Unplucked

Male chick culling sits at the intersection of economics, ethics, and public perception. Andy sits down with embryologist Dr. Yuval Cinnamon to explain how sex is determined in chickens, why early identification has been so difficult, and what new biological and optical methods can do to change the story before hatch. Rather than a play-by-play, the discussion frames the problem producers need solved, the constraints hatcheries face on speed and accuracy, and the scientific paths that could scale beyond pilot projects.

They talk about the long trail of research that brought today’s approaches into view, from understanding early embryonic markers to developing noninvasive screening that keeps the egg viable for high-throughput lines. Dr. Cinnamon explains how reducing unnecessary incubation aligns welfare and efficiency, how different markets view the tradeoffs, and what milestones must be met for global adoption. If you are looking for a grounded, forward-looking take on pre-hatch sexing that respects biology and the realities of modern hatcheries, this episode connects the science to the system that needs it.

CREDITS

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Automation is moving from trade-show novelty to everyday tool, and poultry is finally seeing the payoff. In this episode, Andy Vance talks with Georgia Tech’s Colin Usher about what practical robotics and sensing actually look like inside commercial houses, where floors are dusty, birds are curious, and decisions must be made in real time. The conversation focuses on systems that create value now, including platforms that reduce floor eggs, improve mortality collection, and capture continuous data on flock distribution, behavior, and uniformity.

They explore how computer vision and on-bird, in-house sensing can turn thousands of small observations into better ventilation, lighting, and nutrition decisions, and why the most successful solutions start with barn realities rather than lab ideals. Colin explains the cost curve for hardware and processing, the importance of human-in-the-loop oversight, and how a steady stream of quantitative data can tighten feedback loops from brooding to processing. If you want a clear picture of how automation can improve welfare, labor efficiency, and margins without disrupting daily routines, this episode brings the tech down to the litter line.

CREDITS

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Avian influenza (H5N1) is making headlines again, threatening poultry farms across the globe and pushing egg prices higher. Over 166 million birds have been affected so far, with serious impacts on both the industry and public health.

In this debut episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance sits down with Dr. Craig Rowles, DVM, General Manager of Cage-Free Production at Versova Farms, to break down the current avian flu outbreak. Dr. Rowles draws on decades of veterinary and poultry experience to discuss:

Whether you’re a poultry producer, veterinarian, researcher, or simply concerned about food security, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world expertise you won’t want to miss.

Related reading: It’s time to add vaccination to the HPAI solutions toolbox

CREDITS

Host - Andy Vance

Producer - Lyndsey Johnson

Audio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt

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The information provided in this episode of Unplucked is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we discuss scientific research, public health, and industry practices, this podcast does not substitute for advice from qualified industry and scientific professionals. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of The Poultry Science Association, their respective affiliates, or employees.

Welcome to Unplucked, the official podcast of the Poultry Science Association.

Andy Vance, Executive Director of the Poultry Science Association, will go beyond the headlines, tackle tough questions, and dive into the scientific research shaping poultry production and processing. No jargon, no filter, just honest conversations with the experts.

Look for our debut episode of Unplucked coming on March 19th, 2025.