Rearing Farms
We have fourteen of our own rearing farms and rear around four million pullets per year. They provide point-of-lay birds, both for our own poultry farms and for independent producers.
Pullets are described as being “in rear” until they reach 16 weeks of age, at which point they’re transported to a laying farm. During their important rearing phase, our birds receive a comprehensive set of vaccinations to prepare and protect them through their laying life cycle.
Laying Farms
There are currently four different systems for the production of eggs in the UK; Organic, Free Range, Barn and Enriched Colony Cage. At Noble Foods, we process eggs using all four systems.
During recent years, we’ve placed more emphasis on free-range production as demand for higher standards of welfare for hens and chicks has increased.
Enriched Cages
EU legislation for cage-laying hens was introduced in January 2012 and, in accordance with these higher standards, we have invested significantly to develop two state-of-the-art, Enriched Colony Cage chicken farms. We have also committed to be Cage Free by 2025.