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AgSpeak Blog
Explore the AgSpeak Blog for expert agricultural resources.
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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Cage-free Housing: Community Nests or Aviary Systems
The egg industry's transition to cage-free started in 2008 when the nation's first cage-free mandate - Proposition 2 - was introduced in California. Initially, cage-free producers chose to use community nesting systems. Community nests provide a lot of space per bird and they are easy to manage. With cage-free demands growing and community nesting systems…
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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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Feed Bins & Fill Systems
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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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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2022 IPPE Recap
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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2021 Year In Review
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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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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