Unplucked

Getting More from Soybean Meal and Alternative Ingredients

Soybean meal is still the anchor of most poultry diets, but treating it as a fixed ingredient can quietly cost performance and margin. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with David Torres, Senior Regional Technical Services Manager for Novus International in Asia, about how nutrition teams can get more from soybean meal by paying closer attention to quality, variability, and the anti-nutritional factors that reduce digestibility. David explains why crude protein is not the full story, how trypsin inhibitors can chip away at feed efficiency, and why some common screening methods can miss the risk that shows up later as weaker growth or inconsistent conversion.
 
The conversation stays practical. David shares how to build a routine that measures and trends soybean meal quality over time, so teams are not making decisions based on averages that hide meaningful swings between suppliers, origins, and processing conditions. He discusses how heat treatment can be both a solution and a problem, because underprocessing leaves inhibitors active while overprocessing can reduce amino acid availability. Andy and David also explore the role of protease enzymes as a tool to stabilize performance when raw material quality shifts, especially in markets where rejecting a load is not realistic and feed mills need a workable plan today, not perfect inputs tomorrow.
 
If you formulate diets, run a feed mill, or manage flocks that depend on consistent nutrition, this episode offers a clear way to think about soybean meal and alternatives. Measure what matters, update matrices with discipline, use enzymes strategically, and make ingredient decisions that protect both performance and profitability.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

From Coop to Consumer: Building Trust in Poultry Production

What does leadership look like when you sit at the crossroads of farms, consumers, media, and policymakers? In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with Jim Chakeres, executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association, about telling agriculture’s story with honesty and heart while steering producers through disease outbreaks, policy shifts, and fast-changing public expectations. Jim explains why Ohio’s diverse poultry sector punches above its weight, how proximity to major markets and strong farm culture shaped the state’s egg, turkey, and broiler footprint, and why clear, proactive communication is as essential as biosecurity when crises hit. He shares hard-won lessons from avian influenza response, from addressing the human side of an outbreak to keeping messages simple, accurate, and focused on food safety and supply.
 
The conversation moves from press conferences to barn entrances, tracing how biosecurity has evolved from enhanced protocols to major capital investments, and why risk looks different in dense production regions than on isolated farms. Jim talks candidly about when to engage and when to let the news cycle pass, and he makes the case for building trust through everyday outreach that meets people where they are. That includes creative partnerships with Ohio State Athletics, social content that starts with recipes before science, and NIL projects that connect values like discipline, teamwork, and animal care. Looking ahead, Jim outlines a practical playbook for staying ahead of emerging issues. Invest in leadership development, strengthen researcher–producer relationships long before you need letters of support, and commit to lifelong learning so the industry can adapt on purpose rather than by accident.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

BCO Lameness

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis is one of the toughest puzzles in modern broiler production. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance sits down with Dr. Adnan Alrubaye of the University of Arkansas to explain why BCO lameness resists simple fixes and what the latest science says about preventing it. Dr. Alrubaye connects the dots between fast growth, microfractures in long bones, and the way a compromised gut can let bacteria slip into the bloodstream and settle where birds hurt most. He shares clear, barn-ready takeaways on managing gut integrity, spotting risk before it spikes late in the grow out, and why even small improvements in litter, ventilation, and nutrition can reduce both welfare concerns and condemnations.
 
The conversation moves from fundamentals to frontiers. Listeners get an accessible tour of next-generation tools, from rapid sequencing and microbiome profiling to early life interventions that aim to prime immunity before hatch. Dr. Alrubaye describes how precision microbiology is reshaping our understanding of the many organisms linked to BCO, why culture-based methods tell only part of the story, and how more innovative diagnostics can guide targeted feed additives and vaccination strategies. He also makes a strong economic case for prevention, reminding us that lameness often shows up when producers have the most invested in each bird.
 
