Chicken Vaccination Schedule for South Africa

Comprehensive Chicken Vaccination Schedule for South Africa

South Africa’s poultry industry faces significant threats from Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), Avian Influenza (HPAI), and other pathogens. A disciplined vaccination program is critical to protect flocks, ensure productivity, and meet export standards. Below is the industry-standard schedule, aligned with guidelines from the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and the Department of…

Mycotoxins in Poultry Feed and Their Hidden Toll on Global Production

Mycotoxins in Poultry Feed and Their Hidden Toll on Global Production

Mycotoxins—toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of filamentous fungi—are among the most pervasive, yet often underestimated, threats to modern poultry production systems. These invisible contaminants are primarily produced by three genera of fungi: Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. They infiltrate feed ingredients at multiple stages: during crop growth in the field, or later during storage…

Newcastle Disease Reemerges in Canadian Poultry After 52 Years of Freedom

Newcastle Disease Reemerges in Canadian Poultry After 52 Years of Freedom

On May 28, 2025, an unexpected and alarming development unfolded in British Columbia’s poultry industry. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) received urgent reports of unexplained bird deaths at two commercial squab pigeon farms in Chilliwack, a region known for its vibrant agricultural activity. Just one week later, on June 4, laboratory confirmation revealed a…

Essential Hot Weather Management for Broiler Farmers

Beat the Heat, Protect Your Profit: Essential Hot Weather Management for Broiler Farmers

Broiler chickens face a unique and critical challenge in hot weather. Their rapid growth rate, high metabolic heat production, and dense stocking make them exceptionally vulnerable to heat stress. Unlike backyard layers, even moderate heat waves can trigger devastating consequences: reduced feed intake, plummeting weight gain, increased FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio), dehydration, organ failure, and…

Beat the Heat: Essential Hot Weather Hacks Every Chicken Keeper Must Know

Beat the Heat: Essential Hot Weather Hacks Every Chicken Keeper Must Know

Summer sunshine might be welcome, but soaring temperatures pose a serious threat to our feathered friends. Chickens are remarkably inefficient at cooling themselves – they can’t sweat! Instead, they rely on panting, holding wings away from their bodies, and reducing activity. When the mercury climbs, heat stress becomes a real danger, leading to reduced egg…

Why Every Poultry Farmer Needs Layer Farm Management Software

In today’s fast-paced world, the agricultural sector—particularly poultry farming—demands more efficiency than ever before. For farmers who specialize in layer poultry farming, managing flocks, tracking egg production, and maintaining optimal health are critical for profitability and sustainability. One tool that is transforming the industry is layer farm management software. What is Layer Farm Management Software?…

The Role of Poultry Management Systems

Poultry farming plays a vital role in meeting the growing global demand for protein-rich food products. However, managing a poultry farm efficiently requires meticulous attention to various aspects such as inventory management, health monitoring, production planning, and financial tracking. To address the complexities of modern poultry farming, farmers are increasingly turning to technology-driven solutions, such…

Farm Fresh Eggs: Effective Unconventional Marketing Tactics

Imagine walking into a bustling farmers market, the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of chatter filling the air. Your eyes wander from stall to stall, until they finally settle on a display of farm fresh eggs. But these aren’t just any eggs – they’re carefully packaged in rustic cartons, adorned with hand-drawn…