While most chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery, it’s the first few weeks in the grower barn that determine coccidia exposure, cycling and eventual immunity.
The first comprehensive literature review in 40 years presents up-to-date research and best practices to prevent floor egg laying.
Coccidiosis vaccination is a critical tool to mitigate economic losses for broiler producers. However, dry litter conditions and low placement densities can complicate successful vaccine replication and subsequent immunizing exposure.
Drinker management is a key aspect of poultry welfare, as water is a crucial resource involved in thermal regulation, nutrient absorption, digestion, waste elimination and overall homeostatic balance in birds.
Consumers, retail customers and even legislators in some states are embracing cage-free egg production, necessitating a shift in the laying-hen industry.
By Michael Czarick
Extension Specialist – Engineering
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science
Turkeys are seasonal breeders, meaning exposure to a long-day photoperiod triggers the reproductive response. The challenge is that the photoreceptors are deep within the brain. The light must therefore penetrate the skull and brain tissue to elicit a response.
Formaldehyde fumigation is a conventional method used to control total environmental microbial counts in the hatchery. However, according to Christine N. Vuong, PhD, University of Arkansas, this method does not differentiate between beneficial or pathogenic microbes.
Bird welfare is improved in cage-free layer systems compared to cage systems, but indoor air quality suffers in a cage-free environment due to higher bird activity.
Continuous lighting is commonplace in commercial broiler houses, but is that what’s best for the birds?
The move to cage-free egg production in the US and Europe created a seismic change in hen breeding programs.
By Alexander W. Strauch, DVM
Four Star Veterinary Service, LLC
Minton Veterinary Service Office
Chickasaw, Ohio
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