Downloads
BFREPA commission various studies into free range related topics. These studies can be downloaded for review below.
The use of pecking enrichments by hens housed in free-range multi-tier systems
Laying hens are highly motivated to show food seeking behaviour in the form of pecking and scratching at the ground (i.e., foraging), even though compound feed is provided on a typically ad libitum basis. The objective of this study was to determine which pecking enrichments (of those tested) had a beneficial effect on hen behaviour and feather cover.Case studies exploring progress towards Net Zero within BFREPA
The impact of our food systems on the environment – to land, water and air – continues to be a source of considerable and growing interest to policymakers, industry and consumers. Work undertaken between BFREPA, the industry and Promar documented in the 2021 report that understanding about the role and contribution of UK free range egg production is limited concerning sustainability and net zero objectives.
Download "Net zero and environmental sustainability in free range egg production"
Information on the sources and magnitudes of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock food production is of considerable and growing interest to policymakers, industry and consumers. This project investigates opportunities for net zero and environmental sustainability within the UK’s free range egg production sector. Free range egg production accounted for 56% of throughput during the last quarter of 2020 in the UK and remains the fastest growing production system of the egg industry.Download "Impacts of ammonia emissions on the UK free range egg production sector"
This report has been commissioned by BFREPA for use by its members and officials. It begins with a brief overview of the environmental impacts of ammonia, concentrating on emissions from agriculture and poultry. It then sets out the key regulatory issues and controls for the poultry sector in relation to ammonia, based on European Union (EU) and national requirements.
The national perspective is specifically in relation to England but the general principles are also likely to be relevant to other parts of the United Kingdom.
Download the BFREPA Avian Influenza & Salmonella Contingency Workbook
This workbook contains the key information that you and any investigating APHA officer will need if your farm needs cleaning and disinfecting after depopulation due to Avian Influenza.
It also contains information to guide you with cleaning and disinfecting after a Salmonella depopulation.
Download the BFREPA Avian Influenza Biosecurity Poster
Avian Influenza biosecurity poster, advertising preventive measures that can be applied at the farm, external environment, and entry points to the chicken house.
The poster promotes reducing the risk of introducing pathogens that could affect the health of a flock, and could help stop the spread of avian influenza.
Download the Free Range Egg Supply Agreement
There has been a marked increase in the number of members reporting complications with their egg supply agreements or contracts over the last couple of years. At the same time, we have seen an increase in the variety of contracts available to producers, with more and more members signing up to feed linked or cost-plus contracts.
In recognition of these developments, BFREPA has produced a Model Egg Supply Agreement as guidance to members to use when negotiating a new contract with a packer or processor.
The impact of buyers' intentions to purchase only non-cage eggs from 2025
A number of multiple retailers in the UK have recently announced that they will stop selling eggs from enriched cage systems from the start of 2025.
In 2016, Aldi UK was the first to make this announcement. Shortly afterwards, ASDA, Iceland, Lidl, Morrison’s and Tesco made similar commitments with the same 2025 deadline. These companies follow the approach of the Co-operative, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose who already sell only non – cage shell eggs throughout the UK.
In reality, the 2025 deadline set by retailers for the move to non-cage eggs is a relatively short one for the sector as a whole to respond and for individual egg producers to consider their own plans and then implement them.