NE1942: Enhancing Poultry Production Systems through Emerging Technologies and Husbandry Practices

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/25/2020] [09/17/2021] [09/26/2022] [08/07/2023] [08/23/2024]

Date of Annual Report: 09/25/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/27/2020 - 07/27/2020
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2019 - 09/30/2020

Participants

• John Linhoss – Miss State - Biosystems engineering
• Tayo Adedokun - U Kentucky - Poultry nutrition, amino acids, minerals
• Kelley Wamsley - Miss State – Broiler nutrition, feed particle, amino acids
• Janice Siegford - Michigan State – Laying hen alternative housing systems
• Ken Koelkebeck U of Illinois –Laying hens, broilers extension, heat stress, management
• Tony Pescatore – U Kentucky – Poultry nutrition and Mgmt, Extension
• Pratima Adhikari – Miss State – Laying hen nutrition, management, gut health
• Shawna Weimer – U Maryland – Broiler welfare and stress physiology
• Dianna Bourassa – Auburn – Processing food safety and welfare
• Heng Wei Cheng – USDA ARS
• Jorge Vizcarra – Alabama A&M – Poultry as an animal model
• Mary Anne Amalaradjou – U Conn – Food safety, natural antimicrobials
• John Boney – Penn State – Broiler, turkey nutrition and management
• Wei Zhai – Miss State – Poultry nutrition
• Tom Vukina - NC State – Economics, integrator grower relations, welfare
• Anup Johny – U Minnesota – Food safety
• Mike Persia – Virginia Tech – Broiler, layer, and turkey nutrition
• Yang Zhao – Miss State/U Tenn – Environment, precision livestock farming
• Wilmer Pacheco – Auburn – Feed processing and broiler nutrition
• Wei Zhai – Miss State – Nutrition and gut health
• Ken Anderson – NC State – Laying hens, eggs
• Lingjuan Li – NC State – Environmental control, ag engineering
• Daniel Chesser – Miss State – Ag engineering housing design, energy efficiency
• Indu Upadhaya – U Conn – Food safety
• Paul Patterson – Penn State – Laying hens, nutrition, nutrient management
• Rajesh Jha – U Hawaii - Poultry nutrition and gut health
• Sally Noll – U Minnesota – Turkey management and nutrition

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2020 NE-1942 Minutes.pdf

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Integrating technological advances into poultry systems. This will include collaborative research on incorporating engineering and technology to enhance system efficiency and sustainability through infrastructure development of blockchain production. 1a. Engineering and Technology AL - Auburn U. - Pacheco Since October 1st 2019, a total of 9 Feedstuffs articles have been published and 3 extension bulletins have been published through the Alabama Extension website. A total of 5 presentations have been presented to a wide variety of audiences including students, faculty, poultry integrators as well as to the poultry and feed industries in Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. Four student interns and 3 graduate students have been trained in feed processing and poultry nutrition technology. MD - U. of Maryland - Weimer The Cocci Lesion Assessment project was a collaboration with Kate Miska at the USDA-ARS in Beltsville, MD. Broilers were challenged with coccidiosis (Emeria tenella) and the pathogenicity of the coccidial lesions were scored visually on a 0-4 scale. Digital images of the ceca were taken and the length, width, and lesion surface area were measured and calculated in ImageJ for each cecum in each image. The results from this project suggest that digital image technology has the potential to be a useful diagnostic tool to determine the pathogenicity of coccidia. The Chicken Tracking project is a collaboration with the University of Maryland Computer Science department developing algorithms to detect and predict broiler chicken behavior using deep learning neural network computer vision models. Behavior coding, video and image processing, and validation are ongoing. The aim of the Broiler Leg Health project is to establish and validate novel techniques to assess broiler leg health. We are investigating several applications for techniques to assess gait and skeletal integrity. We are currently in the early planning stages and will test prototypes in the coming months. PA - Penn State U. - Patterson   As an alternative for hatching egg sanitation, pulsed UV light was optimized for the inactivation of E. coli and Enterococcus faecium on shell eggs using a modified egg candling conveyor then tested on fertile hatching eggs. We determined PUV had no negative effects on fertility, hatchability or chick liability to 6wks and the system has promise for industrial scale-up. PA - Penn State U. - Boney   Animal feed producers are starting to implement more harsh processing techniques to control food borne pathogens and subsequent food borne illness outbreaks.  Examples of these techniques include increased steam conditioning temperatures and increased steam conditioning barrel retention time. These techniques may also improve feed milling efficiency and pellet quality. However, cost savings from improvements to physical feed quality and manufacturing efficiency is limited to the degree in which nutrients are degraded or denatured from these harsher techniques. Studying the interactions between milling efficiency, pellet quality, animal health, and performance is crucial for success in the changing poultry industry. Recent study results from the Boney lab demonstrate the ability to maintain turkey poult performance (D1-28) and bone mineralization when applying thermally aggressive processing strategies to improve feed manufacturing efficiency and pellet quality. On-farm nutrient segregation may also be affected by integrating new manufacturing techniques. Recent data from the Boney lab describes how investing in improved pellet quality can minimize nutrient segregation, providing a more similar plane of nutrition across the poultry house. Furthermore, the length of the feed line in the poultry house contributes to the degree of nutrient segregation. These consideration must be considered when investing feed quality improvements. 