The Poultry Podcast Show

Poultry production includes more than just one species. Each one of them has its own characteristics, so production for each species is conducted differently. There are many differences between turkeys and chickens when it comes to nutrition, general management, facilities, and behavior, so the more you know about the particularities, the more effective your production will be. In this episode, Dr. Sally Noll and I discuss turkey production specificities and needs, as well as recent research on the subject. We also talk about some challenges related to nutrition and biosecurity, as well as ways it can be improved.“If you don't have things perfect at the beginning, when the birds get to the barn, you're already behind.” - Dr. Sally Noll

There are many differences between backyard poultry operations and commercial poultry systems. Backyard poultry can include pets as well as animals as a food source – such as eggs – and diseases can be introduced into the flock in many ways that are unnoticed by the owner. And besides, it's often a challenge for backyard growers to recognize and associate different clinical signs with different diseases. Consequently, a good poultry diagnostician working in that sector must educate their customers and promote small flock health and preventive care. In today's episode, Dr. Karen Grogan has a great conversation with Dr. Hailey Quercia about some of her findings on health challenges in small flocks. Dr. Quercia also shares her experience as Laboratory Director and Avian Diagnostician at the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)."Even if you have an entire library of tests but you're not sure what to pursue and what would be effective, it can be a waste of clients' money.” - Dr. Hailey Quercia

Keeping humans and nature in harmony is what sustainability is all about. Furthermore, there has been a broad discussion regarding sustainable production, net zero emissions, and the use of antibiotics and water in animal production. Consequently, we must consider the environmental impact of animal production activities and the challenges of implementing environmentally friendly alternatives to the animal production system. Would that become a conventional production instead of a niched production? How economically sustainable is it for the animal producers? In today's episode, I talk with Dr. Ermias Kebreab about these sustainability challenges in animal production. I also talk about what we can expect for the following years in terms of changes in animal production systems."There's still a lot of work to do to make sure that animals for food are produced in a sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly manner." - Dr. Ermias Kebreab

The latest outbreaks of avian influenza have raised concerns for the poultry industry. We already know a lot about influenza, so what are we missing? Are we prepared to deal with an endemic outbreak in the United States? What aspects should be taken into account when designing avian influenza control and mitigation strategies? In this episode, I talk to Dr. Giambrone about all of these issues, including the current situation of avian influenza in the United States and around the world, and possible strategies to handle it. "In case of a new avian influenza outbreak, I think the US will wait and see how these other countries vaccinate and control it to know how best to respond themselves." - Dr. Joseph Giambrone

Poultry production faces disease challenges every day, Avian influenza being one of the most critical. That's why we must better understand how the diagnostic process works so we can help our veterinarians reach a timely diagnosis and evaluate our biosecurity programs properly. In today's episode with Dr. Saad Gharaibeh, we talk about the importance of disease diagnostics and how it can help improve the poultry industry. "There are different diagnostic techniques for different diseases and stages of the disease, so you must be wise in choosing the one that best fits the situation you have on your farm." - Dr. Saad Gharaibeh

The Poultry Podcast Show is a brand new podcast where you'll get fresh, cutting-edge insights – straight from the brightest minds of the global poultry industry, right into your ears. Visit us at www.thepoultrypodcast.com