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MAY 2009 volume 114 number 5

Experts examine issues, predict prices, assess production 1

Editor’s Comment 4

Alternative housing systems dominate 2009 Midwest show 6

Poultry conference explores many disease aspects 8

USPOULTRY’s John Starkey:

Sustaining the industry through research and education 12

Marketplace 14

Experts examine issues, predict prices,
assess production

By Dr. Simon Shane, Editor

Industry experts presented information and views on the broad variety of factors affecting production, and the inescapable link between feed and energy prices during the Midwest Poultry Convention. Egg Industry provides synopses of two key presentations.

Dr. Hugo A. Medina:

Factors that can influence egg production

Dr. Hugo A. Medina of Sparboe Farms outlined environmental, manage-

mental and disease factors which in- uence performance of table egg ocks. “ Producers must balance these complimentary factors including welfare, food safety, ock health and environmen-

Dr. Hugo A. Medina

tal management to produce eggs acceptable to consumers,” he stated.

Many factors acting individually or in combination either improve or detract from genetic potential. It is axiomatic that procedures such as cleaning and disinfection, vaccination, implementing biosecurity and routine management incur a cost. Optimal performance can be achieved through allocation of nancial and other resources to harmonize the

immediate environment of ocks. This includes attention to ventilation, lighting, correct allocation of feed and the supply of cool, potable water.

Dr. Medina stressed the need to control erosive diseases which detract from performance including mycoplasmosis, pasteurellosis, colibacillosis and enteritis. Viral respiratory infections including bronchitis and lentogenic Newcastle disease interact with E. coli and the severity