Two inspiring study days, one shared goal: improving laying hen longevity 🐔
Within the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) OMELETTE project, we recently gathered in Geel and Tielt to exchange insights on longevity in laying hens—a key driver for a future-proof and sustainable egg sector in North-West Europe.
Across both days, we welcomed in total 80 participants from across the sector: poultry farmers, feed producers, pullet rearers, retail, research institutions, government,.... A strong example of how collaboration across the entire value chain is essential to drive impact.
What did we learn?
• Niels Demaître from the Experimental Poultry Centre showed how lighting can be used as an active management tool—moving from static to dynamic light regimes to support welfare, behaviour and long-term productivity
• Marcella Merkelbach from Vencomatic highlighted the power of smart systems and large-scale barn data to detect issues early and support more efficient decision-making
• Annabelle Vanhaecke from Pehestat demonstrated how combining data analysis with on-farm observations leads to concrete, proactive actions in the laying house
• Karen Vermeulen from Experimental Poultry Centre presented the Longevity Action Plan (LAP), focusing on continuous monitoring, collaboration, and a structured plan–do–check–act approach, currently implemented on pilot farms across the NWE region
The key takeaway?
Longevity is not a single intervention—it’s a system approach combining data, observation, technology and close collaboration with farmers.
By working proactively on animal health, welfare, production and sustainability, we move one step closer to a resilient and future-oriented egg sector.