1b. Environmental Control and Management IL -  U. of Illinois - Koelkebeck, Gates, and Xiong Continuous Air Quality Monitoring in Alternative Laying Hen Houses. We evaluated the thermal comfort and air quality in commercial alternative layer houses, using the iPMU systems for simultaneous measurements of interior environmental parameters, including house temperature, ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations during cold and warm conditions. Six iPMUs were placed in three different hen houses on one site, including two aviaries (AV1 and AV2) and an enrichable cage house (EC) from February 1st to July 1st, 2019. The average daily ambient temperature ranged from -13.1 to 26.70C. The overall averaged interior air temperatures were 9.6 to 35.20C (AV1); 14.2 to 39.50C, (AV2); and 24.1 to 31.40C (EC). There was a variation in temperature distribution between the top and the bottom levels for all three houses, indicating the thermal environment was not uniform in the vertical direction. Overall, the hens in all three houses experienced THI conditions from normal to emergency categories. The average CO2 concentrations ranged from approximately 400 to 5,800 ppm for the three hen houses. During monitoring, 75% of the CO2 measurements were lower than 5,000 ppm for all three poultry houses. The NH3 concentrations recorded within the barn ranged from 2 to 54.2, 1.5 to 14.2, and 1.6 to 47.3 ppm on average, for AV1, AV2, and EC, respectively, with extreme values above 80 ppm observed during colder outside temperatures. During monitoring, 75% of the NH3 concentrations were below 60 ppm for all three houses. A variation was notable for NH3 concentrations measured between the top and bottom levels. The thermal environment and the gas concentrations in these facilities were not uniform. Both winter minimum ventilation and summer tunnel ventilation were not sufficient during some monitoring periods, and further improvement to the ventilation management strategies would be helpful. Management practices to monitor the interior thermal environment, investigate the air inlets performance (number of inlets and air velocity), adjust operational static pressure (which drives the air inlets), or which fans to operate during coldest conditions, should be considered by the producer. PA - Penn State U. Patterson Vegetative environment buffers have been studied and incorporated onto poultry farms for 5 major conservation practices: 1. For landscaping, screening and beautifying, 2. To improve air quality, 3. To improve water quality, 4. For energy conservation, and 5. For biomass production. More recently we studied the impact of buffers as cover for outdoor birds as protection from predators and the elements and their merits to enhance utilization of outdoor spaces and well-being. Objective 2. Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaborative research will encompass a multi-disciplinary approach to create a resilient poultry production system through optimal management of inputs and outputs in an ethically responsible manner. 2a. Nutritional Strategies and Feed Manufacture AL - Alabama A&M - Vizcarra The following projects were conducted: Alternatives to the skip-a-day feeding method in broiler chickens: Hemp (Cannabis sativa) supplementation Systemic infusion of acylated and des-acyl ghrelin on feed intake, weight gain, corticosterone, and growth hormone concentrations in male broiler chickens The effect of ghrelin agonists and antagonists on feed intake and animal behavior in chickens and turkeys. Corticosterone infusion and the concentrations of insulin, ghrelin and glucose in full fed and feed restricted birds Feed restriction and mild hypothermia on concentrations of ghrelin, corticosterone and pulmonary arterial pressure in broiler chickens The effect of short-term feed restriction on spatial memory: Development of a novel galliform model. IN - USDA-ARS - Cheng Dietary Synbiotic Supplementation Reduces Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens. The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. M. Erasmus and Dr. Brad Kim (Purdue University) and Dr. G.R. Murugesan (Biomin America, Inc.). This study was to examine the effects of a dietary synbiotic supplement on growth performance and health of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. Day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments for 42 days: regular diets mixed with the synbiotic at 0, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg feed. The results indicate that dietary supplementation increases bone growth and meat quality in broilers under a cyclic heating episode via increased bone mineral variability, inhibited bone resorption, and enhanced immunity and muscle oxidative stability. The findings provide insights for poultry meat producers and scientists to develop novel management strategies for increasing skeletal