Researchers at Penn State are studying methods for raising heritage-breed turkeys, which sell for four times the cost of commercial birds. The birds have distinct characteristics, such as smaller breasts and gamier flavor, and require alternative production methods due to their natural breeding and dietary needs. The study's first phas...
Researchers uncovered the origins of domesticated turkeys in ancient Mexico, finding they were valued for their cultural significance rather than just for meat. The study suggests a thriving turkey trade along Mesoamerica's expanding trade routes.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that treating poultry waste to produce hydrochar generates more net energy than biochar, making it a promising renewable fuel source. The study also showed that higher temperatures during production result in reduced emissions of methane and ammonia.
A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.
Researchers found that large-scale pheasant release programs have not changed the birds' roadkill likelihood, but shifted peak times to autumn and late winter. Captive-bred pheasants lack survival skills after release, making them vulnerable to road accidents.
A team of scientists has successfully analyzed chicken embryo development data, paving the way for similar research in humans. The findings provide insights into the regulation of gene transcription and its role in tissue formation.
A new study by UBC Okanagan researcher Nathan Pelletier found that poultry fed vegan organic feed produce eggs with a smaller environmental footprint. The type of feed and manure management system had the greatest influence on environmental impacts.
A Singapore-based health study found that consuming red meat and poultry increases the risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests replacing these meats with fish, tofu, or legumes may help reduce the risk.
French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.
Researchers used ancient DNA and proteins to confirm chicken introductions in Zanzibar (7th-8th century AD) via maritime trade. Black rats also appear in islands around the same time, suggesting they arrived as stowaways on trade vessels.
A newly discovered fossil from Turkey suggests that a 40-million-year-old metatherian carnivore, Anatoliadelphys maasae, may have dominated the region without competition from placental mammals. The animal's agile body and strong jaws indicate it was well-adapted for a carnivorous lifestyle.
A study using ancient DNA from domesticated turkeys found that many Ancestral Pueblo people migrated to the Northern Rio Grande region after Mesa Verde's collapse. The genetic composition of northern Rio Grande turkeys changed substantially before and after the migration, suggesting the people took their turkeys with them.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new way to produce the seasonal flu vaccine that could speed up production and provide better protection against infection. By keeping the human influenza virus from mutating during production, they generate a perfect match to the target vaccine in a shorter time frame.
A new study from India reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens raised for both meat and eggs on farms in Punjab state. The study found that nearly 60% of E. coli isolates contained enzymes conferring drug resistance to key medications, raising concerns about the consequences to human health.
Researchers used a special experimentally-bred population, the Virginia chicken lines, to understand the genetic architecture behind chicken weight. They identified 20 different genetic loci that explained more than 60% of the additive genetic variance for selected trait.
The study reveals that even spacing of cell clumps is set by the gentle tug of war among cells as an organism grows, triggering genes that produce follicles and feathers. This discovery could lead to creating artificial skin with hair follicles and sweat pores for grafts.
Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.
A recent Drexel University study found that most Philadelphia home kitchens have evidence of pest infestations and improper raw meat storage, with bacteria-laden sponges being a common issue. The study also revealed that refrigeration temperatures were often above recommended levels, allowing bacteria to grow rapidly.
The Partnership for Food Safety Education is using Kansas State University's Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior research to promote safe poultry handling. Key findings include the importance of disinfecting shopping cart handles, using meat bags in grocery stores, and washing hands before food preparation.
Researchers have identified three additional compounds in chicken livers treated with Roxarsone, a common poultry feed supplement containing arsenic. These methylated compounds are up to 30,000 times more toxic than Rox and may pose significant risks to human health if consumed.
Researchers develop process to mix chicken droppings with Mexican sunflower to produce biogas, which can power generators and used as fertilizer. The method produces more than 3 kg of biogas from 8 kg of poultry waste and sunflowers, reducing environmental pollution.
Scientists found that strong selection pressures on European chickens coincided with urbanization, Christian dietary rules, and increased egg production. The TSHR gene variant led to faster egg-laying and reduced aggression, while BCD02's effect on skin pigmentation was linked to selective breeding practices.
Researchers analyzed rooster testes to uncover how piRNA shields germ cells from viral invaders. The study reveals a unique defense mechanism that could be adapted to combat human diseases related to viruses like avian leukosis virus, which can lead to cancer in chickens and is related to similar viruses in humans.
High testosterone levels are associated with competitive, status-seeking social behaviors, while low testosterone is linked to cooperative behaviors. Researchers found that mixed populations with a balance of high and low-testosterone individuals are more likely to form effective social hierarchies.
A University of Illinois study reveals which production attributes matter most to consumers when buying beef and chicken, with 'no growth hormones' topping the list. The study found that organic was ranked lowest in importance, sparking surprise among researchers who attribute this to a lack of understanding about the term's meaning.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered two independent mutations required for the development of sex-linked barring in chickens, a pattern resembling the common cuckoo's plumage. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind colour variation and pigmentation in birds.
