A renewed $1.3 million investment from Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) ensures poultry welfare research at the University of Guelph will continue to guide animal care standards and inform management decision. 

Dr. Alexandra Harlander, [1]professor in OAC’s Department of Animal Biosciences, has been named the new Egg Farmers of Canada Chair in Poultry Welfare, recognized for her internationally respected leadership and science that directly informs welfare standards and on-farm practices. Her research focuses on bird behaviour and housing systems and delivers practical, evidence-based insights for producers.

The EFC chair was first established in 2011 with Dr. Tina Widowski as the inaugural chair.

“This long-standing commitment from EFC demonstrates how deeply the agri-food sector trusts the research happening at OAC and the University of Guelph. We are very grateful for this renewed investment and for EFC’s continued partnership in advancing science that strengthens animal welfare, sustainability and the long-term success of Canadian agriculture," - John Cranfield, dean of the OAC

Harlander’s research is further supported through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a longstanding collaboration that brings together the University of Guelph, the Government of Ontario [2] and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario [3].

Read the full announcement on the Egg Farmers of Canada website. [4]