Layers - Modern Poultry

Beneficial microbiota changes seen in newly hatched chicks reared with hens

Hens can positively influence the skin and respiratory tract microbiota of newly hatched chicks, according to a study published in Poultry Science.

Report looks at best practices for preventing floor eggs in cage-free layers, breeders

The first comprehensive literature review in 40 years presents up-to-date research and best practices to prevent floor egg laying.

Study suggests potential to reduce dietary amino acid intake in pullets

Today’s pullets are bred to reach sexual maturity sooner, are more efficient once they reach the egg-laying stage and remain productive longer than layers of past years. Those are all positives for egg producers, but is the industry keeping pace with their protein needs?

Ultrasonic water meters provide easy monitoring, early problem detection

Ultrasonic water meters enabled rapid and early identification of potential problems in cage-free layer houses, including feed shortages and water restrictions, according to research presented at the 2024 IPSF by William Strickland, graduate research assistant, University of Georgia.

NCSU: Environment, genetics affect egg production in a cage-free system

Consumers, retail customers and even legislators in some states are embracing cage-free egg production, necessitating a shift in the laying-hen industry.

‘Deep serotyping’ providing new roadmaps for managing Salmonella in poultry

Traditional methods to detect Salmonella in poultry and trace outbreaks often fail to give the full picture of the threat in enough time for integrators to act. This lack of oversight limits the effectiveness of intervention strategies designed to mitigate Salmonella transmission.

Study finds dual ILT vaccination provides ‘most robust protection’ in long-lived birds

Poultry farms seeking protection against infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) outbreaks may find the best defense for layers and broiler-breeder replacement birds is a dual ILT vaccination program.

Breeders revamp data-collection methods for selecting cage-free layers

Breeding birds for efficient cage-free production requires developing healthy hens that lay an egg every day for 100 weeks and possibly up to 200 weeks in the future, reported Sijne Van der Beek, PhD, chief technology officer, Lohmann Breeders, The Netherlands.

Coccidiosis vaccination in layers: Trickle dose is a win-win

By Daniel Wilson, DVM
Wilson Veterinary Company
Indianapolis, Indiana

Layer chick well-being unaffected by changing transport stocking density, in absence of other stressors

Without other stressors to skew results, altering stocking density (SD) within common ranges does not affect the well-being of layer chicks being transported from hatcheries to pullet-rearing operations.

Arkansas researchers develop challenge model for evaluating formaldehyde alternatives for controlling pathogenic hatchery bacteria

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.

NCSU: ESPs may improve indoor air quality for cage-free layers

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.

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Category: Layers