The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Zach Fine, CEO of Holly Poultry, explains how poultry processing innovation, retail expansion, and changing consumer preferences are reshaping the chicken market. He discusses affordable antibiotic-free chicken, convenient meal solutions, production efficiency, and strategies for managing rising costs. Discover how strategic investments and strong partnerships can support sustainable business growth. Listen now on all major platforms!"If you think you have to do everything and touch everything, you’re never going to get there."Meet the guest: Zach Fine is the CEO of Holly Poultry. He has worked with Holly Poultry for more than 24 years across production, warehouse operations, quality assurance, sales, procurement, and executive leadership. He oversees poultry processing, retail expansion, product innovation, and strategic partnerships, focusing on affordable, high-quality chicken products that meet changing consumer demands. Listen to Zach Fine on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:55) Introduction(02:50) Holly Poultry overview(05:00) Retail brands(08:35) Consumer preferences(14:15) Business risk and vision(19:35) Cost pressures(25:35) Final questionsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* dsm-firmenich* Evonik- Zoetis- Signify- Big Dutchman- PSA- KT Pacer- Cobb-Vantress- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Barnwell Bio𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Douglas Rhoads from the University of Arkansas explains how Enterococcus cecorum contributes to sepsis and bacterial disease in broilers. He examines genomic changes, early chick susceptibility, pathogen transmission, probiotics, sanitation, and vaccine development. Practical prevention starts with understanding how pathogens reach young flocks and persist in poultry environments.Click here to read the full research articles:Molecular Genomic Analyses of Enterococcus cecorum from Sepsis Outbreaks in Broilers Differentiating commensal and disease-associated Enterococcus cecorum isolates in poultry using protein sequences“The easiest way for these bacteria to get around the world and into different facilities is to ride on the fertile eggs.”Meet the guest: Dr. Douglas Rhoads is a University Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas and is affiliated with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. With a Ph.D. in Genetics from Kansas State University, his research includes poultry bacterial diseases, genomics, and molecular biology. His work has resulted in more than 79 journal articles and extensive industry research. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:50) Introduction(02:31) Enterococcus cecorum(08:13) Early sepsis in young broilers(15:42) Mutations behind the new trick(25:09) Cleanout and management strategies(28:26) Fertile eggs insights(31:18) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Adisseo* dsm-firmenich- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Barnwell Bio- Zoetis- Big Dutchman- Signify- PSA- KT Pacer- J&D + AAF- Cobb-Vantress𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Rony Riveros, a postdoctoral researcher in poultry nutrition at São Paulo State University, discusses how artificial intelligence and mechanistic modeling can support more precise poultry nutrition decisions. He explains why poultry production already generates large amounts of data, how models can help nutritionists evaluate feed strategies faster, and why data quality remains essential for reliable predictions. He also explores sustainability, alternative ingredients, and the ethical need for human supervision when AI tools are used in animal production. Listen now on all major platforms!“Sometimes we think like, the mechanistic models are the skeleton of the system, and the artificial intelligence is the muscle of the system.”Meet the guest: Dr. Rony Riveros is a postdoctoral researcher at São Paulo State University, where his work focuses on livestock nutritional modeling. His background includes poultry nutrition research, experimental design, statistical analysis, broiler production, and work with models that connect biology, feed formulation, performance, and resource use. He earned a Ph.D. in Animal Science from São Paulo State University and a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from La Molina National Agrarian University. Listen to Dr. Rony Riveros on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(03:33) AI in poultry production(06:20) Models and practical application(08:40) Feed formulation decisions(12:32) Data quality challenges(17:58) Future of poultry modeling(27:20) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- Signify- Big Dutchman- Cobb-Vantress- KT Pacer- Natural Biologics- DietForge- Zoetis- PSA- J&D + AAF- Barnwell Bio𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this special rerun episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Mickey Leonard, a Researcher at the University of Minnesota, explains how risk assessments support business continuity during Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks. She explains how risk assessments are built, why producer and veterinarian input matters, how permit guidance helps translate complex analysis into action, and what farms should consider as HPAI risks evolve across regions, commodities, and seasons. Listen now on all major platforms!"Risk assessment only becomes useful when it reflects real farm practices, industry input, and the movements poultry businesses need to keep operating safely."Meet the guest: Mickey Leonard is a Researcher 4 at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the Secure Food Systems team. Her work focuses on poultry risk assessments, highly pathogenic avian influenza management, disease modeling, and collaboration with industry partners. She develops science-based guidance to support safe poultry movements and strengthen disease preparedness.