Click to view all BREEDER LAYER EGGSKey – 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.
This icon indicates that a record is required.
Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.
TL.BE.1
Standards
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
Standards
A maximum ratio of five hens to one nest box must be provided.
TL.BE.1.2
Standards
Hens must be able to turn around in nest boxes.
TL.BE.1.3
Standards
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
Standards
Nest boxes must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe environment for hens.
TL.BE.1.5
Standards
Nest box bedding must be maintained in a dry, friable condition.
TL.BE.1.6
Standards
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
Standards
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
Standards
Automatic nest boxes must provide broody control by pushing hens off the nest with minimum stress and without causing injury.
TL.BE.1.9
Standards
Automatic nest boxes must be checked and tested once daily.
TL.BE.2
Standards
Egg collecting staff must sanitise their hands prior to handling eggs and between handling floor eggs and nest eggs.
TL.BE.3
Standards
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
Standards
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
Standards
Eggs must be collected at minimum frequencies.
How you will be measured
TL.BE.4.a
TL.BE.4.b
TL.BE.5
Standards
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
Standards
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
Standards
Each trolley must be marked with the breeder farm and date laid.
TL.BE.8
Standards
Egg collection records must be kept.
How you will be measured
TL.BE.8.a
Egg collection records
TL.BE.9
Standards
Must be facilities for grading, selection and storage of hatching eggs.
TL.BE.10
Standards
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
Standards
The use of broody pens to break the broody cycle is acceptable.
How you will be measured
TL.BE.11.a
TL.BE.12
Standards
Stags must be pre-milked twice to check semen quality before initial insemination of hens.