It’s high time we give our hard working turkey farmers the attention they deserve. Here are some of the main differences between turkey farming and chicken farming.
The Ripple Effects of U.S. Immigration Policy on the Poultry Industry
The U.S. poultry industry may soon face considerable disruptions due to potential shifts in immigration policies, particularly those aimed at enforcing stricter immigration controls or increasing deportations. Such policy changes are likely to have significant ramifications for both the industry’s labor supply and its consumer base.
The poultry sector is heavily dependent on immigrant labor, with many workers being undocumented individuals who occupy essential roles in processing facilities and on farms. A crackdown on immigration could result in widespread labor shortages, hampering production capacity and driving up costs. To attract domestic workers to fill these positions, employers might need to offer higher wages and improved benefits, which could elevate operational expenses and subsequently lead to increased prices for poultry products across the supply chain.
Historically, immigrant workers have taken on labor-intensive and low-paying roles that are often less appealing to native workers. If this workforce diminishes, companies may struggle to maintain operational efficiency, potentially causing delays and financial strain within the industry. Moreover, the ripple effects of higher labor costs could alter pricing structures, influencing both wholesale and retail markets.
Immigrants also constitute a significant segment of the consumer population, contributing to demand for poultry products. A decrease in this population through deportation or restricted entry could result in reduced consumption, creating an oversupply of poultry products and exerting downward pressure on prices. These market fluctuations could lead to financial instability for producers, particularly smaller operations with limited capacity to absorb economic shocks.
Beyond direct consumer demand, the broader economic activity generated by immigrant populations—through housing, transportation, and local spending—would also be affected. A reduction in this activity could negatively impact regional economies that are heavily reliant on immigrant contributions, compounding the challenges faced by the poultry industry.
To address these issues, the sector may need to explore technological advancements, such as automation, to mitigate labor shortages. While automation could reduce reliance on manual labor, the initial investment required for such transitions may be prohibitive, especially for smaller producers. Another potential approach involves advocating for more flexible immigration policies that allow for a stable, legally authorized workforce. Initiatives providing pathways to legal status for undocumented workers could help preserve the labor force while addressing regulatory and security concerns.
In conclusion, changes to U.S. immigration policy are poised to exert a profound influence on the poultry industry, challenging its workforce stability and market dynamics. Successfully navigating these challenges will require the sector to adopt adaptive strategies, balancing technological innovation with policy advocacy to sustain production efficiency and economic viability.
Development of New Vaccines for Clostridial Dermatitis in Turkeys
USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project by researchers at North Carolina State University which not only showed that non-toxic segments of C. septicum alpha toxin possess a protective ability against experimental Clostridial dermatitis infection of turkeys and can be suitable vaccine candidates, but also both parenteral and oral routes of vaccination can protect turkeys against Clostridial dermatitis. The research was made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Prestage Farms. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A summary of the completed project is below.
Project #BRF-014: Development of a Probiotic-Based Recombinant Oral Vectored-Vaccine Against Clostridial Dermatitis in Turkeys
(Dr. Ravi Kulkarni, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.)
Clostridial dermatitis (CD), caused predominantly by Clostridium septicum, is an economically important disease of turkeys characterized by necrotic dermatitis and sudden death. Previous research showed that C. septicum alpha toxin (ATX) is a key factor in producing CD and that protection against CD seems to depend on ATX antibodies. Through the recent study, Dr. Ravi Kulkarni and researchers from North Carolina State University identified ‘non-toxic domains of ATX’ (ntATX) and developed two probiotic Lactococcus lactis-based vaccines expressing ntATX antigens. Findings showed that the non-toxic segments of C. septicum ATX possess a protective ability against experimental CD infection of turkeys, and hence, can be suitable vaccine candidates. Further, employing both the subcutaneous and oral routes of vaccination can protect turkeys against CD.
The research summary can be found on the USPOULTRY website. Information on other Association research may also be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY website, uspoultry.org.
Source: US Poultry & Egg Association
New probiotic shown to improve digestion in poultry and swine
A novel probiotic has been developed as a direct-fed microbial in both poultry and swine feed to improve gut health and weight-gain efficiency. Additionally, feed cost
savings may be realized through greater utilization of soybean meal in diets.
