NATURA Life: A New Innovation in Cage-Free Aviary Systems

NATURA Life, a revolutionary cage-free aviary system designed by Big Dutchman that was unveiled at EuroTier 2024 integrates the rearing and production phases of laying hens into a single cohesive system. This trendsetting solution offers unmatched benefits in terms of bird welfare, operational efficiency, and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for the poultry industry. Gone are the days of separating pullets and laying hens into distinct housing systems. Egg farmers now have the opportunity to raise and keep their hens in a single, stress-free environment from hatching to the end of their productive cycle.

This innovation is also in response to global shift toward cage-free egg production is gaining momentum, driven by consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and sustainability goals. In fact, global trends in Europe and US indicate a sharp decline in eggs produced in cages due to retailers, food service companies and hotel chains commitment to banning cage eggs from their supply chain. NATURA Life positions farmers in Asia to stay ahead of this trend by providing a scalable and future-proof solution that meets the highest welfare and environmental standards.

What is NATURA Life?

NATURA Life is a cage-free aviary system that combines two critical phases of egg farming—rearing and production—within one facility. Traditionally, pullets (young hens) are reared in specialised houses before being transported to separate layer houses for egg production. This transfer often causes stress, injuries, and other disruptions that affect the birds' health and productivity.

By eliminating the need for such transitions, NATURA Life allows hens to remain in a consistent and familiar environment throughout their lifecycle. This approach not only enhances bird welfare but also improves efficiency for farmers by streamlining operations and reducing costs associated with transport and system changeovers.

The Modern Laying Aviary: A Core Feature of NATURA Life

The heart of NATURA Life lies a state-of-the-art laying aviary equipped with flexible rearing components that can be adapted as the birds mature. The aviary is designed to ensure that every phase—from chick rearing to egg production—takes place without compromising the health or performance of the birds.

Some standout features include:

• Adjustable Rearing Equipment: Components can be added or removed to optimize the system for either rearing or laying
• Optimized Space Design: Provides ample space for natural behaviours like perching, scratching, and dust bathing, meeting and exceeding welfare standards
• Enhanced Accessibility: Ensures easy access to feeders, drinkers, and nesting areas, promoting uniform development and improved egg production.

Key Advantages of NATURA Life in Egg Production

1. Stress-Free Environment
One of the most significant benefits of NATURA Life is the elimination of transport-related stress. In conventional systems, hens must be relocated from rearing houses to layer houses, a process that disrupts their routine, causes anxiety, and increases the risk of injury.
By keeping the hens in a single house throughout their lives, NATURA Life creates a calm and familiar environment. This stress-free approach has been proven to:

• Increase feed intake during early rearing stages.
• Support faster development and better health.
• Prolong the hens' productive lifespan, resulting in higher egg yields over time.

2. Improved Bird Welfare
Modern consumers and policymakers demand ethical farming practices, making bird welfare a top priority for egg producers. NATURA Life goes beyond traditional standards by fostering a natural and comfortable environment for the hens. Features like ample perching areas and spacious layouts encourage natural behaviours, while the reduced stress levels enhance overall well-being. According to the European Food Safety Authority, better welfare conditions for hens can reduce the prevalence of diseases and injuries, leading to healthier flocks and safer eggs for consumers.

3. Enhanced Productivity
The continuity provided by NATURA Life positively impacts productivity in several ways:

• Higher Egg Production: Stress reduction and improved nutrition during the rearing phase contribute to greater egg output
• Reduced Mortality Rates: Minimising injuries and stress lowers mortality rates, ensuring more hens remain productive
• Longer Productive Life: Hens in a consistent environment often remain productive for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent flock replacements.

4. Sustainability at Its Core
Sustainability is a defining aspect of NATURA Life. By eliminating the need for transport and optimising resource usage, the system significantly reduces the environmental footprint of egg farming.

Key sustainability benefits include:

• Lower Carbon Emissions: Transporting hens between houses is a source of greenhouse gas emissions, which NATURA Life eliminates entirely
• Efficient Resource Use: Streamlined operations lead to less energy and feed waste
• Support for Cage-Free Transition: The system aligns with global trends toward cage-free egg production, helping farmers meet regulatory and market demands

5. Cost Savings for Farmers
Adopting NATURA Life can lead to substantial cost savings by reducing operational inefficiencies. Without the need for separate housing systems or transportation, farmers can cut down on expenses associated with logistics, labour, and infrastructure maintenance. Over time, these savings can make a significant difference in profitability.

How NATURA Life Stands Out: Comparison with Traditional Systems

As the poultry industry evolves, innovations like NATURA Life represent the future of sustainable and ethical egg farming. By addressing critical challenges such as bird welfare, productivity, and environmental impact, this system provides a blueprint for a more responsible approach to egg production.

Farmers looking to transition to cage-free systems or improve their current operations will find NATURA Life to be a game-changing solution that balances profitability with sustainability

Ask us about how to transition to cage-free egg production with NATURA Life. Click the ‘Send a Message’ Button below to talk to us.