Media Resources
Professor Christine Nicol of Bristol University, U.K., visited New Zealand in late 2009 in her role as a peer reviewer of the Sustainable Farming Fund Furnished Colony Cages project. Professor Nicol is an internationally regarded animal welfare expert, and her knowledge in this area was very useful in the development of the project. We took the opportunity to interview Professor Nicol while she was here,
In the first video, about Free Range Systems, Professor Nicol discusses welfare issues relating to free-range egg production systems. She looks at the debate from a scientific point of view, and discusses the aspects of free-range farming which are important for the success of this type of production system. She also talks about the United Kingdom trend towards buying free-range and specialty eggs. Click here to view the EPF's response to the recently published Consumer magazine article on free range eggs - 10 May 2010.
In the second video about Enriched Colony Systems, Professor Nicol discusses the new production system of furnished colony cages. She compares this to other production systems (such as conventional cage systems and free range), and discusses their features and advantages from a scientific perspective. Professor Nicol also talks about the United Kingdom ban on conventional cages and how enriched cages will gradually be phased in to replace them.
Dr Donald McNamara on Sunrise programme talking about the importance of choline during pregnancy.
Dr McNamara said the cholesterol eggs contain should not be responsible for heart health problems. Not only are eggs good source of high quality protein, they also contain vital compounds including choline which is essential to developing foetuses, and lutein which lowers the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. To watch this programme, please click here.
To read the EPF media release on the MAF Layer Hen Comparative Welfare Assessment of 2009, please click here.
To read a paper released by the British Nutrition Foundation entitled 'Eggs and dietary cholesterol - dispelling the myth' please click here.
Common Questions in The Poultry Industry: A Media Resource is a sheet of FAQs specially prepared for media. These FAQs cover a wide range of issues of relevance in the poultry industry, including hormones, antibiotics, beak treatment, welfare, avian influenza, and Salmonella. Please note that this resource includes questions on both poultry meat and eggs. More information on eggs can be found on this site, and if more information on poultry meat is desired, visit http://www.pianz.org.nz/
Footage of Layer Farms in New Zealand
To view footage of cage, free-range and barn production systems in New Zealand, click here to go to our Farming Types page. This footage was taken in 2006, and is available in multiple formats on request. Please contact Vanessa Wintle on 09 520 4300 to request this footage.
Statements/Letters to the Editor
Press Release - Free range egg industry unites to protect consumers' interests (2 March 2009)
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the North Harbour News on the 28th of April, 2008, discussing egg production in New Zealand.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to Organic New Zealand on the 29th of February, 2008, discussing cage egg production, animal welfare and beak treatment in egg production in New Zealand.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the North Harbour News on the 29th of February, 2008, discussing beak treatment and animal welfare in egg production in New Zealand.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the Kapiti News on the 21st of December, 2007, discussing cage sizes and beak treatment in egg production in New Zealand.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the Sunday Star-Times on the 23rd of October, 2007, discussing egg yolk colour and labelling on egg cartons.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the Kapi-Mana News on the 19th of November, 2007, discussing animal welfare monitoring in egg production in New Zealand.
Letter to the Editor, as sent to the Wanganui Chronicle on the 7th of November, 2007, discussing beak treatment and animal welfare in egg production in New Zealand.
Resources for Media
The EPF welcomes contact from the media. Feel free to contact EPF Executive Director Michael Brooks by phone on +64 09 520 4300 or by mobile on +64 027 221 8228.
To locate footage for media usage of barn, cage and free-range farms, please contact the office on the above number.
The following images are also available for usage:
Chickens
Eggs
Logos
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