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:18) Introduction(04:37) Risk assessments(07:10) Risk development(09:17) Model updates(13:24) Poultry commodities(17:55) Biosecurity trends(31:36) Final questionsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- PSA- J&D + AAF- Barnwell Bio- Signify- Big Dutchman- Cobb-Vantress- KT Pacer- Natural Biologics- DietForge- Zoetis𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Valentina Bongiorno, Research Associate at Michigan State University and incoming Assistant Professor of Poultry Behavior and Welfare at Auburn University, discusses how poultry behavior connects welfare, production, and barn management. She explains how video recordings, daily observations, movement patterns, resource use, and housing design can reveal practical insights in commercial laying hen systems. Dr. Bongiorno also shares how small facility adjustments, such as changes in nest curtains, can support both welfare and production. Listen now on all major platforms!"We need to work with the chicken, not against the chicken."Meet the guest: Dr. Valentina Bongiorno is a Research Associate in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, where her research focuses on poultry behavior and welfare, especially in commercial laying hen systems. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Turin in Italy, studying poultry behavior, welfare, and production with a focus on local chicken breeds and environmental enrichment. Her work spans cage-free housing, space use, movement, behavioral expression, and interactions among birds, their environment, and management practices. In September 2026, Dr. Bongiorno will join Auburn University as an Assistant Professor of Poultry Behavior and Welfare. Listen to The Poultry Podcast Show with Dr. Valentino Bongiorno to learn more about poultry behavior and welfare research on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:56) Introduction(03:05) Behavior and welfare(09:46) Camera research and monitoring(13:41) AI and precision livestock farming(17:56) Barn observations(21:31) Housing design(31:10) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- Zoetis- PSA- J&D + AAF- Barnwell Bio- Signify- Big Dutchman- Cobb-Vantress- KT Pacer- Natural Biologics- DietForge𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Dan Wilson, founder and president of Wilson Veterinary Co., explains what autogenous vaccines mean in US poultry production and why their use is expanding in layer systems. He discusses isolate selection, manufacturing timelines, preventive program design, regulatory requirements, emerging bacterial and viral challenges, and applications in layer production. Practical examples show how tailored formulations can strengthen protection while fitting complex health programs. Listen now on all major platforms!“The really wonderful thing, when it comes down to protection, of course, is using your own isolates.” Meet the guest: Dr. Dan Wilson is the founder, president, and managing veterinarian of Wilson Veterinary Co., a commercial poultry practice serving more than 108 million birds across 30 states. A Purdue DVM and PAACO Poultry Welfare Auditor, he has 15 years of experience in poultry medicine, including diagnostics, immunization programs, welfare, data analysis, and production support. Learn more from Dr. Dan Wilson on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:54) Introduction(03:14) Defining autogenous vaccines(06:07) Protection benefits(09:40) Technology advances(15:29) Spotty liver disease(20:32) Evaluating protection(27:12) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- DietForge- Zoetis- PSA- J&D + AAF- Barnwell Bio- Signify- Big Dutchman- Cobb-Vantress- KT Pacer𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Eric Shepherd, Associate Director of Poultry Technical Services at Zoetis, explains rotational vaccination strategies for infectious bursal disease. He discusses IBDV field adaptation, changing infection pressure, surveillance, diagnostics, and indicators for adjusting protection programs. Dr. Shepherd also explains how disciplined implementation supports effective IBDV control across production cycles. Listen now on all major platforms!"Infectious bursal disease can silently damage immune function in poultry flocks, creating conditions that increase susceptibility to secondary health challenges across production systems."Meet the guest: Dr. Eric Shepherd is the Associate Director of Technical Services for U.S. Poultry at Zoetis. A poultry veterinarian and Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, Dr. Shepherd previously served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center and as a Production Veterinarian at Mountaire Farms. Dr. Shepherd earned a B.S. and M.S. in Poultry Science, a DVM, and a Master of Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia. Listen to Dr. Eric Shepherd on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Alberto Giner: Building a Strong Immune Foundation in the Hatchery | Ep. 191Stoney Dorning & Kevin Dudley: Risk-Based Approach to