Sustainability has become a central challenge for egg producers across all production systems. With rising pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency, and demonstrate transparent environmental credentials, producers need clear strategies and effective tools to meet evolving market and regulatory demands.
Understanding the Challenge
Egg production’s carbon footprint is influenced by many factors—from feed sourcing and formulation to housing, energy use, manure management, and transport. With feed typically accounting for the largest share of emissions, nutrition plays a critical role in sustainability.
However, sustainability is more than just reducing emissions; it’s about balancing environmental responsibility with bird health, welfare, and economic performance.
“Producers are increasingly required to measure, monitor, and manage their environmental impact without compromising flock productivity or profitability.
This calls for a comprehensive whole flock approach backed by robust data and science.”Paula McCooey, Technical Sales Manager, Trouw Nutrition.
Taking the Next Step: Layer Longevity and MyEggPrint
Trouw Nutrition supports producers with two key innovations designed to address sustainability challenges:
- Layer Longevity Programme: Extending the productive life of laying hens reduces the frequency of flock replacements and lowers the carbon footprint per egg. The programme focuses on nutrition, skeletal health, and management practices that maintain hen welfare and performance throughout longer laying cycles.
- MyEggPrint: This online sustainability assessment tool provides a whole-farm approach to measuring the carbon footprint of egg production. By inputting operational data—from feed consumption and housing to energy use and manure treatment—producers receive actionable insights into emission hotspots and improvement opportunities. MyEggPrint empowers producers to make data-driven decisions that enhance sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency. It also integrates with MyFeedPrint, which calculates the carbon footprint associated with different animal feeds.
Practical Guidance for Sustainable Progress
Producers looking to advance their sustainability journey should consider:
- Evaluating flock longevity strategies to maximise productivity and resource efficiency.
- Using digital tools like MyEggPrint to benchmark carbon emissions and monitor improvements.
- Collaborating across the supply chain to align sustainability goals with retailer and consumer expectations.
- Integrating nutrition and management practices that support hen welfare and reduce environmental impact.
Building a Sustainable Future
Meeting sustainability challenges is a complex but essential task. By adopting science-led programmes and leveraging innovative tools, egg producers can enhance their environmental performance, secure market access, and build resilience in a changing industry.
For producers ready to take the next step, Trouw Nutrition’s Layer Longevity Programme and MyEggPrint provide proven, practical support to navigate the path toward more sustainable egg production.
