As poultry companies weigh cost and efficiency with higher animal welfare standards, research comparing conventional and slow-growing broiler breeds showed that the slow-growing chickens displayed behaviors more closely associated with positive welfare.
Responsible antibiotic use is not a new concept to the poultry or other food-animal production sectors, but, says Randy Singer, DVM, PhD, it’s important to put the conversation back in the context of the Veterinarian’s Oath, and first ensure the safety, health and overall well-being of the animals.
Increased attention on animal welfare is driving the US poultry industry to innovate and work collaboratively to meet rising expectations of caring for laying hens.
With less than 2% of the US population involved in agriculture of any kind, the gap in knowledge and understanding of animal agriculture has widened dramatically, creating an opportunity for myths and misinformation to flourish.
Sustainability issues demand significant attention today. And while it can be challenging to identify and implement strategies, sustainability will continue to drive decisions within the food-animal sector.
