Many studies show that ambient temperatures outside the normal range can negatively affect the health and performance of chickens, but there is little comparable research in turkey poults. Moreover, most chicken studies focus on extreme heat stress -- for example, 7-10°C (about 13-18°F) above an...
PSA-IS_2024-08_Turkey-poult-brooding.docx
Poultry water systems can be a vector for both avian and human pathogenic bacteria. To sanitize, producers often use bleach -- an economical, chlorine-based, solution of sodium hypochlorite (8.25% NaOCl). New research evaluates current water sanitation practices and their effect on Salmonella,...
PSA-IS_2024-07_Water-sanitation-foodborne-pathogens_DRAFT.docx
Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis -- BCO -- can cause severe lameness in modern, fast-growing broiler chickens. Currently, BCO results in condemnation of an estimated 1-2% of market age birds. Besides this huge economic loss, there are animal welfare and food safety concerns as...
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This study from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research investigated the effects of different proportions of peas, pea protein concentrate (PPC), and hulls in pelleted broiler rations, measuring growth performance, carcass characteristics, and changes in intestinal microbiota. Results of this...
Peas and pea products in broiler diets - effects on growth carcass gut microbiome.pdf
Stocking density of layer chicks in transportation from the hatchery to rearing operations has raised concerns by animal welfare organizations. This study from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research analyzed the stressor effects of stocking density in transporting layer chicks. In the past,...
Layer Chicks - Best Transport Stocking Density_.pdf
This interpretive summary analyzes the first comprehensive literature review in 40 years to bring us up-to-date on the research and best practices to prevent floor egg laying. By highlighting the latest findings in genetics, nesting, rearing, production cycle, etc., this review suggests the best...
Floor Eggs- Moving Toward Zero.pdf
With previous outbreaks of HPAI in 2015 and 2022, quickly and efficiently depopulating flocks was crucial to preventing the spread. However, preferred methods (foam, containerizing gassing, and mechanical) are not always an option when quick action is required. This recent study from The...
Emergency depopulation with ventilation shutdown plus steam.pdf
The majority of today’s broiler breeders are highly concentrated. With this comes increased risk of disease outbreaks and corresponding responses (such as depopulating flocks) to combat disease. This study from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research shows that postmolt vaccination can...
Broiler Breeders - Postmolt Vaccination for IBD and REO.pdf
A team of researchers sought to evaluate the robustness and practicality of computerized draft models for the EPA’s regulation of air pollution by animal feeding operations, which includes broiler chicken farms. The team found that the current drafts do not accurately estimate real-world broiler...
Broiler Emissions - Revisions Needed in EPA Air Pollution Models - 2023.pdf
This study from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research had workers utilize specialized carts (to crate hens for easy transport outside of the barn) and portable blue lights (to illuminate the barns during collection). Although using blue light did not reduce stress or fearfulness, the...
Layer Flock Depopulation with Better Bird and Worker Outcomes.pdf