Source:  Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 11/29/10

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has posted the results of two research projections as part of its research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing.

Project # 652, “The Influence of Lighting Programs Consistent with European and U. S. Guidelines on Broiler Performance and Stress Responses” explores how the variations in broiler lighting guidelines between the National Chicken Council and the European Union affects broiler performance, mobility and stress. Various programs --- long-bright, long-dim, split dark-bright, increasing-bright and increasing-dim --- influenced the broilers differently, except for stress measures, which were generally unaffected by lighting programs and so the results were inconclusive.

Project # 653, “Pre-Slaughter Wing Activity and The Occurrence of Green Muscle Disease in Broilers” tested the factors that may contribute to Green Muscle Disease (GMD) or Deep Pectoral Myopathy, a necrosis of breast tenders causing red, purple, or green discoloration. Some activities or exercise that were induced before slaughter had an inconsistent effect, although periods of brief increased light intensity, combined with human disturbance, increase the disease’s incidence. The results may influence how often companies wish to have caretakers check on the birds.

For more information go to www.poultryegg.org.

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