AgSpeak Blog

Recent research into nesting behavior has shown that nest type influences egg laying location. If nests are uncomfortable or space is inadequate, birds will resort to floor laying. This presents challenges to producers and processors that are in need of clean, damage free eggs. The research has shown that the opposite is equally true -…

There are several options when it comes to choosing what nesting option is best for your farm. Hens prefer nests that are dark, secluded, warm and comfortable. It is important to create optimum environment for nesting to reduce the risk of floor eggs. Eggs laid outside of the nests are more likely to be contaminated…

Brian Hamilton began farming at just six years old. His grandparents raised beef cattle and poultry, and he helped by bottle feeding calves and cleaning chicken drinkers. The love of farming as deeply ingrained. After high school, he accepted a contract to raise hogs and eventually branched into poultry in 2014. Starting small, he bought…

Farmers are often in the spotlight as a target for sustainability practices, and indeed good farming practices across the agriculture industry are needed to ensure a balance between food production and environmental stability. Identifying the best mitigation practices can be challenging, but it certainly requires a holistic approach. These practices could be used across the…

Animal mortality disposal options Animal mortality losses are a normal part of poultry and livestock production. Mortality can occur due to disease, accidents, inter-animal competition or natural disasters such as flooding. It is crucial to have a mortality management plan in place before a death occurs. Disposal should take place as soon as possible in…

There's been abundant research on how lighting effects chicken reproductivity and behavior, but not much is known about how lighting effects turkey hen reproduction. A research project at Pennsylvania State University will use  advanced imaging technology  to pinpoint the brain areas responsible for regulating the seasonal cycle in turkey hen reproduction. “What we’re trying to…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiXwWOIjJ5I Variable speed fans have been on the market for many years, but only recently have they become a flexible choice for poultry barns. We lay out some of their uses in this webinar, check it out!     Subscribe to our blog! [grid-1-3] [email-subscribers namefield="YES" desc="" group="Public"] [/grid-1-3]

HOW TO CONTROL AMMONIA IN POULTY BARNS One of the biggest complaints at a poultry barn is ammonia in the bird area.  The ammonia in a poultry barns not only smells, but can also have harmful effects for both the birds in the barn and the workers who take care of the birds. Understanding how…

HOW TO CONTROL AMMONIA IN POULTY BARNS One of the biggest complaints at a poultry barn is ammonia in the bird area.  The ammonia in a poultry barns not only smells, but can also have harmful effects for both the birds in the barn and the workers who take care of the birds. Understanding how…

https://youtu.be/xPw-2piuHco

Coming into spring and warmer weather, you should expect to see an uptick in water usage. Water is necessary for both the birds and the environmental regulation in the house, so it is important that growers are ready with adequate water supply and water quality. While water consumption is arguably the most important factor in…