WorldPoultry: Canada: Harper Govt supports sustainable egg production

Nova Scotia egg producers will improve their profitability by reducing their feed costs with the support of the Harper Government.

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong (Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley), announced an investment to help bolster the value of the Nova Scotia egg industry by increasing the number of saleable eggs.

"Our government is continuously looking for ways to increase the competitiveness of egg farmers across the country because we recognise the importance of a healthy poultry industry to our economy," said MP Armstrong. "By making strategic investments to promote a sustainable and growing Canadian poultry sector, our government is delivering real results for farmers, which will help them reach their maximum production potential."

With this total investment of over $265,000, the Nova Scotia Egg Producers (NSEP) www.nsegg.ca will lead two projects: More than $190,000 will be used to support the monitoring of acidity levels and specific ions in the water supply to determine the balance that is most beneficial for egg production and evaluate the effects of water quality on the performance and metabolism of laying hens.

Over $75,000 will also be directed to a study of how protein supplements in animal feed could improve the overall profitability of the industry by helping egg farmers reduce their feed costs while increasing the production potential of their flock of hens.

"Our organisation is committed to helping Nova Scotia egg producers remain competitive and profitable," said Patti Wyllie, General Manager of the Nova Scotia Egg Producers. "Continued investment in these types of research projects helps us achieve that goal."