The newly hatched chick’s immune system is immature, but it develops with time. However, the developmental characteristics are incomplete and skew toward innate response versus active response, which challenges the commonly practiced day-of-age vaccination protocol. Rodrigo Gallardo, DVM, PhD, DACPV, University of California, Davis, discusses the pros and cons of vaccinating chicks later.
Modern commercial chicks hatch into a very different world than they would under natural conditions. According to Ivan Rychlik, DVM, researcher at the Czech Republic’s Veterinary Research Institute, that difference has major consequences for gut health, disease resistance and antibiotic use.
By David L. Wicker, PhD, industry consultant, Gainesville, Georgia and
W.A. Dozier, III, PhD, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System
By Ken Opengart, DVM, PhD, DACPV
3 Birds Consulting
Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Today’s cage-free laying systems provide extra vertical space for birds to be physically active, which can lead to variability in feed intake and body composition. If feed was restricted, would chickens change their activity levels, or would a hypothalamic response be triggered to increase feed intake?
By Douglas L. Fulnechek, DVM,
Senior Public Health Veterinarian,
GTS Health
Can laser enrichment improve broiler health and marketability? Kayla Elmore, a graduate student at Iowa State University, conducted a study to investigate this question, following up on two previous studies that reported increased activity among broilers exposed to lasers.
Broiler breeder fertility has been declining over the past decade, raising concerns about both productivity and the long-term sustainability of the industry. Marcela Quino, a graduate student at Auburn University, examined how time of day, rooster competition and behavior influence mating success and fertility during the early production period.
By Zac Williams, PhD
Extension specialist – Poultry Husbandry and Management
University of Arkansas
The starter-phase duration for broiler breeders can affect their reproductive performance later, including development, fertility and hatchability, according to a study led by Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondón, DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACPV, North Carolina State University.
Researchers at North Carolina State University evaluated the effects of housing systems and genetic strains on broiler mobility in slow-growing strains vs fast-growing strains in both indoor and outdoor environments.
By Tom Tabler, PhD
Professor, Extension Poultry Specialist
University of Tennessee Extension Service/Animal Science Department
Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
Spring Hill, Tennessee
