Hendrix Genetics and Global Food Partners announce a research collaboration in Indonesia

In June 2021, GFP, The Faculty of Animal Science at the Universitas Gadjah Mada and Aeres University of Applied Sciences announced a partnership to develop a cage-free egg training centre at Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Bulaksumur Yogyakarta campus in East Java, Indonesia. The centre will bring together egg producers and other industry stakeholders to improve the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the cage-free egg industry in Indonesia and across Asia.

As part of the collaboration, Hendrix Genetics/PT Indonesia will supply the farm’s 3000 layer hens, on an annual basis, and support the model farm on an ongoing basis by providing technical knowledge on keeping laying hens in cage-free housing systems. The Faculty of Animal Science UGM will host the training centre, provide land, buildings, infrastructure, staff, daily maintenance, and other resources for this collaboration. Global Food Partners’ and Aeres’ team of cage-free production experts will design and develop the course content and will provide ongoing support and technical expertise for the training centre and model farm.

The goal of this model farm is to optimise the management of cage-free laying hens under tropical conditions and showcase best practice cage-free farming practices. This model farm will be open to farmers, veterinarians, researchers, students, and all others who are interested in the latest insights in cage-free management. On-farm trainings on animal handling, egg production and animal welfare will be provided to those interested in developing their skills. The daily performance (flock data) will be recorded and analysed to provide accurate indicators and predictors that can serve as tools for future cage-free flocks.

Henry Hendrix, general manager of Hendrix Genetics PT Indonesia, stated: “We look very much forward to joining forces with Global Food Partners, the Faculty of Animal Science UGM, and Aeres University of Applied Sciences, as animal welfare has become a critical challenge in the world and throughout Asia in recent years. I am confident that this research collaboration will provide new insights on cage-free farming in Indonesia and across Asia. Together we can help to set the standard for sustainable animal production all around the globe.”

Jayasimha Nuggehalli, GFP’s Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Hendrix Genetics, a leader in the field, to our team of cage-free experts in Indonesia. We’re confident this partnership will help optimize cage-free production in the country and across the region.”