The probiotic, which is a beneficial bacterium, is made from a Bacillus-strain isolated by poultry science researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and is being codeveloped by KENT Nutrition Group.
KENT licensed the patented technology from the University of Arkansas System Division of
Agriculture and is currently making probiotic-infused poultry and swine feed with the Bacillus strain. The experiment station is the research arm of the Division of Agriculture.
“We are grateful for our second novel technology collaboration with UADA,” said Kale
Causemaker, senior director of sales and business development for Innovative Solutions, a
division of KENT. “These discoveries help improve animal agriculture sustainability and welfare. We are excited and optimistic to have this probiotic commercially available for producers in 2025.”
Bacillus-strain advantages
Advantages of a Bacillus-strain probiotic, compared to common probiotic microorganism of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, include its ability to survive higher temperatures and lower pH environments.
The non-genetically modified Bacillus bacterium also eliminates the need for multiple genetically modified enzymes that are added to animal feeds to help the animal break down ingredients in protein sources such as soybean meal.
Being heat- and pH-stable improves survivability rate in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract and feed processing such as the manufacture of pelleted feed. The strain was originally found to work well in poultry diets and preliminary data suggest the probiotic may also work well in swine.
Overcoming a problem
Billy Hargis, distinguished professor of poultry science, said experiment station studies on the Bacillus strain showed it increased the animals’ ability to digest non-starch polysaccharides in protein sources such as soybean meal. Hargis is also director of the John Kirkpatrick Skeels Poultry Health Laboratory for the experiment station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture.
Non-starch polysaccharides are difficult-to-digest carbohydrates found in soybean meal, which serves as the primary source of protein for both layer and broiler chickens, as well as turkeys and swine, Hargis explained.
“The problem with these non-starch polysaccharides is that they cannot be digested and utilized by the animal, but rather they feed detrimental populations of microbes within the gut, adding to intestinal inflammation and susceptibility to other causes of enteric disease,” Hargis said.
The strain of Bacillus by KENT was isolated by former post-doctoral researcher Kyle Teague
under the co-advisement of Hargis and Samuel Rochell. Teague is now the director of poultry nutrition at Life Products, Inc., in Nebraska, and Rochell is now an associate professor of poultry nutrition at Auburn University.
From lab to market
The Division of Agriculture’s Technology Commercialization Office, or TCO, shepherded the
Bacillus-strain’s patent-pending status and commercial licensing to KENT.
“Translating research to commercial products is the name of the game,” said Parker Cole,
associate director of TCO. “We always enjoy working with industry and have enjoyed working with KENT. They’ve been a great partner to work with and collaborate with, so we’re excited to see these products go into the marketplace.”
Earlier this year, Innovative Solutions also released EFFICORä, an L. plantarum probiotic for
swine that was developed in conjunction with Division of Agriculture researchers. Research
trials showed EFFICOR helped improve body weight gain and feed efficiency in growing and
finishing pigs, with nearly $2 per pig cost savings because of improved efficiencies at the time of the trials, Cole said. The foundational research for EFFICORä came from Jiangchao Zhao, former professor of animal science for the Division of Agriculture.
“Our office sits at the interface of academic innovation and commercialization,” said Cole.
“Being able to take a technology that was developed here, work with industry, confirm that it works in a particular product or formulation, and have that company excited about it to where they want to license it and implement it in their portfolio, I think that speaks to the research quality and to the inventors that we have within the Division of Agriculture.”
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural
Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Technology Commercialization Office
The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) commercializes world-class research to
support a lasting knowledge-based economy to benefit Arkansas and the world. We help faculty and research scientists identify, protect, and commercialize intellectual property developed from their research or other university-supported activities. To contact the TCO, please email agritco@uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
About KENT® Corporation
Since 1927, KENT has leveraged its core strengths of animal care and human nutrition resulting in the diversified company it is today. KENT is a worldwide leader in manufacturing and marketing ag-based specialty ingredients and consumer products. The award-winning and family-owned business is led by third-generation family member, Gage A. Kent. KENT is headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, USA.
