In the layer chicken industry in Hebei Province, several critical issues have emerged that hinder sustainable development and safety. These problems are primarily related to breeding practices, egg production and safety, sales channels, and waste management.
Firstly, the breeding mode is largely decentralized, with most farms operating on a small scale of 2,000 to 5,000 hens. These farms are scattered, self-contained, and lack proper organization. This leads to challenges in managing chicken health and disease prevention. Farmers often follow a cyclical approach, where the next batch of chickens is introduced just as the previous one is culled, ensuring continuous egg production. However, this method makes it difficult to control disease outbreaks and maintain hygiene standards. Additionally, many farms are located too close to residential areas or other farms, violating the recommended distances of 500 meters from homes and 3 kilometers from other farms. This proximity increases the risk of disease transmission and complicates disease control efforts.
The layout of chicken farms is also problematic. Many lack proper zoning, leading to mixed housing conditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate ventilation. In winter, these facilities struggle with cold air circulation, while summer cooling systems are often insufficient. This environment not only affects hen health but also increases the likelihood of disease spread.
Regarding egg safety, there are growing concerns about the use of veterinary drugs and illegal additives in feed. Some farmers add banned substances like clenbuterol or Sudan Red to enhance growth or egg appearance, posing serious health risks to consumers. The misuse of antibiotics and other drugs can lead to drug residues in eggs, which may cause toxicity, antibiotic resistance, and long-term health effects. Moreover, the lack of regulation and monitoring in small-scale farming makes it difficult to ensure the safety of eggs reaching the market.
Egg sales are also problematic. Most eggs are sold through informal channels, with no unified branding or quality control. This lack of standardization reduces consumer confidence and makes it hard to trace the source of eggs. Small-scale farmers often sell eggs directly in markets or on the street, making it difficult to monitor quality and ensure food safety.
Additionally, the deep processing of eggs remains underdeveloped. While some processed products like pickled eggs and egg powder exist, there is limited innovation in functional or health-focused egg products. More research and development are needed to create safe, nutritious, and convenient egg-based foods for modern consumers.
Chicken manure management is another pressing issue. Due to the small scale of most farms, there is little infrastructure for collecting and treating waste. Many farmers simply leave manure to dry in open areas, causing environmental pollution and spreading diseases. Proper treatment methods such as composting, biogas production, or organic fertilizer conversion are rarely implemented, leading to wasted resources and environmental harm.
To address these challenges, several measures are necessary. First, a comprehensive resource assessment should be conducted to determine optimal breeding scales and locations based on environmental and economic factors. Second, farm site selection must follow strict guidelines to ensure proper spacing, drainage, and disease prevention. Third, improving egg safety requires better feed quality, reduced use of harmful drugs, and stricter regulations on additives.
Establishing cooperatives for small-scale farmers can help streamline operations, improve disease control, and promote brand recognition. Training programs for farmers on best practices in feeding, disease prevention, and medication can also enhance overall industry standards. Finally, building centralized manure treatment plants will reduce environmental impact and turn waste into valuable resources.
By addressing these issues, the layer chicken industry in Hebei can move toward a more sustainable, safe, and efficient model that benefits both producers and consumers.
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