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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