2025 Latin American Poultry Summit to Feature Sessions in Spanish, Portuguese and English
The 2025 Latin American Poultry Summit is set for Monday, Jan. 27. The program will be primarily conducted in Spanish, with translation services provided in English and Portuguese. The Summit is presented by the International Poultry Expo (IPE), part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), and the Latin American Poultry Association (ALA).
Remote interpretation will be provided, and the service can be accessed through Zoom. It is important to bring a phone and a headset for access, but additional headsets will be available if needed.
By providing translation services, the Latin American Poultry Summit aims to make the program accessible by attracting a larger, diverse group of attendees. The Latin American Poultry Summit will provide information on factors that affect the efficient marketing of poultry farming. The program will discuss topics that cover economic, production and processing issues of highest priority for Latin American producers and processors of chicken meat and eggs.
Registration for IPPE and the Latin American Poultry Summit is open. Register today for a rate of $300. Coffee breaks, lunch and an evening reception are provided. The summit will not be recorded.
The 2025 IPPE show dates are Jan. 28 – 30, and the event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. More information on the 2025 IPPE can be found at ippexpo.org, and information about the Latin American Poultry Summit can be found at lacumbreavicolalatinoamericana.org.
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Source. US Poultry & Egg Association
Four Ways To Improve End-To-End Salmonella Control in Poultry Processing
The regulatory landscape for poultry producers is showing signs of a forthcoming shift. By making preparations now, producers can position themselves for pending industry changes.
The USDA declared Salmonella an adulterant in not-ready-to-eat breaded stuffed chicken products earlier this year. This marks the first time Salmonella has been treated as an adulterant in a class of raw poultry products.
Though the change currently affects only a small portion of the poultry market, it signals a dramatic pivot from previous approaches to controlling Salmonella. By declaring Salmonella an adulterant in certain cases, the USDA is demonstrating a willingness to shift more responsibility for controlling Salmonella from consumers to producers; the agency has already proposed a draft of new regulations concerning the processing and testing of raw poultry products.
For protein processors, this adds an extra layer of regulatory requirement to the already-complicated responsibility of controlling Salmonella across the entire breadth of their operations. To survive and thrive in the future of protein processing, leaders must arm themselves with a firm understanding of proposed changes and the strategies they should be adopting now to prepare.
A Close Look At Upcoming Regulatory Changes
Although protein processors have long been subject to rigorous food safety protocols concerning foodborne illnesses, the responsibility of Salmonella prevention has largely been treated as a consumer issue—i.e., something consumers needed to control through hand washing, deliberate food preparation, etc.
Now, a greater portion of that responsibility is shifting from consumer to producer. The USDA’s proposed framework for Salmonella control extends far beyond the breaded products addressed by the recent ruling; it includes determinations on every component of poultry processing, from enhanced process monitoring to the implementation of an enforceable final product standard.
The new standard is quite rigorous: It labels as adulterated all poultry products that contain Salmonella at or above 10 colony forming units per gram or ml and any detectable level of one of the three most harmful types of Salmonella.
Here’s the bottom line: Stricter Salmonella control rules are likely on the way, and protein processors that want to remain competitive and enforce robust food safety measures need to look closely at their end-to-end control strategies before they find themselves playing catch-up.
Four Ways To Prepare For the Proposed Changes
When examining their cleaning and sanitation (C&S) and antimicrobial strategies, poultry producers need to take an expansive approach to controlling Salmonella and ensuring food safety. That means looking beyond the basics and building strong controls into the foundation of your production process.
Here are four ways to do that:
1. Invest in targeted chemistries: Focus on chemistries that deliver high performance across the entire spectrum of factory floor operations. That covers the treatment of poultry carcasses, parts, trim and organs as well as surfaces and areas where microorganisms tend to grow (high-traffic areas, drains, etc.).
2. Improve your sanitary design: Proper sanitary design has a dual effect: It improves your facility’s sanitation standards while also boosting its operational efficiency. To reap the benefits, leadership must make sure equipment is accessible and cleanable to a microbiological level, eliminate harborage or niche areas where microbial hazards thrive and ensure that surfaces are designed to self-drain whenever possible to avoid moisture buildup.
