Antimicrobial Use – What’s the Issue The terms “antibiotics” and “antimicrobials” are sometimes used interchangeably.  ”Antimicrobial”  is a broad term to describe medicines that can kill or block the growth of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.  Antibiotics are a specific type of antimicrobial = used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Worldwide, there is concern about antimicrobial resistance… Temperature and air flow critical to broiler performance year-round Article reprinted with permission from Poultry Health Today By Michael Czarick Engineering Specialist University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science One of the most common questions among broiler producers is determining how much cooler the birds feel with various amounts of air movement. Though there are charts that provide rough estimates, we really don’t know… Financial Relief and Essential Services Financial Relief The Government of Canada has announced number of programs to help Canadians facing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html In addition, the Government of Canada has recognized that farmers and agri-food businesses will need supports to help them through this uncertain time. That is why Farm… Reducing antibiotics: 4-Phase Farm Management Blueprint Combination of good feed programs, animal health protocols, and farm management assist producer in consistently achieving successful flocks with reduced antimicrobial use. Poultry World recently published an article by Harmen Jan Platvoet & Barbara Brutsaert of Trouw Nutrition discussing farm management phases for removing antimicrobials without compromising performance or profitability. 1. Pre-arrival phase Preparing the… Maintaining gut health without antibiotics An article published in Poultry World discusses some key aspects of maintaining gut health without antibiotic use. Reducing antibiotic use has been on the industry radar for many years and now it is here. While probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils and organic acids have been identified as successful alternative strategies, it is important to understand the… RWA Producers Need to Focus on Eimeria Oocysts Article reprinted with permission from Poultry Health Today By Don Waldrip, DVM Senior Technical Service Veterinarian Zoetis Poultry producers raising broilers for the “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) market continue to find themselves battling necrotic enteritis (NE). Too often, this raises the ethical dilemma of deciding whether to render antibiotic treatment to birds with NE if… NE Requires Multi-pronged Approach in RWA Systems Article reprinted with permission from Poultry Health Today Feeding higher levels of copper and zinc in the diet, managing litter moisture and controlling coccidiosis are keys to stopping necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry raised without antibiotics (RWA), Dan Moore, PhD, president, Colorado Quality Research, told Poultry Health Today. “We’re seeing a very consistent result with… No Room for Error in Water Quality with RWA Flocks Article reprinted with permission from Poultry Health Today By Tom Tabler, PhD Extension Professor Mississippi State University Extension Service, Poultry Science Department Mississippi State, Mississippi Most US poultry producers make sure contract growers have a drinking-water supply that meets bird needs. Generally, they require minimum water flow rates from wells or community water systems. Few…