Unethical Breeding Is Creating Serious Health Problems for German Shepherds.

Unethical Breeding Is Creating Serious Health Problems for German Shepherds. German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in the world, but their numbers have started to decline. New research suggests the decreasing demand for German Shepherds may have something to do with the breed’s propensity for health problems—likely the result of selective breeding for cosmetic traits. A relatively recent shift in the way German Shepherds are bred has been linked to the breed’s current predisposition to an array of health conditions, according to new research published this week in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds are now disproportionately prone to musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, diarrhea, obesity, and behavioral problems. These findings should raise the alarm among breeders, but experts are skeptical that anything will be done to rectify the problem.more

Seeds, not Diamonds, will Make Africa Great.

Seeds, not Diamonds, will Make Africa Great. These words by Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze the 2016 winner of the Africa Food Prize and the immediate Former President of the International Fund for agricultural Development (IFAD). He is also a Board Member of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) on role of agriculture in development of various African economy. He shares with us his take on agriculture in Africa and how Africa can be great with proper implementation of policy,strategies and most of all innovations in agriculture to boost growth and development. His words; As I settle back in my homeland Nigeria since retiring as the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in March this year, I am reminded of a local saying that when you go to the stream to fetch water, your bucket will only be filled with the water that is yours. No one can take the water that is meant for you. Life will give you what you deserve, nothing more, and nothing less. But first you must walk to the stream, bend down, and dip your bucket. This parable inspired the title of my recently released book, A Bucket of Water, that distils lessons and experiences from my 40-year professional career dedicated to agriculture in general, and African agriculture in particular. I have witnessed many inspiring changes in Africa over the years. Technologies that enable farmers produce more yield per unit acreage have been developed. Access to markets and financial resources have also improved as has the policy landscape. Additionally, Africa is experiencing unprecedented economic growth with five of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies being African.more

US defends chlorine-washed chicken amid backlash

US defends chlorine-washed chicken amid backlash: Trade negotiations between the US and UK regarding poultry imports should be based on “sound science”, as opposed to politics and fearmongering.

New meat snacking solution launched by Hormel Foods

New meat snacking solution launched by Hormel Foods: US-based Hormel Foods has revealed a range of new meat snacking options, catering to the demand for convenience eating.

Algae may help reduce emissions on pig farms

Algae may help reduce emissions on pig farms: Adding algae to wastewater may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help pig farmers become more environmentally friendly, the Australian Pork Cooperative Research Centre (Pork CRC) claims.

European pig sector to share intel on gas stunning

European pig sector to share intel on gas stunning: Trade bodies backing the EU pig sector will start sharing information on gas stunning amid pressure from welfare activists who have long campaigned against the practice.

New sausage casing offers alternative cooking methods

New sausage casing offers alternative cooking methods: A global sausage casings firm has introduced a new product to the market, designed to increase manufacturers’ profitability and provide a different method for preparing sausages.