What’s more, leaders need to strengthen and standardize sanitation procedures to a point where it is very simple for your staff to observe, analyze and validate cleans. If your C&S procedures aren’t backed by a strong system for creating, maintaining and communicating institutional knowledge, you will be fighting an uphill battle.
3. Use digital tools and reliable dosing systems: The dosing of peracetic acid and other core process chemicals should not come down to a guessing game. Instead of relying on manual or ad hoc dosing processes, invest in automated dosing and monitoring systems that ensure consistent, safe chemistry levels. This supports multiple food safety and business objectives: It prevents the over/under-application of chemicals and prevents food product loss due to improper application.
4. Focus on ongoing training and process refinement: Your team is your greatest asset in creating and maintaining a strong, reliable cleaning and sanitation program. Turn your training into an ongoing process by offering employees opportunities (and incentives) to stay on top of evolving C&S norms. Enlist regulatory and safety experts to provide you and your team with customized guidance on how to enforce consistent sanitary behaviors. Make that knowledge easily accessible through a centralized hub of instructional content.
The Next Phase Of Salmonella Control Is Coming
The USDA’s proposed framework for controlling Salmonella in poultry processing facilities is a big step forward in the fight against foodborne outbreaks. Adjusting to the framework will take effort from poultry processors—but with the right chemistries and strategies, they can position themselves to thrive in this new environment.
The key will be preparation. Who used every inch of the runway and strengthened their end-to-end processes in anticipation of a stricter regulatory environment? And who waited until the new regulations came knocking at their door and found themselves scrambling to catch up?
And, finally, which side of that divide would you prefer to be on?
Source: Food Engineering
NOVUS Launches Resource for Dairy, Swine, and Poultry Industries
Novus International proudly announces the launch of its new global website, www.novusint.com, designed as a comprehensive resource for the dairy, swine and poultry sectors.
Available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, the website addresses pressing challenges faced by today’s animal agriculture industry, providing solutions and insights for farmers, nutritionists, feed mills, and veterinarians worldwide.
“Being a trusted partner for our customers is our priority,” says Global Marketing Communications Sr. Manager Megan Hayes. “We support animal health, welfare and performance through intelligent nutrition and our new website makes it easier than ever for customers to find solutions that support their production goals.”
The website’s intuitive design and targeted navigation make it simple for users to access information on NOVUS methionine, trace mineral, enzyme, and eubiotic solutions. With clear and concise content, the website emphasizes the company’s commitment to delivering “more” – as reflected in the company slogan, Made of More™ – through innovative features that set NOVUS products apart.
“Methionine sources that are nitrogen-free, trace minerals with a methionine component, protected organic acids for an improved return on investment – these are just a few ways our products provide added value,” says Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Ed Galo. “To meet performance and financial targets, producers need reliable feed solutions that offer something more; those are NOVUS products.”
The new website also features management and nutrition tips from experts as well as up-to-date company news, and information about upcoming industry events where customers can connect with NOVUS representatives.
Additionally, users can explore company offerings such as the Automated Inventory Management System (AIMS®) and the Scale Up™ program, along with career opportunities. Easy-to-use contact forms throughout the site facilitate quick and efficient outreach to those at NOVUS.
“Our website is an extension of the NOVUS experience customers encounter in the field, reflecting our dedication to helping animals achieve their full potential through advanced technologies rooted in scientific research,” adds Hayes.
To experience the website, visit www.novusint.com.
Safety practices prevent spread of H5N1
A federal raw milk testing mandate has been issued to address bird flu outbreaks in U.S. dairy herds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, declared the federal order Dec. 6 in response to more than 700 herds in 16 states having tested positive for H5N1. The agency billed the announcement as the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy program.
“Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, USDA has collaborated with our federal, state and industry partners to swiftly and diligently identify affected herds and respond accordingly. This new milk testing strategy will build on those steps to date and will provide a roadmap for states to protect the health of their dairy herds,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a USDA news release. “Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, confirmed 58 total human cases of H5N1 bird flu in 2024 as of Dec. 5, 32 of which were in California. Washington, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon and Texas round out the other states with confirmed cases.
