A learning center and model farm focusing on the rearing of cage-free layers is being set up Indonesia and will be first of its kind in Asia.
The center and farm, are the result of a collaboration between the Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Faculty of Animal Science, AERES University of Applied Sciences, and Global Food Partnership, a consultancy.
It will bring together egg producers and other industry stakeholders to improve the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the egg industry in Indonesia and Asia.
It will provide practical training in best practices in cage-free management and production, serve as a model farm for cage-free producers and as a research and development center.
Local adaptation
AERES notes that the training program offered by the center will allow egg producers to transition to cage-free production with local adaptation.
The Faculty of Animal Science will host the training center, providing land, buildings, infrastructure, staff, daily maintenance and other resources for the collaboration. Global Food Partners has designed the course contents, will bring technological expertise, and will provide ongoing support from its team of in-house experts.
Dr. Kate Hartcher, Senior Animal Scientist at Global Food Partners, commented: “Lack of technical support in the operation of cage-free egg farms is a major barrier for animal welfare, human livelihood, farm profitability, and indeed the success of the industry. We are committed to empowering local producers and future leaders in the agricultural industries across Asia”.
