Economic factors drive the South African broiler industry

South African poultry growers are struggling with a number of issues influencing their production efficiency. The state of the national economy is affecting the demand for food and the climate makes health management difficult. The domestic market is under pressure and producers are facing poultry meat imports that are further compromising their incomes.

Key role for Selenomethionine and Vitamin E to boost fertility

Organic selenium in poultry diets outperforms inorganic selenium in terms of improving fertility for both sexes, according to research by Dr. Frank W. Edens of the Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University.

European Poultry Conference touched on typical European issues

Nearly 1,000 poultry experts from all over the world met from 6-10 September 2002 at the 11th European Poultry Conference in Bremen, Germany. The gathering served as an interface between science, technology and practice and promoted the exchange of the latest information from all fields of current poultry production issues.

Brooding practice affects broiler performance

Primary breeding companies are producing broilers that are capable of producing more meat while consuming less feed. Economic pressures in the industry are resulting in fewer staff supervising larger numbers of broilers. In these conditions it is increasingly important to understand the basis of high level, predictable broiler performance.

Stimulate body functions of embryos and get them used to the post-hatch environment

Unborn children are often treated with sounds they may be confronted with right after birth. This treatment seems to help reduce post-natal stress and ease adaptation to the new environment. Similar effects can be seen in poultry. Environmental experiences during incubation influence the quality of the hatchlings and their performance.

Chick quality and hatchability depend on incubation temperature

To achieve the best possible hatching percentages and highest possible quality in day-old chicks, hatcheries must create a climate that mimics the conditions in a broody hen's nest and create homogeneous temperatures for the embryos.

Malaysian egg industry embraces specialist products

The Malaysian egg industry is rapidly developing into a modern business, with large production units and a wide range of tailor made eggs and egg products to meet consumer demands.

Space shows positive mood of struggling French industry

The international livestock show, 16th SPACE, held in Rennes in the heart of the French intensive livestock area received the highest-ever number of visitors. The positive atmosphere reflected optimism about the future.

Hatching egg sanitation beyond the myths!

After years of field visits to hatcheries and numerous conversations with hatchery managers, poultry veterinarians and academics on four continents, it is noticed that many myths still exist in today's incubation industry, especially on egg hygiene. In the following we shall try to shift some of these, for the well being of people, day old chicks and the environment, without affecting hatchability at all!

Avian influenza dominates 2002 AAAP-meeting

Avian influenza is continuously causing problems in commercial poultry operations around the globe. The problem has become worse since more is known on how a low pathogenic virus can mutate and become highly pathogenic. How can the disease be controlled?