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Chicken breeding in Japan dates back to fourth century BCE

Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Why this bird flu is different: scientists say new avian influenza requires urgent coordinated response

A highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, is spreading rapidly in the US, decimating wild birds and impacting poultry, with egg prices soaring. The study's findings highlight the need for unprecedented coordination to manage the spread of the disease, which may become endemic, posing risks to food security and the economy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Salmonella solution

McMaster University researchers developed a rapid and inexpensive test for Salmonella contamination in food, which provides accurate results in an hour or less. The test improves food safety, reduces the cost of processing fresh poultry and other foods, and helps limit broad recalls to batches identified as contaminated.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Meat import ban in Africa hurts local population

Researchers analyzed Ghana's chicken market, finding that EU imports depress local prices, harming poor and smallholder households. Higher tariffs would increase domestic prices, but benefits few, while cheap imports improve nutrition for low-income groups.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2023

How young chickens play can indicate how they feel

Researchers mapped young chickens' play development from hatching, finding 14 types of play that increased in intensity around 6-7 weeks old. Domestication didn't change play behavior, but tame chickens played more than their ancestors. Early stress surprisingly increased playful behavior.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022

Increased heart disease risk from red meat may stem from gut microbe response to digestion

Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

COVID-19 antibodies from eggs

Scientists at UC Davis have successfully produced COVID-19 antibodies in hen eggs, which may be used as a preventative measure or treatment for people exposed to the disease. The antibodies, similar to those found in human blood, were shown to neutralize the virus effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalViruses·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.

European diets need to change to reduce climate impact

A new study finds that European diets must change to reduce climate impact, with feeding livestock low-opportunity-cost biomass offering a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The EAT-Lancet diet, which recommends reducing animal-source foods like red meat, is at odds with circular food systems that prioritize land use efficiency.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 10, 2022

Biotechnology could provide an environmentally more sustainable alternative to egg white protein production

Researchers at the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed a biotechnology-based solution to produce ovalbumin, a key protein in egg white powder. The fungus-produced ovalbumin reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use by up to 72% compared to traditional chicken-based production.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Food·DateJan 7, 2022

Researchers sequence genome of drug-resistant Salmonella enteritidis strain that can sicken poultry

A virulent Salmonella Enteritidis strain has been sequenced from two consecutive poultry flocks in North Carolina State University. The strain, SE_TAU19, exhibits seven antimicrobial resistance genes and 120 virulence genes, posing a threat to human health. Genome sequencing provides valuable data for tracing outbreaks and preventing f...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Giant fossil's 'bird-brain'

Researchers examine brain structures of extinct giant birds, finding similarities with modern chickens and ducks. The analysis reveals that these ancient birds had well-developed stereoscopic vision and a diet of soft leaves and fruit.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 23, 2021