Today’s guest is Dr. Tony Pescatore, a longtime leader in poultry extension and education. As a freshly retired extension professor and associate chair at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Pescatore has spent decades advancing the mission of land-grant universities by connecting research to real-world impact.
From his first PSA presentation as a student in 1977 to serving as PSA President, his career reflects deep dedication to service, science, and mentorship. We’re thrilled to talk with him today about how extension has evolved and why it remains vital to the poultry industry and beyond.
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.
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29:59
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29:59
The Minds Behind the Science: Meet the People Driving Poultry Innovation
In this episode of Unplucked, we sit down with Dr. Marc de Beer, President of Aviagen North America and a poultry scientist at heart. From his early days in South Africa to leading one of the world’s top poultry genetics companies, Dr. de Beer shares how a career rooted in animal nutrition has shaped his approach to leadership, innovation, and global food security. We talk about the evolving role of poultry in feeding the world, the science behind genetics and nutrition, and what it takes to build high-performing teams in a dynamic industry.
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.
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26:37
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26:37
Feed the Future: Innovations in Poultry Nutrition
We dive into the future of poultry nutrition with Dr. Martin Zuidhof of the University of Alberta. Known for his groundbreaking work in poultry systems modeling and precision feeding, How has Zuidhof’s patented precision feeding system is reshaping broiler breeder management? We explore how feeding the right bird, the right amount, at the right time is improving uniformity, welfare, and data collection, and what it all means for the next generation of poultry science.
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.
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30:00
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30:00
Birds of a Feather: International Perspectives on Poultry Science
On this week’s episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance sits down with Dr. Inga Tiemann, professor of precision livestock farming at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in Germany, for a fascinating look at poultry production around the world. From why so many free-range birds don’t actually go outside to how technology is helping us better understand what chickens really need, Dr. Tiemann brings a fresh, bird’s-eye perspective to animal welfare. She also gives a sneak peek at the upcoming PSA Pacific Rim Scientific Conference, where she’ll co-chair a session on global approaches to welfare. Whether you're in the lab, on the farm, or just poultry-curious, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
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.
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32:26
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32:26
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.
Unplucked - Stripped-down, honest discussions about poultry science.
No fluff. No filter. Just real, transparent, and topical conversations about the science, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the poultry industry. Unplucked goes beyond the headlines and industry jargon to deliver candid discussions with the experts, researchers, and professionals who know poultry best.
Whether it’s debunking myths, tackling tough questions, or exploring the latest innovations, Unplucked brings you the raw, unvarnished truth about poultry science—because the best insights come when we strip things down to what really matters.
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