Hens that live and let live Tuesday, August 4, 2009 The Agricultural Research Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed a line of less aggressive hens that still produce a lot of eggs. The goal is to cut mortality in group-housed flocks without the usual, less than welfare-friendly beak trimming.Housed together to an age of 54 weeks in communal cages rather than battery cages, commercial birds are merciless and suffer an 89 per cent mortality rate compared to 20 per cent for the less aggressive, newly developed line of birds. The gentler birds also produced more eggs.A press release from the USDA says that, over 20 years of breeding selection, egg production has increased significantly in one particular breeding line of laying hens while mortality due to aggression and cannibalism among birds with untrimmed beaks increased tenfold.Biologist Heng-wei Cheng speculates that the less aggressive behaviour may be due to a decrease in dopamine levels in the birds. Dopamine, secreted by the brain, is associated with dysfunctional behaviour and a decreased ability to deal with stress. Red Fife returns to its Otonabee roots Behind the Lines - August/September 2009
Alveo Technologies enters agreement with CDC Thursday, November 14, 2024 Alveo Technologies, Inc.—a leader in molecular sensing and diagnostics with its proprietary IntelliSense molecular detection technology—has announced it received an agreement issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a competitive basis to develop a... Read this article online
University of Guelph looking for new OAC Dean Tuesday, November 12, 2024 A position has opened at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). The OAC is looking for a new Dean to lead the school into the future. The ideal candidate is “a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who... Read this article online
Women Agriculture Leaders Embrace Innovation and Growth Monday, November 11, 2024 The future of agriculture depends on diverse leadership that can drive innovation and address the sector's evolving challenges. Women are already at the forefront of this transformation, leading advancements in agtech, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness. A recent article by Dr.... Read this article online
40 Agriculture Groups Urge Senate to Reject Bill C-282 Sunday, November 10, 2024 Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282. Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). "This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s... Read this article online
Lift heavy equipment with ease - TG Equipment Jack Sunday, November 10, 2024 The TG Equipment Jack is a heavy-duty lifting device designed for large high clearance sprayers. This Cool Tools’ innovative design ensures secure and stable lifting of heavy equipment, making it an essential tool for repairs and tire changes. Key Features: Unwavering Stability: Built with... Read this article online