USDA’s Jenkins: Feed lids, litter are sources of lingering Eimeria oocyst infection in broiler houses
A study evaluated whether Eimeria oocysts are present in the fecal material in feed lids and if the oocysts serve as an infection source to chicks.
A study evaluated whether Eimeria oocysts are present in the fecal material in feed lids and if the oocysts serve as an infection source to chicks.
The recent shift to cage-free production has led to more problems with internal parasites and coccidiosis, explains Kenneth Anderson, MS, PhD, North Carolina State University, in a Q&A sponsored by Cargill Animal Health.
Blue light reduces fear and stress in birds while also improving their vision yet it does not appear to significantly affect production parameters, according to researchers. But will farmers be interested in using blue light?
Providing chicks a dark period from the time of placement in the broiler house is practical and affordable for broiler producers and has no apparent negative effects on broiler performance, according to research conducted by Garret Ashabranner, PhD; Brian Fairchild, PhD; and Michael Czarick, engineer at the University of Georgia.
By Michael Czarick
Extension Engineer – Poultry
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science
Lighting, among other factors like feeding and ventilation, plays a critical role in the growth and behavior of poultry and should be given careful consideration. Gabrielle House, PhD, ONCE by Signify, discusses the four main factors to consider when selecting which light source is best for your poultry house.
Gangrenous dermatitis is a major commercial turkey-production disease, causing significant economic losses annually from increased bird deaths and condemnations at the processing plant. Can a litter amendment impact the spread of this bacteria?
By Michael Czarick
Extension Specialist – Engineering
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science
Research is uncovering new opportunities to optimize the brooding period for broilers. Brian Fairchild, PhD, University of Georgia, highlighted three key opportunities in a presentation at the 2024 PEAK conference, sponsored by Midwest Poultry Foundation.
The poultry industry is less resource-intensive than other forms of animal agriculture, yet sustainability practices are crucial within the industry to address environmental concerns, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.
In cage-free systems, it’s not only the birds that are moving around more freely. Bacterial transmission is also quicker and more efficient when birds roam uninhibited in large groups, underlining the importance of effective disease management.
Change is constant and there’s always a learning curve. Such was the case around 2017, as pressure built toward more cage-free housing systems for egg-laying hens along with the push to reduce antibiotics or antibiotic substances in animal diets.
