WHAT IS GERM-FREE?
Completely, 100% free of bacteria
- No gut flora, no skin bacteria/fungi/parasites
- Exceed all SPF standards for viruses & mycoplasma
- Unique production system (ultra-level of biosecurity) for management of flocks
- Not susceptible to disease outbreaks (full biosecurity - even against HPAI)
- Assured continuity of supply
How are they derived?
- GF mammals are derived by caesarean section into sterile environment
- GF birds are derived by similar process removing the egg before it enters the cloaca. SPF birds are used as parents
- The first-generation GF egg is premature and requires specific incubation conditions
Subsequent generations breed naturally. Maintained in microbiologically sterile environment
- HEPA filtered positive pressure air
- Sterilised bedding, food and water (gamma irradiation)
- Housed in specialised isolators or biosecure rooms (up to 4,000 birds)
- Traditional floor system of housing (no cages)
- Birds and eggs are kept free from infection (maximum biosecurity)
- Highly automated system including egg collection & packing
- Daily monitoring for absence of bacteria (provides instant warning of any loss of GF or SPF status)
GF Egg Production Characteristics
- GF chickens breed naturally, similar productivity to SPF parent stock
- Hatchability meets or exceeds SPF (mean hatchability for GF >92%)
- Exceed USDA Memo 800.65 and European Pharmacopoeia requirements
- GMP compliant
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NEW FACILITIES

New Facilities (2500msq)
- First generation germ-free flocks
- Isolators, Incubators
- Laboratories
- Pilot scale (25%) commercial production
- R&D
- Head Office
Lower Floor Provides:
- SPF flocks
- Large Germ-Free (GF) Isolators
- GF suite for flock of 1000 birds
- GF 'space' suits & decontamination showers
- GF feed handling
- GF egg collection & packaging
Upper Floor Provides:
- SPF showers
- Incubating/Hatching Isolators
- Transport Isolators
- Laboratories & QA
- Head Offices
- Site BMS & IT facilities
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