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AgSpeak Blog
Explore the AgSpeak Blog for expert agricultural resources.
9 Factors that Influence Egg Size
9 Factors that Influence Egg Size Consumers tend to prefer and are willing to pay more for larger eggs, so knowing what may influence the size of egg produced may be beneficial for maximum return. A large egg is not always a good egg. The larger the egg is, the thinner the eggshell thickness is.…
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Prolapse in Laying Hens – Causes, Treatment, Prevention
PREVENTING PROLAPSE Prolapsed vent (also known as prolapsed oviduct, pickout, cloacal prolapse or blowout) is a common condition in laying hens. During the process of laying an egg, the lower part of a hen’s reproductive tract is temporarily turned inside out, allowing the hen to lay a clean egg, but it sometimes it does not…
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Agriculture & Earth Day
Agriculture often gets a bad rap when it comes to environmental protection. There are many practices available to farmers that are great for both farmers and the land they cultivate. Sustainable agriculture practices put tremendous focus on preserving and improving soil health. These practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, and no-tillage practices. The use of…
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The Most Versatile Organ in a Chicken
Chickens are fascinating. Intellectual, sassy little sprites with tons of personality. And anatomical wonders. A lot of this information probably applies to most birds (except ostriches, apparently) but I don’t care about those birds. We’re talking chickens. We’ve talked about how cool chicken vision is before. Today, we’ll talk about the other end. It’s kinda…
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The Impact of High Path Avian Influenza
In January the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Eurasian H5 strain was detected in an American wigeon in South Carolina. Since then, there have been more confirmations in wild birds in North Carolina. Since February, there have been confirmed cases in other states too, including Virginia, Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire and more.…
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Limiting Heating Fuel Costs
Propane and natural gas are the primary heating fuels in poultry farms. They make up the bulk of variable expenses on a farm in a year, and they can get quickly out of hand in the thick of winter. Short of learning to predict the future and weather patterns, or owning your own oil field,…
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Bush Foot and Hog Foot Health
Bush Foot is a secondary bacterial infection caused by some form of defect or penetration of the hoof wall, sole, or heel. Bacteria enters the heel through erosion of the sole, heel, or toe, a sand crack on the wall of the hoof, or through a separation of the wall and sole along the white…
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Avian Influenza in North America
Over the past few months, high pathogenic avian influenza has been running rampant across Europe, and now it has arrived in North America, as well. Two farms in Newfoundland, Canada have reported and confirmed cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The first was confirmed on December 22, 2021 and the other just this week. Both farms…
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What is Egg Drop Syndrome?
Egg drop syndrome isn't often talked about, but can be a problem in broiler breeder or egg laying operations. Primarily a waterfowl disease, egg drop syndrome is caused by an adenovirus, characterized by a fall in egg production or a flock's failure to reach peak of lay. The disease originated in ducks and was introduced…
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Discharge Cone Covers Increase House Tightness
The University of Georgia recently conducted research to study how excess leakage in a small area - like along the end wall fans - can impact litter quality, fuel usage, and ultimately bird welfare. Drafts are abundant near the fans on the side or end wall. Birds tend to get sick in these areas and…
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California Proposition 12 Affects US Cage-free Egg Industry
In 2018, California voters approved Prop 12 - The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative. The proposition requires laying hens, nursing sows, and veal calves be housed in confinement systems that comply with specific standards for freedom of movement, cage-free design, and minimum floor space. The law reaches outside of California by prohibiting any business from knowingly…
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Minimum Ventilation in Winter Brooding
Minimum Ventilation in Winter Brooding As the weather cools heading into winter, gas prices often rise. It is important to balance heating your barn and maintaining adequate air flow and air quality using minimum ventilation. Ventilation is crucial to providing the ideal environmental conditions for broilers to thrive. In winter months in particular, if you…
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