Along the way, Andy and Dr. Alrubaye talk about the human side of progress. They highlight the role of mentorship and international collaboration in moving research from the lab bench to the broiler house, and they close with practical advice for students and early-career scientists on building resilience, finding good partners, and staying disciplined when the work gets hard. If you want a frank, hopeful roadmap for turning complex biology into better outcomes on the farm, this episode delivers both.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

From Flocks to Founders: How Waterfowl Science Becomes a Startup

Waterfowl do not read our biosecurity plans. They follow weather, water, and habitat, and they carry powerful lessons for disease prediction and prevention. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with UC Davis poultry epidemiologist Dr. Maurice Pitesky about the Waterfowl Alert Network, a platform that treats ducks and geese like a moving weather system. Dr. Pitesky explains how repurposed weather radar, telemetry, and satellite imagery can show where birds are headed next, why that matters for highly pathogenic avian influenza risk, and how the same tools can support hunters, renewable energy siting, and conservation planning.
 
The episode also explores the human side of prevention. Dr. Pitesky shares why extension only works when communication is part of the plan, how clear stories help people adopt biosecurity and vaccination habits, and what he has learned about meeting the public where they are on social media and in the press. He reflects on the growing role of entrepreneurship in academia, the culture shift required to commercialize university ideas, and the value of cross-training students who can translate between disciplines.
 
The conversation connects basic science to practical outcomes by showing how an interdisciplinary team of engineers, computer scientists, wildlife biologists, and veterinarians can turn raw signals into risk maps producers can actually use.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

The Truth About the Industry’s Favorite Protein Source

Soybean meal is the backbone of modern poultry nutrition, yet most formulations treat it like a constant when it is anything but. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with Novus International’s Anne Fe Parino about the hidden variability inside the world’s most trusted plant protein and why nutritionists should be paying closer attention to trypsin inhibitors. Anne Fe explains how differences in genetics, climate, and processing create wide swings in anti-nutritional factors, why urease activity is a poor stand-in for trypsin inhibitor levels, and how even small changes in digestibility ripple through feed conversion, performance, and cost.
 
The conversation moves from lab to feed mill with practical steps any team can use. Anne Fe outlines how to test and trend trypsin inhibitor activity, how to manage heat treatment without damaging amino acids, and where protease enzymes can act like insurance when raw material quality shifts. She also shares lessons from analyzing samples around the globe, revealing how regional soy supplies can look similar on paper yet perform very differently in birds. For nutritionists balancing price, availability, and results, this episode offers a clear, evidence-based playbook for making soybean meal more reliable in real diets.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

Biosecurity & One Health

In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with Dr. Rocio Crespo of North Carolina State University about what it really means to manage poultry health through a One Health lens. Dr. Crespo explains why many flock problems that appear to be infectious diseases often begin with nutrition and metabolism, and how delayed diagnosis keeps veterinarians chasing symptoms rather than causes. The conversation reframes production data as only part of the picture and makes a case for measuring what is happening inside the bird, from ionized calcium and mineral balance to early markers that flag risk before performance drops.
 
They explore the promise of precision livestock management and noninvasive monitoring that meets barns where they are. Dr. Crespo shares practical research on tools that can work at flock scale, including environmental gas sensing, sound analysis to detect changes in vocal behavior, and overhead camera systems that quantify eating, drinking, and movement without handling birds. She also walks through a realistic path to adoption, starting with randomized sampling and pilot measurements, then building toward smarter routines that fit labor, budgets, and equipment already on the farm.
 
If you want a grounded roadmap for moving from flock health to true animal health, this episode connects early diagnostics, precision monitoring, and economic biosecurity into a single, workable approach for modern poultry systems.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

Building Trust in Animal Agriculture

Trust is not something you buy. It is something you earn every day. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with Kim McConnell, founder of AdFarm and a lifelong advocate for agriculture, about how the animal agriculture community can close the widening distance between producers and consumers. The conversation starts with first principles. Be transparent about how food is raised, show the benefits in plain language, and tell real stories that people remember. Kim explains why short, clear messages paired with strong visuals work better than long fact sheets, how to choose the right channel for each audience, and why credibility grows when the industry leads with values and invites questions rather than waiting for a crisis to shape the narrative.
 
