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 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.
Consumers, retail customers and even legislators in some states are embracing cage-free egg production, necessitating a shift in the laying-hen industry.
Despite the industry’s best efforts to control colibacillosis in layers, broilers and breeders, the bacterial disease caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) continues to challenge producers and researchers.
Using the antibiotic bacitracin in poultry poses virtually no risk of an untreatable human infection from antimicrobial-resistant bacteria originating from chicken and turkey products, reports Randall Singer, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota.
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.
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.
Adding fishmeal into the diets of broiler breeder roosters could improve egg hatchability, North Carolina State University research suggests.
Waste byproducts from rearing insects commercially could play a role as a sustainable broiler feed, the results of research presented at the 2024 International Poultry Scientific Forum suggest.
By Daniel Wilson, DVM
Wilson Veterinary Company
Indianapolis, Indiana
Continuous lighting is commonplace in commercial broiler houses, but is that what’s best for the birds?
By Alexander W. Strauch, DVM
Four Star Veterinary Service, LLC
Minton Veterinary Service Office
Chickasaw, Ohio
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