Unplucked

History of Poultry: Part 3 - How Poultry Became Poultry: Hybridization, History, and the Making of a Modern Industry

How did chickens go from barnyard birds to the backbone of a global food system? In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance sits down with historian Dr. Margaret Derry from the University of Guelph to uncover the fascinating story behind the science and systems that shaped modern poultry.From the early days of scientific breeding to the rise of hybridization and the transformative role of land-grant universities, Dr. Derry offers expert insight into how poultry breeding became a cornerstone of animal agriculture and how that history still shapes the industry today. It’s a conversation that spans genetics, institutions, and the social shifts that turned poultry science into a modern discipline.Tune in to hear about the unsung heroes of poultry history, the legacy of industrialization, and why understanding the past is key to shaping the future of our field.
 
Legal: 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.

Ethics in Publishing

We're diving into the vital topic of ethics in scientific publishing with our special guest from Elsevier's ethics team, Oliva Nippe. From navigating authorship disputes to addressing plagiarism and data transparency, Olivia sheds light on how ethical standards protect the integrity of research, not just in poultry science but for the large scientific community. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just getting started, you won't want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at what keeps our publications credible and trustworthy.
 
Legal: 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.

Endocrine Insights: Growth, Genomes, and Guiding the Next Generation

What happens when one of poultry science’s most accomplished minds reflects on decades of discovery from sequencing the chicken genome to mentoring future scientific leaders? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tom Porter, renowned endocrinologist, educator, and former PSA President and editor in chief, to explore breakthroughs in heat stress research, the molecular mechanics behind broiler growth, and the power of mentorship. Dr. Porter shares insights from the lab, the classroom, and the editor’s desk as he helps shape the future of poultry science worldwide.
 
Legal: 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.

Emotional Intelligence: Tapping Into Your Greater Leadership Potential

In this insightful episode, Dr. Jeff King dives into the critical role emotional intelligence (EI) plays in both personal and professional success. Drawing from his expertise in leadership development, Dr. King explains how understanding and managing emotions can improve communication, collaboration, and resilience, essential traits for teams and individuals alike. Whether in academia, industry, or beyond, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on how cultivating EI can enhance your performance and relationships.
 
Legal: 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.

History of Poultry: Part 2 - Genes and Generations: Dr. Susan Lamont on Four Decades of Poultry Genetics

In this week’s episode, we go deep into poultry genetics' past, present, and future with one of the field’s true pioneers—Dr. Susan Lamont. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Lamont shares how the science has evolved from early QTL mapping to today’s powerful genomic technologies.
Tune in as she reflects on the major breakthroughs in understanding disease resistance and stress response, her global research collaborations, including work on heat stress through USAID, and the untapped potential still waiting in the poultry genome.
Whether you’re a seasoned geneticist or new to the field, Dr. Lamont’s insights into where poultry genetics is headed—and what future scientists should be exploring—make this episode a must-listen.
 
Legal: 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.

What’s Good for the Bird: Aligning Welfare and Sustainability

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Katy Tarrant, a faculty member in Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education at California State University, Fresno. With a background in cell and molecular biology and a passion for poultry science, Dr. Tarrant shares insights into her current research and teaching.
 
She explains her three-pillar approach to animal welfare and sustainability—planet, people, and poultry—and how these interconnected values guide her work. From the classroom to the research lab, Dr. Tarrant discusses how she equips students with the knowledge to balance ethical practices with sustainable solutions in the field.
 
Legal: 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.

Let's Talk Turkey

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Cremers to explore her journey from dairy practice to leading technical services in one of the nation’s largest turkey companies. With deep experience in broilers and turkeys and a passion for poultry health, Dr. Cremers offers a candid look at the biggest challenges facing the turkey industry today.
 
We discuss the impact of HPAI, biosecurity lessons learned across sectors, and the emerging concerns around avian metapneumovirus. Dr. Cremers also shares what research the turkey industry urgently needs, from data gaps in the field to collaboration opportunities that could drive real solutions.
 
Whether you're a student, veterinarian, or industry professional, this conversation is packed with insights on poultry welfare, career advice, and what makes turkeys such a rewarding species to work with.
 
Legal: 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.

H5 Influenza Uncovered: Policy Shortfalls and Future Solutions

In this episode of Unplucked, members of the AAAP H5N1 Task Force join us to discuss the critical gaps in policy and preparedness surrounding the ongoing H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak.
 
Dr. Carol Cardona, Dr. Michelle Kromm, and Dr. Kay Russo bring frontline perspectives from veterinary medicine, public health, and industry. Together, they unpack the limitations of current pre-movement testing protocols, the need for a comprehensive national strategy, and the ripple effects of H5’s spread to new livestock species.
 
Tune in for a candid discussion on what needs to change—and fast—to protect animal health, human health, and our food supply. Find the task force's recommendations in their report here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://aaap.memberclicks.net/assets/Positions/FINAL-AAAP%20summary%20position%20on%20H5N1%20in%20cattle%207.12.24%20pdf.pdf
 
Read a synopsis of this podcast: https://modernpoultry.media/experts-urge-village-approach-to-control-h5n1-dairy-outbreak/?mp=1748467285150
 
Legal: 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.

History of Poultry: Part 1 - Past, Present, and Publish

In this episode of Unplucked, we sit down with Dr. Paul Siegel—former Editor-in-Chief of Poultry Science (2002–2004) and a legend in the field of poultry genetics—for a deep dive into the evolution of PSA’s flagship journal.
 
From his early days at Virginia Tech in the 1950s to the digital transformation of publishing, Dr. Siegel shares insights on how the journal has shaped poultry research and why it remains central to the industry today. It’s part history lesson, part publishing primer, and all about the power of science in print.
 
This is the first of three historical episodes, so stay tuned for our next episode, which is in episode eight!
 
Legal: 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.

Breaking the Shell: How In-Ovo Sexing is Transforming Poultry Farming

Host Andy Vance sits down with Dr. Yuval Cinnamon, Principal Investigator at The Volcani Center in Israel and founder of NextHen, to discuss the groundbreaking advancements in in-ovo sexing technology—a solution that could eliminate the need for male chick culling in the poultry industry.Dr. Cinnamon, an expert in embryology and genetic transformation in chickens, shares insights into:
The latest in-ovo sexing methods and how they work.
How these innovations benefit animal welfare and industry sustainability.
The global momentum behind this technology, from European regulations to market-driven adoption in the U.S.
The challenges of implementing in-ovo sexing at commercial scale.
As in-ovo sexing gains traction worldwide, this conversation sheds light on the science, industry implications, and future of poultry farming.
 
Legal: 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.