Small scale authochtonous chicken productions - the salmonella myth

Principal Investigator: 
Nuno Vieira e Brito
Leader Institution: 
CESPU
Research Team: 
Alexandre Vieira e Brito, Carla Miranda, Maria Vieira-Pinto, Sónia Batista, Teresa Mateus
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
5.000€
Period covered: 
01.09.2022 - 31.08.2023
Abstract: 

The valorization of local traditions and products has renewed consumer interest in niche products. Consumer concern regarding the sustainability of production and animal welfare has strongly increased the demand for eggs and meat that are produced through alternative and extensive farming methods. The demand has progressively focused on product quality traits, their intrinsic characteristics, and general awareness about poultry production methods. The changes in poultry rearing systems and  production practices can influence the safety and quality of meat and eggs produced, particularly when hens have access to the outdoors. When raised outdoors, additional stress from thermal extremes, rehousing, and predation can exacerbate the prevalence  f Salmonella. Salmonella control programs, are often costly to implement on small pastured poultry farms and require specific management practices. The main objectives of this study are to provide an overview of the management practices of small-scale  utochthonous poultry farms, including the identification of SE environmental prevalence, flocks exposure and antimicrobial resistence.

Program: 
GI2-CESPU-2022