health and welfare of broilers, particularly in the areas that experience hot climates. Probiotic, Bacillus Subtilis, Prevents Injurious Behaviors and Increases Skeletal Health in Laying Hens. This study was conducted with Dr. M. Erasmus, Dr. Brad Kim and Dr. Tim Johnson (Purdue University). This project works on prevention or alleviation of social stress and related injurious behaviors and skeletal damage in laying hens by developing an animal-friendly method. The objectives of this study were 1) To determine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, reduces social stress in caged hens via regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-medullary-adrenal axis; 2) To examine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, prevents social stress-induced injurious behaviors and osteoporosis in caged hens by regulating the serotonergic system via the microbiota-gut-brain axis; and 3) To determine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, increases health status and well-being in caged hens via regulating intestinal and systemic immunity. The chicks were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) non-beak trimmed chicks fed a regular diet, 2) beak trimmed chicks fed the regular diet, and 3) probiotic-treated chicks (non- beak trimmed chicks fed the regular diet mixed with probiotic). Hens were evaluated for skeletal and foot health, feather quality, egg production traits, feed intake, causes of death, behavior, physiological responses, and gut microorganism changes. The data indicate that the dietary probiotic supplement increases skeletal health and reduces injurious behaviors in laying hens, resulting from up-regulation of brain serotonergic system and down-regulations of proinflammatory cytokines. HI - U. of Hawaii - Jha The research done in Dr. Jha's laboratory emphasizes on “Nutrition programing to improve the gut health of monogastric animals,” and “Evaluating novel feedstuffs and feed additives for their nutritional value and functional properties in pigs and poultry” using both in vivo and in vitro digestion and fermentation models. Of particular interest is “Early nutrition programming in broiler chickens” using an in ovo inoculation model. HI - U. of Hawaii - Misra Dr. Misra's lab is focused on improving the laying persistency and egg production traits. We identified the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the egg production in the oviduct of laying hens. Further, we delineated the mechanism by which environmental heat stress affects the egg production, and egg quality in the oviduct of laying hens. MN - U. of MN - Johny Our group investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of lemongrass essential oil and the major component of cinnamon oil, trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), against Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) in ground turkey. Ground turkey was mixed with either essential oils or nothing, and the product was then inoculated with SH. SH counts after storage at refrigeration temperature showed that essential oils reduced SH by 100-fold in ground turkey. We also investigated the effect of essential oils on the cell wall of SH to understand the mechanistic basis for bacterial inactivation. Analysis under the microscope revealed that the essential oils damaged the SH cell wall, potentially resulting in its death. The results of this study indicated that essential oils show promise in reducing SH in ground turkey during refrigerated storage. Ongoing studies further explore the applications of essential oils in turkeys and ground turkey in combination with other control measures. We also investigated the potential of TC against SH on broiler drumsticks at scalding conditions intended for organic poultry processing. Broiler chicken drumsticks were inoculated with SH and were immersed in treatment water containing different concentrations of TC alone or in combination with peracetic acid (PAA) at scalding conditions. After scalding, the drumsticks were appropriately processed to obtain surviving SH populations. We also determined the efficacy of the scalding treatments against SH survival on drumsticks during chilled storage for 2 days. Additionally, the effect of the treatments on the surface color of drumsticks was evaluated. Results revealed that PAA and its combination with TC resulted in a significant reduction of SH. Moreover, the same treatments inactivated SH to non-detectable levels from the scalding water without adversely affecting the surface color of the drumsticks. The study revealed that TC could be an alternative antimicrobial for SH control in organic poultry processing. We are currently investigating the potential of TC against Salmonella on whole carcasses. Similar to the previous project, we investigated the potential of caprylic acid (CA), a medium-chain fatty acid, against SH on broiler drumsticks during scalding. All methods were similar to the project that investigated TC against SH on drumsticks. Results revealed that PAA alone or in combination with CA resulted in more than 2 log reduction on the drumsticks without affecting the surface color. More investigations are ongoing to validate the findings on whole carcasses. MS - Mississippi State - Zhai Effects of Riboflavin and Bacillus Subtilis on Blood Components of Male Broiler with or without Coccidial challenge. Probiotics, along with intestinal commensal bacteria, produce bile salt hydrolase (BSH). BSH hydrolyze conjugated bile, which depletes