Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier (2017-2018 à 2020-2021).

Canadian supply managed egg production system has 1,021 registered egg farms with a total of approximatelyx000D
20 million layers and contributes $1.28B to Canada's GDP. Bone health manifested as osteoporosis is ax000D
persistent problem in layers under different housing systems with detrimental effects on flock productivity andx000D
egg shell quality and thus profitability. Bone quality is influenced by genetics, housing system environment andx000D
nutrition. However, the trends of decreased sexual maturity without concurrent refinement in mineral contentx000D
of the feed may juxtapose with the hen's increased capacity to produce more eggs with less feed (more calciumx000D
output and less input) such that bone mineralization is impaired during rearing and /or lay cycle giving rise tox000D
mortality and morbidity stemming from metabolic calcium insufficiency and osteoporosis. Studies to improvex000D
hen skeletal health often focus on manipulating environment and nutrition during the laying. However, asx000D
pullets develop a mature frame size by 12 weeks of age followed by formation of medullary bone aroundx000D
sexual maturation, supplementing calcium during active lay may be too late to improve bone density andx000D
quality. Our hypothesis is that proper skeletal development is essential for high levels egg production andx000D
challenges of alternative housing for modern layers. Studies will be conducted to investigate the role of feedx000D
structure (manipulation of fiber fraction and limestone particle size) and optimal calcium, phosphorous andx000D
vitamin D supplementation on skeletal development pullets and subsequent effects in productivity, egg shellx000D
quality, livability and welfare in hens. This is a timely research and will provide valuable information to thex000D
egg industry in light of the forthcoming changes in Canadian hen housing systems. The project will employ ax000D
variety of experimental, statistical, and analytical techniques thus providing excellent opportunities for thex000D
training of highly qualified personnel. Specifically, the research project will support training of 1 PhD, 2 MScx000D
by thesis, 1 MSc by coursework, 2 undergraduate students and 1 Postdoctoral Fellow as well as a technician.