Confirmed cases in animals from those operations are much more widespread. In addition to the dairy herd cases, APHIS confirmed 47 commercial and 25 backyard poultry flocks were infected just in the 30 days before Dec. 6, affecting more than 9 million birds. A commercial poultry facility in Tennessee confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, Dec. 3 in a flock, prompting animal health officials to set up a 6-mile control zone around the operation.
Only two of the human cases originate from an unknown source. The remaining cases were traced back to commercial poultry and dairy operations.
As of Dec. 9, Mississippi has no reported cases in 2024.
CDC maintains that risk assessment for the general public is low and human-to-human bird flu transmission is unconfirmed, adding that symptoms of the virus in humans were still consistent with a mild flu, including fever, sore throat and cough. Past infections in humans have also included conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
Consumers of dairy and poultry goods can prevent contracting the virus by opting for pasteurized products and cooking poultry to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while backyard flock owners and employees of dairy and poultry operations will need to continue using strict biosecurity practices. Exposure to any sick or dead wild birds, poultry, domesticated birds or sick livestock animals is to be avoided.
“The Food and Drug Administration with other federal programs require a pasteurization process for all the commercial milk supply. Pasteurization is proven to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, including HPAI,” said Courtney Crist, food safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “Raw milk doesn’t go through those pasteurization processes, so raw milk from an infected cow can carry dangerous foodborne bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, Salmonella and HPAI.”
MSU Extension dairy specialist Jessica Halfen said lactating cattle can shed significant amounts of the H5N1 virus in their milk, both before and after showing clinical signs of infection. Low levels of the virus have also been detected in urine, nasal secretions, and saliva. According to the USDA, the incubation period for the virus in dairy cattle can vary, ranging from 12 to 21 days.
Symptoms in dairy cattle may include a drop in milk production, thickened or colostrum-like milk, loss of appetite, changes in manure, and fever.
“To prevent contamination among your animals, it is recommended that you test any new animals before bringing them onto your farm. Encourage individuals to wear protective gear, such as eye, nose, and mouth protection while milking,” Halfen said. “Avoid feeding raw milk to other animals, or heat-treat it before doing so. Maintain distance between off-farm vehicles and equipment and the animals. Require clean or dairy-dedicated footwear for everyone entering your farm, as well as clean or dairy-dedicated clothing for animal handlers.”
MSU Extension poultry specialist Jonathan Moon said heightened industry biosecurity practices put in place at commercial operations since the HPAI outbreak began in 2022 should be replicated for backyard flocks.
“Biosecurity is the best weapon we can use to help keep our flocks and herds safe and subsequently further keep the American consumer safe and secure,” Moon said. “A biosecurity plan is important for anyone in animal agriculture, including both commercial and hobby backyard growers. There are species specific guidelines available on USDA’s website for anyone wanting to learn more about protecting their livestock.”
One of the most important things that backyard poultry growers should consider is limiting traffic to prevent the spread of disease, Moon added.
“It’s not a good idea to have visitors to your farm if you can’t be sure they haven’t been around other poultry or wild birds,” he said. “You should also refrain from visiting other flocks, which increases the chance of you bringing something home and infecting your birds. If you for whatever reason are around other poultry or wild birds, it is best to shower and change clothes before visiting the coop.”
He also recommended backyard growers to wash hands regularly and have a dedicated pair of footwear that is only worn when tending the flock.
“If you have a good location and can maintain a disinfecting foot bath, this is a great way to ensure you are not tracking disease in or out of the coop on the bottom of your shoes,” Moon said. “Keeping your birds in a secure covered coop reduces the chance of them encountering other birds or animals, and possibly contracting disease.”
Rodents can also be a biosecurity risk, and keeping the area around a coop mowed and free of debris helps to limit hiding places.
MSU Extension publications with more HPAI information can be found online at extension.msstate.edu/publications/avian-flu/.
Biosecurity and Other Tips to Prevent Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Rosslyn Biggs, D.V.M., OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, discusses the recent news of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in a commercial flock in Adair County. Dr. Biggs encourages viewers to follow biosecurity best practices with their flocks and to consider taking the OSU Extension Backyard Chickens Online Course.
Poultry News
France Declares End to Bird Flu Outbreak Amid Continued Vigilance
France has announced that it is free from highly pathogenic avian influenza after over a month without any new outbreaks. Despite this status, authorities...
