Farms.com Home   News

Exploring yeast genetics to produce better chicken feed

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.  

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

World Pork Expo: Tackling oxidative stress at critical stages in swine production

Video: World Pork Expo: Tackling oxidative stress at critical stages in swine production

Dr. Marlin Hoogland, veterinarian and Director of Innovation and Research at Feedworks, speaks to The Pig Site's Sarah Mikesell just after World Pork Expo about how metabolic imbalance – especially during weaning, late gestation and disease outbreaks – can quietly undermine animal health and farm profitability.

In swine production, oxidative stress may be an invisible challenge, but its effects are far from subtle. From decreased feed efficiency to suppressed growth rates, it quietly chips away at productivity.

Dr. Hoogland says producers and veterinarians alike should be on alert for this metabolic imbalance, especially during the most physiologically demanding times in a pig’s life.