AI UPDATE – FALL 2022 The arrival of summer brought hope that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak may phase out like it did in the 2015 outbreak. Fewer cases were popping up and sites that had been affected were already starting to repopulate. However, as we move into fall, we are seeing an […]
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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 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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3 Keys to Cold Weather Comfort
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Bin and fill systems are an integral part of every farm set up. Feed is a crucial component to the health of livestock. Feed storage containers should be water tight. Camp feed becomes moldy, creating health concerns. It may also clump together and cause problems bridging in the bin. Fill systems are equally important when […]
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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 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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2022 brought back what is arguably the most exciting event in the industry, the International Production & Processing Expo. It also brought new COVID strains and the stress of pandemic business, but regardless, spirits remained high as poultry professionals from all walks of life came together. Traffic and attendance were notable reduced as so many […]
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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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The year started out slow with tradeshows. The International Production and Processing Expo, IPPE, was virtual only. Many of the smaller shows were also cancelled or virtual. We were finally able to meet in person at the World Pork Expo in June. It was an exciting and invigorating few days to meet growers and dealers […]
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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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Keeping Eggs Clean in the Breeder House
The health and well being of broiler birds is contingent on the cleanliness of eggs laid in the breeder house. Optimal eggs are laid in the nest, where they are kept clean from debris and safely transported from the nest to the storage room. Floor eggs are bound to happen, but too many floor eggs […]
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21 Fun Egg Facts for World Egg Day 2021
21 Egg Facts for World Egg Day 2021 1. Eggs are good for your eyes. They contain lutein which prevents cataracts and muscle degeneration. 2. An egg shell can have as many as 17,000 pores. 3. Egg shell and yolk color can vary but have no effect on taste or quality. 4. Breed determines egg […]
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Preventing E.coli Repercussions in Swine Rearing
Preventing E. coli Repercussions in Swine Rearing Escherichia coli can cause serious disease and has frequently been a thorn in the side of the swine industry for many decades. E. coli is not as common in swine as it is in other meat producing industries (such as cattle), but still has a lasting effect on […]
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