Broiler chicken producers may be using cranberry extracts to replace antibiotics in young birds.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research suggest the extracts could cut mortality by 50 per cent in the early life of broilers.
Doctor Moussa Dairra points out cranberries have various human health benefits because of their high antioxidant compounds and immune-boosting properties.
His team is using the extracts to boost the immunity of broilers during their first 14 days of life.
Farmers in B-C, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island are involved in the research.
Besides examining whether the cranberry extracts could replace the use of antibiotics in the young broilers, they're also looking at meat quality.
It's thought the antioxidants in cranberries could help increase storage time by preventing the oxidation of molecules in the meat.
