Housing

Poultry scientists seek to dispel myth that fertilizing with litter spreads weeds

There has always been a myth perpetuated that chicken litter contains weed seed, but litter is simply poultry manure and bedding; neither should contain many seeds.

Poultry scientists get fuller picture of PM effects in different housing systems

Poultry scientists are working to better understand the impacts of particulate matter (PM) on bird health and production.

Optimal broiler weight gain tied to body temperature, management details

As most producers know, poultry performance can suffer during periods of high temperature. Modern poultry housing is designed to maintain environmental temperatures within an optimal range, but how does the temperature of individual birds impact their weight gain?

Precision livestock farming: Taking poultry growing to the next level

By Tom Tabler, PhD
Professor, Extension Poultry Specialist
University of Tennessee Extension Service, Animal Science Department
Spring Hill, TN

Mapping histomoniasis outbreaks reveals increased risk of housing chickens within 1 mile of turkey flocks

Preventing disease transmission between flocks is a major goal of the poultry industry. One threat to bird health is the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis, which causes a disease called histomoniasis.

Necrotic enteritis, gengrenous dermatitis

Veterinarian shares experiences reducing NE, GD in broilers

After a decade studying how to reduce losses from necrotic enteritis and gangrenous dermatitis on broiler farms, Don Ritter, DVM, an independent consultant who heads Poultry Business Solutions, Norfolk, Virginia, believes the industry is finally making progress against these two clostridial diseases.

Researchers evaluate effects of variable-light intensity programs on broiler welfare

Light intensity has been shown to affect the activity of birds, but most studies have focused on constant light intensities to determine their effect on welfare.

Environmental factors have more sway in broilers’ microbiome than antibiotics

Environmental factors appear to have a bigger impact on the microbiome found in the digestive system of commercial broiler chickens than the use of antibiotic feed additives, according to a Canadian study.

Study suggests copper link to regional rise in broiler gizzard lesions

Levels of copper in broiler diets may be contributing to an increased incidence of gizzard lesions in the southeastern US.

Poultry scientists: Few hours of darkness a day does not harm broiler chicks

Broiler chicks can be provided between 1 to 4 hours of darkness a day without negative consequences, according to a recent study.

Poultry scientists investigate microbial presence in low, high stocking densities for free-range layers

As consumer demand for eggs from free-range chickens grows, a big question lingers: what is the best stocking density for chickens in free-range conditions?

Managing day-old chicks’ thermal environment for optimum health and performance

By Michael Czarick
Extension Specialist – Engineering
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science

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