Worming fixes yolk colour problem

A major UK egg producer and supermarket supplier has implemented a regular worming programme in its free range flocks in an effort to maintain yolk colour.

The company—which has not been named—ran into unexplained problems with pale yolks, says Dave Cunnah of Janssen Animal Health, manufacturers of Flubenvet. Subsequent post mortems of layers discovered worm infestation as the cause.

“It was a salutary lesson in the damage that worm burdens can cause,” says pig and poultry manager Mr Cunnah.

Following the incident a strategic worming programme was introduced in both the rearing and laying cycle using Flubenvet. The programme includes a seven day treatment at six and 15 weeks of age on the rearing site before birds are moved to the laying farm at 16 weeks.

Once on the laying site the free range hens receive another four seven-day treatments, at week 25,35,45 and 55.

The effectiveness of the programme has been monitored via faecal egg counts and the results have proved conclusively that the birds are now free of heavy worm burdens.

“The objectives were to help improve productivity, safeguard product quality and to aid animal welfare,” says Mr Cunnah, who urges all free range producers to keep their ‘eye on the ball’ when it comes to worms.

Janssen Animal Health will answer any questions you have on worms and worming only through the British Free Range Egg Producers Association website -click here