Exploring yeast genetics to produce better chicken feed

Feb 21, 2025

A team of multidisciplinary University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers has hatched an innovative project to improve the health of chickens by upgrading the feed that they eat.

Dr. Natacha Hogan (PhD) and Dr. Chris Eskiw (PhD) with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources are examining how yeast byproducts, when added to the feed of hens, could improve the overall health of the hens and the quality of the eggs they lay.

“This project explores novel strategies to enhance the health and productivity of laying hens through alternative in-feed additives,” said Hogan. “We are looking at ways to maximize the production of beneficial bioactive compounds from yeast that can be put into animal feed to help boost gut health and improve animal performance.”

The project is one of more than 20 at USask to receive funding through the livestock and forage-focused portion of the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), a provincial and federal government-supported program to provide funding to innovative agricultural research projects. The project also received support from industry partners Saskatchewan Egg Producers and Star Egg.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.