Turkeys Standards
BREEDER LAYER EGGS Version 5.1 (modified)
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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)
Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification
New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to
Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before
Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard
Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.
TL.BE.1
It is recommended that, where manual nest boxes are used, single tiers are used for all heavy and medium strain of turkey
How you will be measured
TL.BE.1.a
TL.BE.1.1
A maximum ratio of five hens to one nest box must be provided
TL.BE.1.2
Hens must be able to turn around in nest boxes
TL.BE.1.3
It is recommended that nest boxes are fitted with semi-traps to prevent multiple occupancy. On double tier boxes this is only necessary on the bottom boxes
TL.BE.1.4
Nest boxes must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe environment for hens
TL.BE.1.5
Nest box bedding must be maintained in a dry, friable condition
TL.BE.1.6
Conditions within the nest boxes must be maintained in a manner that ensures hens are able to keep clean
How you will be measured
TL.BE.1.6.a
Cleaning schedule
TL.BE.1.7
Where two tier nest boxes are used the nest box ramp must be a gradual slope without a drop to the floor below
TL.BE.1.8
Automatic nest boxes must provide broody control by pushing hens off the nest with minimum stress and without causing injury
TL.BE.1.9
Automatic nest boxes must be checked and tested once daily
TL.BE.2
Egg collecting staff must sanitise their hands prior to handling eggs and between handling floor eggs and nest eggs
TL.BE.3
All eggs found to be cracked, defective or dirty must be identified and rejected
How you will be measured
TL.BE.3.a
TL.BE.3.b
Records of rejected eggs
TL.BE.3.1
If egg sanitation is carried out it must be done according to a written procedure using Defra approved sanitisers
Egg sanitation procedure
TL.BE.4
Eggs must be collected at minimum frequencies
How you will be measured
TL.BE.4.a
TL.BE.4.b
TL.BE.5
All eggs selected for hatching must be placed in clean, dry trays and placed into suitable storage rooms as soon as possible
Written procedure for plastic egg tray disinfection
TL.BE.6
Hatching eggs must be marked with a black mark using an indelible pen
How you will be measured
TL.BE.6.a
TL.BE.7
Each trolley must be marked with the breeder farm and date laid
TL.BE.8
Egg collection records must be kept
How you will be measured
TL.BE.8.a
Egg collection records
TL.BE.9
There must be facilities for grading, selection and storage of hatching eggs
TL.BE.10
Egg storage facilities must be capable of maintaining a temperature between 13°C and 18°C
Records of daily minimum and maximum temperatures
TL.BE.11
The use of broody pens to break the broody cycle is acceptable
How you will be measured
TL.BE.11.a
TL.BE.12
Stags must be pre-milked twice to check semen quality before initial insemination of hens