research science

PoultryCast 0292 Show Notes:

• From the International Poultry Scientific Forum in Atlanta, we talked with Dr. Malcomb Mitchell of the Scottish Ag College about transportation configurations which ensure animal comfort and harvest quality.  Tunnel ventilating your transport.

Antibiotics used while raising beef, poultry, and swine, has some scientists concerned. What should consumers know? Consumers are making their voice heard through new methods (ex, Chicago Public Schools buying antibiotic free chicken). Scientist continue to raise the alarm about the over use of antibiotics (ex, Union of Concerned Scientists petitions to FDA). And farmers and ranchers question the validity of stopping the prophylactic uses of antibiotics in food animals (ex, studies comparing US farm operations with antibiotic use with EU operations with no antibiotic use see no changes in antibiotic resistance).

Just after the 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals conference held in Chicago, IL, the Chicago Public Schools began serving local chicken raised without antibiotics to students in 473 schools.

"As the third largest school district in the nation, Chicago has a big voice," said Laura Stanley, Learning Lab manager for School Food FOCUS. "It's in a position to catalyze change in the school food market nationwide."

The poultry will be raised by Miller Amish Country Poultry of Orland, Indiana, and delivery is being supported by Whole Foods Market.

The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture fuels discussion based on few facts and much misinformation. Dispel many of those myths as you review these presentations from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals, held October 26-27, 2011, Chicago, IL, USA.