Pasture-raised poultry: An inside view at Caribe United Farm and UGA’s poultry science department
Pasture-raised prototype
Gabriel Jimenez, from Puerto Rico, and Tamita Brown, from Jamaica, are a dedicated Caribbean couple who collaboratively own and operate 74 acres of farmland in Wilkes County, Georgia.
Together, they have transformed their lush land into Caribe United Farm, a pasture-raised site for poultry and pork. Their deep respect for animals and the environment drives their commitment to minimizing stress, allowing animals to roam and forage freely, experience sunlight and feel the earth beneath their feet.
The mission of Caribe United Farm is to provide consumers with high-quality, organic, non-GMO meat and eggs that reflect their dedication to humane animal care. As a small-scale , pasture-raised poultry producer in one of Georgia’s largest agricultural sectors, their work stands out.
Currently, the couple is focusing on producing pasture-raised eggs, recognizing the difficulty of high production costs and competing with the low prices of meat produced by large-scale commercial farms. However, their hens are given the same care as any bird on the farm, reflecting Caribe United Farm’s commitment to ethical, sustainable farming.
UGA initiates first trial on pasture-raised farming research
Georgia is known as a leading poultry producing state, a status partly attributed to research conducted at the University of Georgia. As one of six universities with a poultry science department, UGA provides valuable insights.
Prafulla Regmi, an assistant professor at The University of Georgia specializing in the physiological understanding of bird well-being, is advancing research on pasture-raised poultry.
“In terms of pasture-raised research, we are still quite new,” Regmi said. “We have only completed one project.”
The research, conducted on a pasture in Ball Ground, Georgia, used four mobile coops that were moved daily to observe how pasture conditions affect bird growth and welfare. Within the coops, two flocks were raised and analyzed: Cornish Cross, a fast-growing commercial breed reaching about 3.5 kilograms in 56 days, and Freedom Rangers, a slower-growing breed reaching the same weight in approximately 77 days.
“The idea was to see, by giving them some extra days; a longer time to grow, are they going to have some better welfare outcomes?” Regmi said.
Regmi said one cause for scrutiny in commercial broiler production is the increasing lack of mobility in these large chickens as they continue to grow. Regmi’s team aimed to determine if offering the incentive of pasture would encourage the birds to be more active and counter issues with lameness, footpad dermatitis and bone fractures.
The pasture trial both highlighted and challenged aspects of pasture farming. The attempt to control the uncontrollable — the environment — is difficult. While birds can forage for worms, insects, plants and more, which can enhance an egg’s flavor and color profile, they become susceptible to unpredictable factors, such as internal parasites like roundworms and soil pathogens like E. coli.
With indoor production, farmers are able to control the temperature, humidity, lighting and amount of feed which optimizes consistent bird growth. This comes at the cost of mobility and natural behavior.
Pasture-raised poultry research is still in an adolescent stage. In the coming weeks, the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, a nonprofit advocating for pasture-raised poultry as a more sustainable and humane farming approach, will introduce its first set of guidelines for pasture-raised poultry. Currently, there are no standards for the number of birds allowed or the space required.
Regmi plans to execute another pasture-raised experiment in the coming year. This time, Regmi plans to focus some of the research on diet and probiotic use within multiple flocks.
UGA’s extensive poultry science department
Nada Tamim, undergraduate program director for the University of Georgia’s Poultry Science Department, explained how the program is designed to meet industry demands by equipping students with knowledge and hands-on experience for their future roles in the field.
Students begin with introductory poultry science courses that offer hands-on experiences, from raising and dissecting birds to processing them, providing insight into each stage of poultry production. These are followed by genetics classes, nutrition courses that teach students how to formulate diets and design feed, and a production course where students can visit different farms and raise flocks..
The program also emphasizes animal welfare, with a dedicated class that allows students to “look at different case studies and look at how to better improve the welfare of birds that are grown within the industry,” Tamim said.
Researchers also benefit from UGA’s poultry housing facilities, where they can set up prototypes tailored to specific studies. These facilities allow researchers, and their students, to manage flocks and experiment with housing and management practices to optimize chicken production.
Source: The Red & Black – Sophie Davenport