Hy-Line Brown Plus “Next Gen” delivers outstanding results in the UK
Producers are now experiencing the full benefits of this next-generation layer.
12 May 2026
1 minute read
By: The Hy-Line Brown Plus ‘Next Gen’—known globally as the Hy-Line Brown Max—continues to impress UK producers with exceptional performance and reliability. Since the Next Gen’s introduction two years ago, Hy-Line UK has seen strong sales growth, driven by the bird’s outstanding nesting behavior and consistent production results. Producers are now experiencing the full benefits of this next-generation layer.
“It’s been the easiest flock we’ve ever had.” – UK producer Tom Hamer
Proven On-Farm Performance
Tom Hamer, a free-range producer in mid-Wales with 32,000 layers, recently switched to Hy-Line for the first time. “It’s been the easiest flock we’ve ever had,” says Tom. At 65 weeks, his flock is still laying at 90% hen-day production, with 295 eggs per hen-housed, and he plans to take them to 84 weeks, aiming for another 100 eggs per bird.
Key highlights from Tom’s flock:
- Persistency of lay: Strong performance well beyond 60 weeks.
- Excellent livability: Mortality at just 1.25%, without the need for E. coli vaccination.
- Superior feather cover: Birds remain in excellent condition late in lay.
- Low floor eggs: Around 1%, thanks to a strong nesting instinct.
- Efficient feed conversion: 119 g daily feed intake while producing 64 g eggs at 65 weeks of age.
Tom mills his own feed and is planning to double his flock size— proof of his confidence in Hy-Line genetics.
Next Gen sets new standards
Daniel and Trudi Bates, also in Wales, have been loyal Hy-Line customers since starting their free-range operation. Their current flock—their first with Next Gen—is on track to break records:
- 98% production for 10 consecutive weeks at 36 weeks of age.
- Minimal floor eggs and excellent nesting behavior.
- Strong vaccination program and improved turnaround practices complement the bird’s genetic potential.
“The genetic improvement has been a constant theme in our partnership with Hy-Line,” says Daniel. “If ever there was a 100-week flock, this is it.”
Hy-Line Brown Plus - Next Generation (Max)
With the Proven Traits of the Hy-Line Brown:
- High Peaking and Persistency
- Feed Efficiency • Calm Temperament and Strong Feathering
- Excellent Liveability
PLUS:
- Increased Egg Weight
- Darker Brown Shells
- Strong Nesting Instinct
Why UK producers choose Hy-Line Brown Plus ‘Next Gen’
• Exceptional persistency of lay and superior egg numbers. • Robust health and feather cover. • Low floor eggs and easy management. • Proven adaptability to UK freerange systems as well as aviaries.
As free-range egg production continues to secure the future of family farms across Wales, Hy-Line Brown Plus ‘Next Gen’ is helping producers achieve outsta
