Two genetic innovations could address major welfare and productivity issues within the broiler and layer industries.

Egg prices are continuing to climb as highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads across U.S. layer flocks. Cases also are increasing on broiler chicken operations. HPAI has been confirmed in 121 U.S.

The short answer is that there are chickens for meat (broilers) and chickens for eggs (layers), and they’re not the same: They’re raised separately and have different lifespans. In fact, for the past ...