UK: Details of health and welfare grants for laying hens housing revealed

Information about the new post-Brexit health and welfare grant support for egg farmers in England has been released by the government’s Rural Payments Agency. The additional information for the £22 million grant, which aims to enhance animal health and welfare benefits, has been provided following the first stage of applications, which closed on 18 September. The grant, which is available for housing for laying hens and pullets, covers the replacement of upgrading/refurbishment of existing housing, which includes a number of mandatory requirements, including the need to have a veranda as part of the project. Mechanical ventilation and high welfare multi-tier systems Comprehensives projects for both pullets and laying hens should also include mechanical ventilation and high welfare multi-tier systems. Mechanical ventilation allows temperature and humidity to be effectively managed, especially during periods of extreme heat. High welfare multi-tier systems improve the physical ...