the emulsification capacity of bile salt and reduces lipid digestion and absorption. In this study, we hypothesized that the supplementation of extra riboflavin (as a BSH inhibitor and an antioxidant) in diet along with probiotic Bacillus subtilis minimize the adverse effects of coccidial challenge, reduce stress, and increase antioxidant enzyme. The objective was to determine the effects of riboflavin, Bacillus subtilis, and coccidial challenge on blood Heterophil to Lymphocyte (H: L) ratio, which is a stress indicator; serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an antioxidant enzyme that removes superoxide to protect cells, and their relationship with the development of woody breast (WB). A total of 1,248 d-old Ross 708 male broiler were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 3 × 2 × 2 (riboflavin × Bacillus subtilis × cocci) arrangement, and each treatment consists of 8 replicating blocks. Diets with 3 levels of riboflavin, (0.75, 6.6 (recommended), and 20 ppm, with or without Bacillus subtilis (1.1×108 CFU/Kg) were fed to the birds. On d 14, 20× doses of commercial cocci vaccine were orally gavaged to birds in the challenged groups. On d 35, one bird per pen was selected, and blood was collected. There was no difference in the H: L ratio among the treatments. When birds were fed 6.6 ppm of riboflavin, cocci challenge lowered serum SOD levels. Eimeria spp proliferation in the intestinal cells can increase the production of free radicals (superoxide). More SOD may have been consumed to neutralize the increased free radicals in challenged birds, which resulted in lower SOD. The H:L ratio was positively correlated with the moderate WB, which indicates that increased severity of WB might have induced more stress in birds or vice versa. In conclusion, riboflavin and Bacillus subtilis did not alter the stress induced by the coccidial challenge and development of WB; however feeding different levels of riboflavin during coccidial challenge might affect birds’ antioxidation enzyme production and utilization. Eimeria Challenge and Feed Additives Affected Broiler Woody Breast Incidence. Woody breast (WB) is a common breast muscle myopathy condition in the current commercial broilers. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of antibiotic and probiotic on WB incidence in male and female broilers with or without cocci challenge. A total of 672 male and 672 female Ross × Ross 708 day-old chicks were randomized assigned to 12 treatments with a 3 (diet) × 2 (cocci challenge) × 2 (sex) factorial arrangement in 8 blocks. The 3 dietary treatments were: control diet (corn-soybean meal basal diet), antibiotic diet (basal diet + 6.075 mg bacitracin /kg feed), and probiotic diet (basal diet + 2.2 × 108 CFU Bacillus subtilis PB6 /kg feed). One mL 20 × cocci vaccine was orally gavaged to chicks in cocci challenge treatments on d 14. Birds in non-challenged treatments received same volume of distilled water. On d 29, 35, and 43, breast conditions in live birds were determined by palpation and grouped into Normal, Slight, Moderate, and Severe conditions by the severity of WB. Data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA. Cocci challenge increased incidences of Moderate WB on d 29, Slight WB in male birds on d 35, and total Moderate and Severe WB on d 43. On d 43, supplementation of antibiotic or probiotic to the basal diet increased overall WB incidence in birds not receiving cocci challenge; cocci challenge increased overall WB in birds fed control diet. Birds fed antibiotic or probiotic diet exhibited higher Slight WB incidence than those fed control diet. In addition, male birds exhibited higher incidence of Slight WB on d 29, Moderate WB on d 35, and Moderate and Severe WB on d 43, as compared to female birds, which may be due to higher growth rate in male birds. In summary, on d 43, antibiotic and probiotic supplementation increased WB incidence in non cocci-challenged group; and cocci challenge increased WB incidence in birds fed control diet. Manipulation of intestinal microbial by antibiotic or probiotic administration or cocci challenge may have disrupted the original microbiome balance in the chicken gastro intestinal tract and induced stress and subsequently increased WB incidence. Effects of Nutrients Reduction on the Growth Performance and Economic Analysis of Ross 708 Broilers. Modern broilers exhibited fast growth rate, which caused poor meat quality and animal welfare problems. To decrease the growth rate, the current study investigated amino acid and energy reduction on the growth performance and economic return of Ross 708 broilers. The study used a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of 12 treatments (3 energy × 4 AA). The 3 apparent metabolizable energy (AME) levels were 100, 92, and 84% of the commercial diet. The 4 levels of digestible AA (Lys, TSAA, and Thr) were 100, 90, 80, and 70% of the commercial diet. A total of 864 broilers were randomly allocated to 6 blocks. Each block contained 12 pens with 12 birds per pen. Broilers fed 70% AA and 100% AME exhibited the lowest average body weight (ABW) on d 10, 24, 34, and 41; and lower daily body weight gain (DBWG) than broilers fed 70% AA and 92% AME during d 0-10, 10-24, 24-34, and 34-41. These results suggested that AME reduction would not decrease ABW or DBWG when broilers fed low level of AA. AME or AA reduction would increase FCR. Broilers fed 84% AME exhibited higher FCR than 100% AME during d 41-48 or during d 0-10 when