Bird flu could be eradicated by editing the genes of chickens – our study shows how: Recent advances in gene editing technology could potentially be used to create disease-resistant animals. This could curtail the spread of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. In a recent gene editing study, my colleagues and I showcased the …
Backpack-wearing chickens are helping change the way we study animal welfare: Iaroslav Konnikov/Shutterstock The chicken sheds I conduct research in are enormous – over three-quarters the length of a football field and 20 metres wide. In each house, around 28,000 near-identical broiler chickens, which are the type we use for meat, are reared in six-week …
Chickens from live poultry markets in Nigeria could be bad for your health – scientists explain why: Antimicrobial use in poultry is threatening the health of consumers in Nigeria. Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images Many livestock farmers treat their animals with antimicrobial medications. These are drugs that target bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. But …
Before chickens became food for people, they were regarded as special exotica: A modern cockerel with dramatic plumage Robert May, https://robertmay.photography/, Author provided There are more chickens than any other species of bird on the planet. With three chickens for every human being, they are a food staple for millions of people around the world. …
Avian flu has jumped from chickens to wild birds and is spreading fast: Seabirds like gannets appear to be particularly at risk. Coatesy / shutterstock After a series of localised outbreaks in the past few years, avian flu has re-emerged as a major driver of bird deaths across the UK. Until the past few weeks, …
Swapping probiotics for antibiotics: how it could be a game changer for chickens, and us: Even chickens need strong, healthy gut microbiomes. Moonborne/Shutterstock In 1928, microbiologist Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin was hailed as a scientific breakthrough. In the nearly 100 years since then, scientists have discovered numerous other antibiotics that have saved billions of …
South Africa in the news: Organic wineries combat pests and weeds using animals, from chickens, sheep and pigs to snakes and armadillos: Organic wineries around the world are using animals such as chickens, ducks, snakes, and even armadillos to keep pests down, instead of spreading toxic pesticides.: “South Africa” – BingNews Africa’s Only Atomic Plant …
Police: Man ripped heads off chickens in jealous rage updated: Police say a Connecticut man killed 20 chickens and ripped their heads from their bodies in a drunken, jealous rage on Christmas. Milford Police Officer Michael DeVito tells the Hartford Courant that Gregory Ulrich, 28, was drinking with a friend when he saw social media …
How the smell of chickens repels the most common malaria carrying mosquito: Mosquitoes are repelled by chicken odours and will actively fly outside when they encounter them. Shutterstock One of the world’s dominant malaria vectors is Anopheles arabiensis. Humans are its preferred blood meal although it also feeds on other livestock such as cattle, goats …
If Africa learnt to feed its chickens it could feed its people: A woman in northern Ethiopia feeds her chickens. Bill Gates has estimated that a farmer breeding five hens could generate up to $ 1,000 a year. Flickr/Jeannie O'Brien Africa, which imports nearly 83% of the food it consumes, has a real chicken and …