A recent study found that bestselling cookbooks offer little useful advice on reducing food-safety risks. Only 89 out of 1,497 recipes provided relevant and safe cooking temperatures. Recipes often perpetuate unreliable methods such as checking for juices to run clear or using subjective indicators like cooking time.
Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.
Researchers discovered that male hormones, specifically androgens, play a crucial role in the development of female chicken ovaries. The study found disruptions in ovarian structure when androgen receptors were suppressed, potentially affecting egg-laying rates.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has found no evidence of increased transmissibility or sustainable human-to-human transmission of the highly pathogenic A(H7N9) virus. New genetic mutations have been detected, but their impact on poultry and human risk remains unclear.
Researchers found that Illinois' remaining prairie chicken populations are genetically isolated and lack sufficient habitat. Periodic human interventions, such as translocations of birds from other states, are necessary to preserve the species.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have successfully developed egg-free surrogate chickens using gene-editing techniques. These genetically modified hens can carry and deliver eggs from other breeds, aiming to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve commercial chicken production.
A new study by University of Florida researchers found that people seeking emergency treatment for food obstruction are 10 times more likely to do so during or after national holidays and sporting events. The study also identified turkey as the most common impacted food, followed by chicken and beef.
A recent surge of human A(H7N9) cases in China has raised concerns among EU citizens, particularly those living or visiting affected areas. People traveling to China are advised to avoid direct exposure to poultry and live markets, while those presenting with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.
Research found that consuming high amounts of unprocessed red meat increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by 58%. Replacing daily portions with poultry or fish may lower this risk, with a 20% reduced risk observed. Insufficient dietary fibre intake and smoking are also thought to play roles in the development of the condition.
Research shows chickens possess complex cognitive abilities, including numerical understanding, self-awareness, and referential communication. They also experience emotions like fear, anticipation, and empathy, and demonstrate problem-solving skills in social situations.
Researchers found that consumers believe healthier foods are more expensive, leading to incorrect perceptions of health issues. For example, participants prioritized eye health when told about a new food ingredient, but not at lower prices.
Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.
A Michigan State University research team discovered that Campylobacter jejuni in undercooked chicken triggers Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease causing paralysis. The study offers new information for a cure and suggests that treatment with some antibiotics could worsen the disease.
A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.
A study found that men eat more when in social situations, especially with spectators, due to the desire to demonstrate strength and virility. Women, on the other hand, tend to eat less with spectators and describe the experience as embarrassing.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses have been reported in Europe via wild bird migration, primarily affecting poultry and wild birds. The risk of transmission to the general public is considered very low, but people handling infected birds may be at risk.
Research reveals that isolates of Helicobacter pullorum from Indian poultry markets are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, posing a potential public health risk. The study suggests that the bacterium could be transmitted from poultry to humans, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.
Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known physical evidence for chickens in Africa, dating back over 2,700 years. The discovery sheds new light on how domesticated chickens were introduced to Africa via trade routes along the Red Sea and East African coast.
A comprehensive dataset has been developed to support consumers and catering organizations in calculating the impact of their ingredients and menus on greenhouse gas emissions. The league table ranks food categories from lowest to highest carbon footprint, providing a clear hierarchy for informed decision-making.
A study analyzing over 80 million Twitter messages found that communities expressing positive sentiments about healthy foods were more likely to be healthier overall. Tweets about fast food restaurants, on the other hand, were often associated with poorer neighborhoods and larger households.
Researchers found that distance to active lek sites was the best predictor of female space use in prairie chickens, suggesting habitat management strategies can ensure long-term stability. The study published in Ecosphere provides valuable insights into female grouse behavior and lek mating system.
Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.
A six-month study in Pennsylvania found that eggs from small flocks have a higher prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis than those from large commercial flocks. The bacteria was present in internal and external egg contents, highlighting the need for education and quality-assurance practices in backyard and small layer flocks.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.
Researchers found that mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on chickens due to their unique odor, which could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The study suggests using the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species as a natural repellent to control malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study found a strong association between red meat intake and increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with soy and legumes appearing slightly protective. Substituting one serving of red meat with other protein sources can significantly reduce the risk of ESRD by up to 62%.
A recent study found that Japanese quail grown in green and red light exhibit higher body weights and reproductive development compared to white and blue light. This surprising discovery has potential applications across various fields, including poultry production, cancer research, and endocrine studies.
Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.
A chromosomal rearrangement increases HOXB8 expression in facial skin, affecting feather development, leading to the growth of long facial feathers. The study provides a model for exploring the regulation of HOX genes in different parts of the body during development.
A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to prefer options that are most similar to what they can't have, but often choose less-similar alternatives that are actually more satisfying. This bias occurs when mental comparisons between wanted and available options lead to dissatisfaction with the chosen substitute.
Researchers at Aarhus University are investigating the effects of increased incubation temperature on chicken growth and welfare. The study aims to improve animal welfare by reducing leg problems and increasing growth rates, ultimately leading to a more efficient production process.