broilers fed 90% AA. Similarly, broiler fed 70% AA exhibited the highest FCR among all levels of AA during d 10-24. The increased FCR related with daily feed intake (DFI). Broilers fed 84 and 92% AME exhibited higher DFI than 100% AME during d 0-10 or d 41-48 when broilers fed 70% AA. Broilers fed 70% AA and 100% AME exhibited lower DFI than 11 groups during d 10-24, 9 groups during d 24-34 and d 34-41. However, nutrients reduction increased gross margin return. Broilers fed 70 or 80% AA exhibited lower feed cost/BW and higher return than 100% AA on d 41 and 55. In addition, broilers fed 84 or 92% AME exhibited lower feed cost / BW and higher return than 100% AME on d 41 and 55.In conclusion, AME or AA reduction would negatively increased DFI and FCR, but could decrease feed cost and increase return. PA - Penn State U. - Patterson Organic poultry production in the US has a sunset on the utilization of synthetic methionine in poultry diets that will severely limit poultry meat and egg production, efficient nutrient utilization and environmental sustainability. Therefore, alternative technologies and feedstuffs will be necessary to meet poultry methionine requirements into the future. We have done considerable research into Black Soldier Fly Larvae, meal and oil as alternative feedstuffs for laying hens and to document their life cycle analysis compared to traditional feedstuffs with the WWF. The larvae and meal are a concentrated source of methionine. MS - Mississippi State U. - Wamsley Establishing the digestible isoleucine requirement of Ross 708 male broilers for each feeding phase; Results:  Starter and Grower dlle requirements have been estimated using growth parameters and economic analysis. All dIle requirements were estimated using quadratic regression (95% of the asymptote; QR), as well as linear and quadratic broken line models (LBL; QBL). For the starter phase (0-18 d), estimated requirements for BW, BWG, and FCR ranged from 63 – 74 % dIle:dLys (0.76-0.90% dIle) depending upon the regression model utilized. For the grower phase (14-28 d), estimated requirements for BW, BWG, and FCR ranged from 62.22 – 69.57% dIle:dLys (0.68-0.76 % dIle) depending upon the regression model utilized. Additionally, the range for dIle:dLys for % Breast and Tender relative to Body Weight was from 63 – 84% (0.69 – 0.92% dIle). Remaining dIle requirements will be established for the finisher and withdrawal phases in the upcoming year. Evaluating the optimal dLys and AME for Cobb MV × Cobb 500 throughout growout; Pesults:  Experiment 1: Cobb MV × Cobb 500 male broilers fed HAA (1.28% dLys) during the starter phase had the lowest d 0-14 FCR and uFCR. Additionally, feeding starter diets formulated to ≤ ME (3070 kcal/kg AME) improved d 0-14 FCR, while feeding ≤ LE (2980 kcal/kg AME) improved d 0-28 FCR. Experiment 2: Feeding Cobb MV × Cobb 500 females the Grower diets formulated to ≥1.08% dLys or ≤3116 kcal/kg AME optimized breast yield (relative to d 42 carcass weight). Also, a stepwise increase in d 42 breast weight when increasing grower dLys levels from 1.00 to 1.18% was found. Feeding Cobb MV × Cobb 500 female broilers the Grower diet formulated to 1.18% dLys + 3028 kcal/kg AME (fed from 14-28 d) was the most profitable at the end of the grow-out period (d 42). The finisher phase research will be conducted in this calendar year. Response of broilers fed phytase enzymes of different optimal pH ranges alone or in combination; Results:  Three phytases (A, B and C) with unique characteristics in their sequence or IP6 hydrolysis were evaluated for complimentary action upon IP6 via combinations of A, B, and/or C. Feeding A+B+C at 240 FTU/kg led to maximized BWG beyond birds fed C at 120 FTU/kg, A+B+C at 120 FTU/kg, C at 240 FTU/kg, and A at 240 FTU/kg. Birds fed of A, B, C, A+B, B+C, or A+C had similar tibia ash % regardless of FTU/kg. Feeding A+B+C at 240 FTU/kg increased IP5. Birds fed B alone had improved Ca digestibility with increased activity fed, while those fed A alone and A+C had reduced digestibility at 240 FTU/kg. Feeding B and B+C increased P digestibility at higher phytase activities. Birds fed B, B+C, and A+B+C demonstrated improved amino acid digestibility at 240 FTU/kg, while those fed C and A+C exhibited a reduction. Future research will conduct a full grow-out with similar phytase inclusion strategies, but with higher activity levels. KY - U. of Kentucky - Pescatore and Adedokun A series of experiments to evaluate determine ways to mitigate the effects of stress in birds exposed to different types of stress ranging from coccidia vaccine to heat stress. Also, the effect of stress on energy and nutrient digestibility and utilization of diets was also investigated. Furthermore, the possibility of the removal of anti coccidia drugs from poultry diets would likely increase the possibility of gastrointestinal challenges in poultry. To this effect, we conducted a series of studies to evaluate the potential of a poultry intestinal stress related effect on several variables including digestibility, intestinal inflammation and permeability, as well as serum levels of heat shock protein in control and challenged birds. Results from these studies shows that nitrogen excretion in broilers and laying hens could be reduced by careful control of dietary nutrients during diet formulation and that intestinal stress could decrease the intestinal integrity of poultry. A study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inorganic Zn (ZnO 80 or 30 mg Zn/kg diet) versus Zn proteinate (Bioplex® Zn, 80 or 30 mg Zn/kg diet Alltech) on keel bone damage. Birds without any deviation from normal were a 1, any deviation was given a 2; while a deviation resembling the shape of an ‘S’ was given a 3. At 29 weeks of age a score of 1 was given to 27% birds, a 2 was given to 70%, and a 3 to 3%. At the end of the 36-week period, a score of 1 was given to 8% of birds, a score of 2 to 55%, and a score of 3 to 37%. Hens receiving the lowest level of Zn as ZnO had greater incidence of keel bone deformity than with Bioplex®Zn. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of using in ovo application of γ-tocopherol vitamin E (GTVE) on green muscle disease (GMD). Eggs were hand-injected with 100ul of canola oil or 30IU GTVE in canola oil (in mixed tocopherols 95, DSM) on ED (embryo day) 12 or 18.5. In ovo GTVE regardless of the time of ED injections reduced GMD to 45.82% compared to 62.5 and 91.58% for canola and control groups. 2b. Disease Control and Management MN - U. of Mnnesota - Noll Footpad Dermatitis in Commercial Turkeys. Footpad dermatitis is a welfare concern characterized by skin inflammation with erosion and ulceration of the footpad. Assessment at processing allows better observation. Live bird scoring (LS) is difficult due to adherence of litter but could yield important information. The study objective was to investigate agreement between LS and postmortem (PM) score. Hybrid Converter hen turkeys were housed at different stocking densities and bedding material. The footpads of 6 and 14 wk old hens (N=24 per age) were scored by two observers after minimal removal of material (LS) and then re-scored PM after sampling and storage in 10% buffered formalin resulting in a cleaner pad. Footpads were scored (Berg, 1998 0- no lesion and 2- severe) and a composite score given. One sample proportion test was used to test the agreement of LS and PM scores of the same turkey hen and age group. Spearman correlation tested the association of LS and PM scores. At 14 wk, 13, 63, and 25% of turkeys had LS score of 0, 1, and 2, respectively with average of 1.13. The average PM score was 1.13 with 33, 21, and 46% having scores of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. A moderate correlation was found between LS and PM (r=0.59, P=0.0028) and reported earlier (Furo et al., 2017). Agreement was 54% (95% CI 33, 74%). The most discrepancy in score occurred at score 1. For hens at 14 wk with a LS of 1 (N=15), three were subsequently re-scored PM as 0 and seven as 2. In conclusion, agreement between LS and PM footpad score was better for turkeys assessed at 6 wk versus 14 wk. At 14 wk, the LS and PM discrepancy at score 1 (mild lesions) indicated it was more difficult to assess perhaps due observation conditions. Thus further data collection is needed, with possible revision of current footpad scoring schemes advised. AL - Auburn U. - Bourassa Dr. Bourassa’s lab is focusing on prevention strategies to minimize the occurrence and levels of the foodborne pathogens Salmonella and Campylobacter on poultry and poultry products. Our main areas of focus have been the identification of target areas for improvements in food safety and sanitation through the use of processing plant biomapping, application of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) in combination with an acidifier for the reduction of Campylobacter during processing and on final products, and transmission of Salmonella on dust within poultry houses. Extension activities included addressing urgent concerns of the Alabama commercial poultry industry as well as the industry nationwide. This included quarterly HACCP Roundtable meetings where industry personnel and FSIS can come together to discuss current regulatory issues. In addition to serving the poultry industry, both public and youth groups were served through programming including youth poultry judging training and contests (4-H and FFA). AL - Auburn U. - Macklin Dr. Macklin's Lab research has focused primarily around on farm - Salmonella mitigation strategies as well as exploring novel Salmonella recovery methods. To date windrow composting as well as the use of an organic acid salt have shown promise in reducing this pathogen in the environment. Results from the novel Salmonella recovery had shown that surgical shoe covers were the most effective; however, in research setting repurposed paint rollers were almost as effective and under research pen trials much easier to perform. Some additional ongoing research is looking at the effect coccidiosis infection has on Salmonella colonization. This research is ongoing. Concluded research that was performed with the feed milling specialist was a survey of feed mills in Alabama with the goal of determining the bacterial levels associated with feed and its ingredients. Results of that study had shown the recovery of no Salmonella, though based on E. coli recovery it is possible if the feed mill and finished feed is poorly managed/handled. In addition, several spore forming Clostridia and Bacillus survived the pelleting process. These bacteria originated from currently utilized ingredients or had persisted in the feed mill from previous used ingredients. These findings show that proper feed mill cleaning is important and if a pathogenic spore former is present crucial to reduce the chance of spreading it to flocks being fed feed from that mill. Whole genome sequencing is being conducted to identify any potential toxins being produced by these