In the latest episode of NutriNews International’s Nutri on Air series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gwendolyn Jones, an animal scientist and seasoned content strategist with over 15 years of experience. Gwendolyn shared insights from her recent article, “Upgrade layer life cycles to new lengths with nutrition for adaptability,” published in our December issue.
Adaptive Capacity in Laying Hens
During the interview, we discussed adaptive capacity in farm animals, particularly laying hens. Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of animals to adjust to challenges, involving morphological, physiological, behavioral, and cellular responses. Improving this capacity leads to longer productive lifespans and enhanced performance in laying hens, which is crucial for egg producers aiming to increase both resilience and profitability.
One significant aspect of the interview focused on research from the University of Athens, which explored the cellular mechanisms underlying adaptive capacity in birds. The study found that nutritional strategies can modulate adaptive cellular pathways, which enhance both productivity and resilience in laying hens. Specifically, the research examined the NRF2 pathway, a key mechanism in oxidative stress response.
The NRF2 Pathway and Oxidative Stress
Gwendolyn elaborated on the role of the NRF2 pathway, which is involved in mobilizing cellular antioxidant defenses to alleviate oxidative stress in tissues. Oxidative stress occurs when there is excessive production of reactive oxygen species, often triggered by external stressors. By upregulating antioxidant defenses through nutrition, the NRF2 pathway can mitigate potential damage from oxidative stress, improving the overall health and productivity of laying hens.
Nutritional Strategies for Improved Adaptability
A major takeaway from Gwendolyn’s article is the potential for nutritional strategies to enhance the adaptive capacity of laying hens. Through targeted nutritional interventions, egg producers can help birds respond better to stressors, resulting in more consistent production and improved egg quality. This approach offers a practical tool for increasing resilience and extending the laying cycle, which ultimately benefits both animal welfare and farm profitability.
Combining Genetic Selection and Nutrition
While genetic selection in laying hens has been a focus for improving productivity and resilience, Gwendolyn stressed the importance of combining nutritional strategies with genetic improvements. She emphasized that nutritional research is catching up to genetic selection, and when both approaches are used together, they can maximize the adaptive capacity of birds, providing a holistic solution to challenges in egg production.
Benefits for Egg Producers
The insights discussed offer several benefits for egg producers. By understanding how to enhance adaptive capacity through nutritional interventions, farmers can extend the laying cycle and improve resilience in their flocks. This not only boosts productivity but also supports the sustainability of egg production, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.
Final Thoughts
Gwendolyn concluded by encouraging farmers and industry professionals to explore nutritional strategies for improving adaptive capacity in laying hens. By incorporating these strategies, producers can enhance the resilience of their birds, ensuring both economic sustainability and improved animal welfare.
Catch the Full Interview
For more in-depth insights into how nutritional strategies can enhance the adaptive capacity of laying hens, watch the full interview on our YouTube channel. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights for improving productivity and resilience in egg production.
Watch the full interview now on our YouTube channel!