearing is the cornerstone of longevity, with critical indicators such as flock uniformity and skeletal development.
- Technological innovations: in ovo sexing using MRI, dynamic lighting (3500 K to 5500 K), and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools for real-time welfare monitoring.
- Field feedback from Brittany: industry operators highlight the importance of adapting practices and training to successfully transition to extended laying cycles.
- Alternatives to in ovo sexing: rearing of “layer brothers” (male chicks from laying strains) and dual-purpose breeds (eggs and meat) are being explored, but face major economic and environmental challenges.
- Ethical and regulatory issues: the ban on the culling of male chicks in France since 2023 is driving innovation, with additional costs estimated between €45 and €50 million.
- Animal welfare: smart enrichments and PTZ cameras help detect feather pecking or floor eggs, improving hens’ quality of life.
- Longevity Action Plan (LAP): tested on 9 pilot farms, including 2 in Brittany, this plan aims to turn field data into immediate corrective actions.
Next step:
Scale up solutions to reach 10% of stakeholders by 2027, with the goal of
extending hens’ laying duration.