Cost effective and practical ways to regenerate layer hen ranges

The vegetation and functionality of the range areas of free range layer hens can be diminished due to physical damage, as well as nutrients from excreta, with the increase of weed plant species, soil compaction in heavily utilised areas and parasite build up in soils. Cost effective and practical strategies and design features are needed to mitigate the impacts caused by hen activities on the range.

From this research, s set of guidelines were designed to assist in regenerating existing ranges, encouraging optimal management, and providing insight into common range management issues and how these can be mitigated when establishing new farms or ranges. 

Industry can use these guidelines to ensure free range egg farms are developed, designed, and managed to minimise the risk and severity of range degradation. The guidelines also provide information that range managers can use to identify strategies to regenerate ranges when unavoidable degradation occurs. It is further envisaged that the guidelines and accompanying case studies will assist individual producers in identifying new or novel and cost-effective range management and regeneration strategies by sharing practices and learnings.

To view the guidelines, CLICK HERE.