Identifying Hatchery Opportunities | Ep. 208What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:43) Introduction(04:23) IBDV challenges(05:53) Vaccination options(09:56) Variant surveillance(15:38) Rotational programs(17:53) Monitoring and building a baseline(29:27) Final questionsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Zoetis* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- Barnwell Bio- Cobb-Vantress- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Signify- PSA- J&D + AAF𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Douglas Rhoads, University Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas, discusses bacterial infections found in fertile broiler and broiler breeder eggs. He explains why the yolk was the most frequent site of bacterial recovery, how infected embryos can still reach hatch, and why vertical transmission may help explain hatchability losses and early flock health challenges. He also explores probiotics, vaccination, and genomic tools that help researchers understand emerging poultry pathogens. Listen now on all major platforms!"That 2 to 3% loss of hatchability, when you're talking billions of fertile eggs, is 20 million lost birds."Meet the guest: Dr. Douglas Rhoads is a University Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas, where he directs the interdisciplinary graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology and is affiliated with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. His research work has produced more than 79 journal articles, 12 industry technical reports, and 207 presentations, with funding from USDA, NIH, NSF, and industry sources. Dr. Rhoads earned a B.A. and M.S. in Biology from Wichita State University and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Kansas State University. Listen to Dr. Douglas Rhoads on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:10) Introduction(01:43) Emerging bacterial infections(04:27) Egg bacteria research(07:45) Hatchability and vertical transmission(11:28) Prevention strategies(16:28) Research priorities(24:59) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- PSA- J&D + AAF- Zoetis- Barnwell Bio- Cobb-Vantress- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Signify𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Elizabeth Bobeck, Associate Professor of Poultry Nutrition and Immunology at Iowa State University and Associate Editor for the poultry section of the Journal of Animal Science, explains how to prepare stronger research manuscripts. She discusses reproducible methods, focused abstracts and introductions, responsible conclusions, journal selection, predatory publishing, ethical use of AI, and the value of peer review. Listen now on all major platforms!"Reproducible poultry research requires complete methods, appropriate replication, and sufficient experimental detail so other scientists can understand, verify, and repeat the study accurately."Meet the guest: Dr. Elizabeth Bobeck is an Associate Professor of Poultry Nutrition and Immunology at Iowa State University. Her research spans nutritional immunology, gut health, microbiome interactions, immune function, poultry welfare, meat quality, and sustainable broiler performance. She earned a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, Nutrition, and Immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as an Associate Editor for the poultry section of the Journal of Animal Science. Learn more from Dr. Elizabeth Bobeck on The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:46) Introduction(04:31) Reproducible research(07:46) Manuscript structure(15:20) Journal selection(21:36) Ethical AI use(26:35) Rejection and review(33:16) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* dsm-firmenich* Adisseo* Evonik- Signify- Zoetis- J&D + AAF- PSA- Barnwell Bio- Cobb-Vantress- DietForge- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show

In this special rerun episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, Dr. Lin Walker from NC State University discusses key strategies for improving food safety in poultry and egg products. She explains common misconceptions about organic poultry, the challenges of reducing Salmonella, and best practices for consumers to ensure safe handling and cooking. Learn how the poultry industry is advancing food safety standards. Listen now on all major platforms!“Food safety has to be controlled from farm to table. It means everybody plays a role in this.”Meet the guest: Dr. Lin Walker is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. With expertise in food science, food microbiology, and food technology, her work connects pathogen control, poultry processing, and practical food safety education. Her experience spans academic research and industry leadership in pathogen detection. Hear Dr. Lin Walker’s practical approach to safer poultry production and handling in this episode of The Poultry Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:38) Introduction(05:52) Poultry food safety(09:04) Organic vs conventional(11:50) Salmonella control(25:27) Consumer best practices(33:01) Industry safety strategies(42:03) Final questionsThe Poultry Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Evonik* dsm-firmenich- Signify- Zoetis- J&D + AAF- PSA- Barnwell Bio- Cobb-Vantress- DietForge- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Poultry Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Poultry Podcast ShowInstagram: The Poultry Podcast Show Facebook: The Poultry Podcast Show