58 Years of Studying Chickens with Ken Anderson

This week on Eggheads, we're chatting with Dr. Ken Anderson, a long-time poultry scientist and a Professor in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University. Ken has been working with eggs since he was 6 years old, and his perspective is informed by a wealth of hands-on industrial and academic experience. One of his biggest contributions is a project called the Layer Performance and Management Test. It's a long running trial where different breeds of hens are raised under various production systems to measure their impact on egg output, feed efficiency, shell quality, and various other factors. Running the test has given Ken a unique vantage point to observe the industry's trajectory over the past decades.  In this episode me and Ken talk about all of the changes he's witnessed in his nearly 60 years working in the egg industry, including the evolution of layer housing, egg safety protocols and the animal welfare debate. This is a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion that includes some controversial opinions. And while you may not agree with them, they'll definitely make you think.  Are you an egg industry pro? Reach out to be a guest on the show! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. And please rate Eggheads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.If you're interested in sponsoring a future episode of Eggheads, you can contact us by filling out this form.