Blushield Poultry Farm Study: A One-Year Egg Farm Trial

In a one-year controlled trial on a New Zealand egg farm, installing Blushield was associated with roughly a 10% increase in egg production, a dramatic drop in hen mortality (from around 100 deaths per month to an average of about 17), healthier and calmer hens, larger and stronger eggs, and an estimated savings of over $16,434 per year. Because the trial used a matched control house with no other changes, the results point to Blushield itself as the driver.

Blushield was used in a trial to determine how it would affect egg-laying chickens on an egg farm. The idea came from Minnesota, USA, where a Blushield installed in a barn for cattle was reported to be affecting the adjacent hen house - which turned out to be producing twice as many eggs as normal. This trial was carried out to test that hypothesis.

The hypothesis: the installation of a Blushield directly affects the stress levels of egg-laying hens.

Method of Testing

The tests were carried out at a poultry farm in Te Puna, on the outskirts of Tauranga, New Zealand. The farm had two completely automated houses - one selected as the test house and the other as the control house. The hens were a breed commonly known as "Shaver." Plug-in Blushields were placed at 10-meter intervals and switched on. The house held approximately 10,000-15,000 laying hens at any one time.

In each sector, 5 hens were sampled for blood tests, noting parasites, blood cell count, and platelet shape and size. The general health of each chicken was also recorded - feather loss, weight, skin rashes, and any other relevant features. The weight of the eggs laid each day was averaged from samples taken in each sector, as were quantity, shell thickness, and yolk quality. Blood tests were carried out at one-month and three-month intervals.

Results at 30 Days (One Month)

One month after starting, a second round of blood tests was carried out, again sampling 5 chickens per sector. The parasites found in the original samples had now virtually disappeared, the blood cell count had evened out, and platelet size and shape remained the same. The hens' general health appeared better all around, and they were quieter and more docile to handle. The farm owner also noted that the noise level in house number one had dropped considerably since the devices were installed.

Mortality after one month: Before installation, the death rate in both houses had been approximately 60-100 per month. In the weeks immediately after installation, the death rate in house one dropped to zero, then rose to 4 and 6 respectively over the following two weeks.

Egg quality after one month: Egg production before installation was between 74% and 78% of the total flock in house one; after one month the average rose to between 82% and 84%. Yolk size and color improved slightly, with the color becoming a deeper yellow. Eggs increased in size by an average of 1mm. The shell appeared less fragile, although there was no significant change in shell thickness.

Results at 120 Days (Four Months)

The chickens' health now appeared to be at a constant level: parasites appeared to have been eradicated from the blood, the cell count remained even, and platelet size and shape remained regular.

Mortality after four months: Deaths declined to between 8 and 15 chickens per month in house one and appeared to have leveled off - a significant gain.

Egg quality after four months: Egg production rose to between 84% and 87% of the total flock in house one. (As old stock is culled at 80 weeks, new stock is brought in, so egg quantities vary over this period of change, and egg sizes vary as the pullets start laying - initially smaller eggs.) There was a slight increase in average yolk size. Egg size rose overall, with more grade 7 and jumbo eggs being produced (up about 10-15%). The shell had definitely become stronger and less brittle.

Results at 365 Days (One Year)

Even though there were several changes in the flock during the year - culling and new pullets being introduced - the blood samples showed no signs of parasites returning. The hens' general health remained good, with no signs of virus or skin diseases.

Noise levels were consistently lower at all times than in the control house. The hens appeared more content in their environment, with less pecking between them. There was also a drop in the amount of food eaten, yet egg output and quality had increased. The appetite in the control house, however, remained the same.

Mortality after one year: The mortality rate was the most significant factor of these tests. At no stage did it creep over 25 per month, and it averaged about 16-18; the hens appeared to have lost a lot of their aggressive nature and cannibalistic habits. This was a significant drop from the starting rate of 60 to 100 chickens.

Egg quality after one year: Egg production rose as high as 89% at times but ended up averaging between 84% and 87%, equating to a solid 10% increase in production for the farmer. Egg quality stayed high throughout, with consistent improvement in yolk color and better viscosity in the egg whites. Egg size definitely increased overall - average egg weight went from 63 grams to 66 grams. The shell did not improve greatly in thickness; however, crack testing indicated the shells were stronger.

Summary: Production Gains and Financial Return

There were clear, impressive gains in egg production and a large drop in mortality. Adding up the monetary gain from installing a Blushield shows a significant return - especially for an industry that works on small margins. A 10% increase in egg production was the average over the testing period, and the mortality rate fell from around 100 per month to an average of 17.

• Each laying hen is worth between $15 and $18 - an average of $16.50
• Before testing: 100 deaths × $16.50 = $1,650
• After Blushield: 17 deaths × $16.50 = $280.50
• An overall savings in deaths alone of $1,369.50 per month
• Savings of over $16,434 per year!

It was also evident that one of the longer-term effects of Blushield is extending the hens' laying life - by as much as 20 weeks per hen. Egg size and quality increased, and larger eggs were laid compared to the control house.

It is clear that Blushield has a significant effect on egg-laying chickens. A poultry farm would quickly reap the benefits, and the Blushield would more than pay for itself within the first month - making future production more profitable while also benefiting the hens themselves.