The results of a study released by the National Chicken Council (NCC) have detailed several environmental, economic and sustainability implications of raising slower growing chickens. The results reveal a sharp increase in chicken prices and the use of environmental resources – including water, air, fuel and land. “The NCC and its members remain committed to chicken welfare, continuous improvement and … Read More
Animal Health Community Redefines Antibiotic Use on Farm
The FDA has announced the full implementation of new policies redefining how antibiotics are used to treat food-producing animals. As of January 1, antibiotics similar to those used in human medicine that are medically important will no longer be used to promote growth in animals. Antibiotics in farm animals will only be for the purpose of fighting disease under the … Read More
ISU & Aptimmune Join Forces On PRRSV Research
The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is teaming up with Aptimmune Biologics Inc. to develop innovative solutions to fight costly viral swine diseases, including Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). The agreement enables Iowa State to use Aptimmune’s patented ZMAC cell line to isolate PRRSV from diagnostic samples. The ZMAC cell line is derived from porcine alveolar macrophages, … Read More
New Research to Increase Whole-Ham Sales Year-Round
The Pork Checkoff recently funded a study to find and eliminate barriers that are stopping consumers from enjoying whole-ham yearlong, instead of simply for the holidays. “Holidays and ham go hand-in-hand for most consumers,” said National Pork Board President Jan Archer, Goldsboro, North Carolina. “And with new ham innovations, there are real opportunities to increase sales throughout the year.” Six … Read More
Pork Board Statement on Antibiotic-Resistant Gene
The National Pork Board reacted to the recent research paper from the Ohio State University research study detailing the researchers’ discovery of an antibiotic-resistant gene in one farrowing barn. They said an important takeaway from the study is that the U.S. pork supply is safe. The resistant gene identified in the study was not found in a market hog, and … Read More
Biosecurity and the Control of PRRS
Strategies to help producers control, eliminate infectious diseases like PRRS is at the forefront of researchers minds throughout the country. The 2016 North American PRRS Symposium brings all those like minded folks together to share their discoveries and theories with peers. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) again hosted a seminar during the event focused on building on the best practices … Read More
Big Data in Swine Health – Measure, Model, Fix
When the term ‘big data’ is used in agriculture, we generally think crops. However, we are hearing it more and more in animal agriculture circles. “Big data and models: Are they really useful in disease management?” turned the conversation towards swine health at the 2016 North American PRRS Symposium as Dr. Jim Lowe, University of Illinois, took the stage during … Read More
Sheep Industry Update From #NAFB16
One of the bright spots in the commodity markets as we wrap up 2016 comes from sheep. NAFB’s Trade Talk gives voice to ag businesses and commodity groups each year. The sheep industry was well represented again this year with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the American Lamb Board. “It’s trending downward as you see that seasonality, which … Read More
USDA Hosting LMR Stakeholder Meetings
In an effort to receive feedback regarding current livestock and meat marketing methods and the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will host a series of stakeholder meetings that begin next week. The meetings will serve as part of a Congress-assigned study regarding the marketing of livestock and meat products covered by … Read More
Thermo Fisher Presents Data for New Bovine TB Detection
Validation data presented by researchers at the 4th Congress of the European Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (EAVLD) shows that Thermo Fisher Scientific’s VetMAX M. tuberculosis Complex PCR kit is a reliable tool to confirm the presence of mycobacteria belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Development of the new real-time PCR kit extends the company’s portfolio of tests for the … Read More