From there, they dig into collaboration. Kim shares lessons from cross-sector initiatives that put everyone at the same table with a shared purpose, and why good leadership, a clear mission, and steady momentum are the difference between meetings and progress. He offers practical steps any organization can adopt, from agreeing on simple outcome statements to using quick, positive proof points that show improvement on welfare, sustainability, and community impact. The episode also looks ahead at the next generation, with a case for investing in youth leadership programs that teach both technical skills and communication, so young people can step into the role of trusted ambassadors for food and farming.
This episode is a playbook for scientists, veterinarians, and producers who want to speak with confidence to people outside the industry. Start with why the work matters, translate complex ideas into benefits that feel relevant, and measure success not by how much you say but by how well it lands. If you are ready to build trust that lasts, this conversation shows how to move from good intentions to daily habits that change minds.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

Vaccine Roulette: Why NDV Strain Selection Could Be Costing You

Newcastle disease is largely under control in the United States, yet vaccination choices still shape flock health and performance. In this episode, host Andy Vance talks with Dr. Brian Jordan of Zoetis about why not all Newcastle vaccines behave the same inside the bird and how a data-first approach can reveal hidden gaps in protection.
 
Dr. Jordan explains the concept of vaccine take, how routine PCR monitoring shows whether birds actually received and replicated a live vaccine, and why low take rates can set up a rolling reaction that chips away at growth, feed conversion, and overall flock immunity. He compares popular live strains and clarifies where recombinant options fit, then walks through a simple plan for spot-checking hatchery applications, reading CT distributions, and deciding whether the problem is process or product. The conversation closes with questions veterinarians should ask suppliers, how to layer Newcastle programs with other respiratory vaccines, and why quarterly monitoring can keep protocols honest without adding constant lab costs.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

Pathogen Pursuit: Campylobacter

Campylobacter is not your typical poultry pathogen. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance talks with Dr. Issmat Kassem of the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety about why this bug survives where others do not, and what that means for food safety from farm to processing plant. Dr. Kassem explains how Campylobacter thrives in the chicken gut, why its biology and genetics break some of the rules we apply to Salmonella and E. coli, and how the diversity of strains on farm narrows to a persistent few that make it through processing. The conversation traces how those processing tolerant strains complicate detection and control, and why a single intervention is rarely enough.
Listeners get a clear view of where the science is headed. Dr. Kassem outlines work to speed up detection and quantification, including modified media and approaches that target the microbe’s unique metabolism. He shares experimental results on antimicrobial light and new phytochemicals that can be layered with established interventions to improve reductions without sacrificing product quality. The discussion also zooms out to a practical message for the entire chain. Keep improving the system that already works, add smart hurdles where they fit, and invest in consumer education so safe handling keeps pace with scientific progress. Above all, remember that pathogens evolve, so our playbook must evolve too.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.

Inside Perdue Farms: Reinventing Poultry Feed

In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance sits down with Dr. Randy Mitchell, VP of Nutrition at Perdue Farms and a newly named Fellow of the Poultry Science Association, to examine how one of America’s most recognized poultry brands turns values into daily practice. Dr. Mitchell traces his path from a North Georgia farm to corporate leadership and explains how Perdue’s family-owned culture shapes decisions that reach from feed mills to grower barns. The conversation looks closely at two defining shifts for the company, the move to all-vegetarian feed and the transition to no antibiotics ever, and unpacks the research, cross-functional coordination, and grower engagement needed to make those commitments work at scale.
Listeners get a practical view of formulation under new constraints, including how broader access to plant proteins, synthetic amino acids, and feed-grade vegetable oils helped close performance and cost gaps. Dr. Mitchell discusses why the hardest work was not removing in-feed antibiotics but redesigning hatchery and farm programs to protect chick quality, litter condition, and overall flock health. He shares how Perdue evaluates tradeoffs, from bird welfare to customer expectations, and how the company weighs the real "cost of being Perdue" while staying competitive on throughput and efficiency.
 
CREDITS
Host - Andy VanceProducer - Lyndsey JohnsonAudio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt
 
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.