Planton Farm, in collaboration with researcher Dr Elizabeth Rowe from the University of Reading and Mike Theodorou of Biosource Consulting, is to investigate the viability of dual-purpose breeds – birds that can serve both as egg layers and meat producers.
It’s thought that by bringing value to male layer chicks, which are typically culled, dual-purpose breeds offer a more ethical and sustainable approach to poultry farming.
The project will combine desk-based research with small-scale trials to explore key components of pasture poultry systems including feed systems, housing and brooding designs, and breed availability.
Impact on health and diversity
Chicks will be placed in the spring, with males processed for meat in the summer and hens beginning egg production around the same time. Researchers will monitor productivity, cost of production, and egg and meat yields, while also assessing the impact on pasture health and biodiversity.
Commenting on the project, Planton Farm co-founder Dr Claire Rayner said: “Our goal is to create a practical, scalable model for regenerative dual-purpose chicken farming that integrates seamlessly into existing UK farm systems. By addressing both environmental and ethical issues in poultry production, we hope to offer a more sustainable solution that benefits farmers, consumers, and the planet.”
To support the research, Platon Farm is launching a funding consortium of food business to expand the scale and impact of the project. Building off the back of the Defra investment, this consortium and its complementary funding will bring expertise, knowledge and reach to the project to allow for deeper exploration of key topics.
‘Dynamic community’
“We’re excited to grow this project beyond its initial scope,” said Annie Hill, co-founder of Planton Farm. “The consortium will not only accelerate our research but also create a dynamic community of expert stakeholders committed to pioneering sustainable and regenerative poultry farming in the UK and beyond.
“Our goal is to create a practical, scalable model for regenerative dual-purpose chicken farming that integrates seamlessly into existing UK farm systems. By addressing both environmental and ethical issues in poultry production, we hope to offer a more sustainable solution that benefits farmers, consumers, and the planet.”
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