bacteria. Extension activities included addressing urgent concerns of the Alabama commercial poultry industry as well as the industry nationwide. Educating feed mill managers on the best management practices that should be in place for proper storage and manufacturing of feed in order to minimize any potential animal and human health issues that may arise. Working with poultry veterinarians on methods to reduce and/or control the spread of protozoal and bacterial pathogens. In addition to serving the poultry industry, both public and youth groups were served through programming including youth poultry judging training and contests (4-H and FFA). Educating backyard/small flock poultry producers on how to raise and manage their animals, proper handling, regulatory requirement and methods for converting live birds to meat products. GA - U. of Georgia - Thippareddi and Bekkers  The focus of Dr. Thippareddi’s lab is to mitigate the risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter prevalence and concentrations as well as the antimicrobial resistance in those pathogens in poultry and poultry products throughout the poultry production processing continuum. The main areas of focus are to identify and evaluate methods to reduce the concentrations at the production related to the broiler environment (water, feed, litter and air), manipulation of poultry gut microbiome through use of pre- and probiotics and other feed/water ingredients unit operations at processing from loading through further processing of products. MD - U. of Maryland - Weimer The aim of the Salmonella Project is to evaluate the differences in the susceptibility of conventional and slow-growing broilers to a Salmonella typhimurium Samples have been collected but processing and analysis have been paused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results from this project will provide data on the impact of growth rate on resident intestinal microbiota and the effect of a pathogen challenge on intestinal microbiome response. 2c. Physiological Responses to Environment and Welfare MD - U. of Maryland - Weimer Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Weimer was working with Delmarva integrators on applied research projects as well as providing technical assistance with animal welfare program assessments. These activities will resume once UMD approves resumption of extension. MI - Michigan State U. - Siegford and Swanson Research in the Animal Behavior and Welfare Group under Dr. Siegford and Dr. Swanson falls predominantly under NE-1942 Objective 2c: Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape: Physiological Response to Environment and Welfare. In particular, their work focuses on examining alternative housing systems and space, including access to litter, on the behavior of laying hens. Recent projects have examined how different commercial strains of laying hens respond to an aviary environment. Their work has demonstrated that white hens show more use of perches to roost, nests to lay eggs and litter for dust bathing compared to brown hens, which lay eggs within a shorter window and typically have more space between themselves and other hens. Most recently, PhD candidate Tessa Grebey’s work is examining differences in dust bathing among strains of hens as impacted by social context, litter restriction and time of day. Dr. Siegford also works with colleagues examining how various types of precision livestock farming technology, ranging from body worn sensors to computer vision, could be used to provide information on individual laying hens to reduce damaging behavior and to better meet birds’ needs. Dr. Swanson serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the United Egg Producers to ensure that laying hen standards, including those that apply to hens in alternative housing systems, are based on science. PA - Penn State U. - Boney Pennsylvania’s proximity to large population centers along the east coast and their ever-changing demands explains the diversity of the poultry industry in the state. Animal welfare organizations have marketed their practices as superior. Scientifically evaluating these practices to ensure animal welfare improvement is imperative. Furthermore, re-evaluating husbandry practices within the bounds of the welfare organization of choice may maximize both profit potential and animal welfare. These data can be used by integrators when deciding which voluntary programs they wish to use. A recent study compared commercial lighting programs and programs associated with a nationally recognized animal welfare organization. Study results demonstrated how turkey poult performance and bone mineralization can be affected by lighting programs. Additional research in this area would greatly benefit the industry. CA - U. of California-Davis - Blatchford, Makagon, and Xiang The group at University of California, Davis engaged in research in the areas of poultry behavior, poultry welfare and meat science. The group conducted several projects to the use of commercially available sensors for automated tracking of poultry. These projects aimed to enhance our understanding of the effects of ectoparasites on laying hen behavior, the potential for using acoustic sensors to track movement, and whether hen-mounted sensors impact hen behavior. Additionally, the group completed a study of the impacts of rearing on the behavior of hens in enriched colony cages, and initiated a study into the effects of access to vertical space during rearing on the