A proposed poultry laying facility by the University of Saskatchewan recently received more than $6.2 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Innovation Fund, which supports developing infrastructure to further research in Canada. Additionally, $3 million has been contributed to the new facility by Saskatchewan Egg Producers, an independent farmer-run organization of egg producers in the province, and an additional $1 million has been contributed by USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

The blueprints for the proposed facility emphasize precision and control for researchers, and comfort for the laying hens that will be housed there. The nearly 24,000-square foot proposed facility would utilize three types of housing systems for hens: enriched housing, free run and free-range systems. 

Canadian regulators are set to ban conventional cages by 2036 to improve bird welfare. While producers will need to change to free-run or free-range systems, more study is needed on how to use these systems most effectively. The proposed facility will support work to improve animal welfare, increase productivity, mitigate the environmental impacts of the poultry industry and promote consumer and bird health.

Sources: Canada Foundation for Innovation; University of Saskatchewan