incidence of keel bone fractures as laying hens, cognitive development, and bone development. A systematic literature review about the impacts of housing on keel bone fracture prevalence was also completed. Research evaluating the trade- offs and relative reliabilities of animal-based welfare assessment strategies for commercial ducks was brought to completion. The group’s meat program evaluated the effect of chilling methods (water chilling vs. air chilling) on the shelf life of bone-in and boneless chicken breast. A novel microbiome tool was developed to determine the shelf life of chicken product from this project. The tracking individual birds in large flocks has long been a constraint in studying the behavior and welfare of poultry flocks. Automated recording of individuals allows for this tracking and provides both individual and flock based measures. When these sensors are well developed they may also provide less labor intensive monitoring of flocks for producers. However, before sensors can replace behavioral observations, it is important to ensure that the sensors produce accurate data and that their presence does not affect bird behavior or welfare. High prevalence of keel bone fractures among egg laying hens is an important and global poultry welfare concern. A recent systematic review of literature on this topic completed by our group has highlighted the need for research comparing assessment methods to facilitate comparison of data from different research labs. The need for work on developmental aspects of keel bone damage was also highlighted. Our group is conducting research to fill both of these knowledge gaps. Commercially raised ducks have received relatively little scientific attention from the animal welfare assessment standpoint. Although duck welfare assessments are conducted in research and production settings, there have been few efforts to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the welfare assessment protocols used. A scientific comparison of welfare assessment strategies for ducks provides assurances about the relative accuracy of commonly used assessment strategies, and allows for benchmarking of the welfare of ducks in relation to management strategies. A systematic evaluation of the two chilling methods has provided to poultry industry. The evaluation included shelf life of chicken, energy usage and economic impact. Scientific evidence was provided from this project to industrial partners, assisting with the decision-making if they want to shift the chilling method from one to another. 2d. Housing Systems MN - U. of Minnesota - Noll Partial Slotted Flooring (PSF) System for Market Turkey Toms. Market turkey toms were reared in PSF system from 6 to 18 wks of age. Red Rooster Double L Classic Plastic Flooring was installed to form 30% of the total floor area (with a pit underneath to collect waste) with the remaining floor area with bedding. Feeders and waterers were placed over the flooring to maximize waste collection. The control treatment was 100% of the floor area with bedding. The trial examined the influence of stocking density on turkey performance, carcass quality and litter characteristics due to previous observations that the turkeys spend most of their time in the bedded areas as compared to the area with flooring. Performance and carcass quality were similar between flooring treatments. Feed efficiency improved as stocking density decreased. Foot pad scores were more severe for turkeys at increased stocking density or reared on the conventionally bedded pens. Research supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MD - U. of MD - Eastern Shore - Moyle The following activities were done: On farm field day for training growers and allied industry (450+ attendees) on improving farm management, including: information controller management, environmental controls, litter management and government regulations. Used thermal camera to show how migration fences can effect ventilation during hot weather. Held trainings for growers (and techs 100+) on how to manage their controllers to improve house performance and efficiency. Evaluated noise reduction benefits of vegetative buffers. Management workshop for new growers. NC - NC State U. - Vukina Vote vs. Buy Gap in Case of Californian Battery-cage Ban. The objective of this research is to analyze the conditions under which individuals, nearly all of whom regularly consume animal products (for example eggs) may support legislation that requires farm production practices that result in improvements in perceived animal welfare. In many cases, individuals support such legislation even though these production practices increase farm costs and cause higher prices for all consumers. For example, more than 60% of the voters in California supported the ban on production of eggs with hens kept in cages, however their revealed willingness to pay for cage-free eggs is actually low and the projected social welfare loss is very large. We are in the process of developing an economic model that will explain this discrepancy between the voting and purchasing decisions and test the propositions of the theoretical model with the precinct level data on Proposition 2 referendum in California. NC - NC State U. - Anderson The egg industry is moving towards extensive production systems with a current estimate of 75 mil hens in cage free systems. This is to meet the desire of Retail consumers for this product however, individual family consumer demand has slowed due to the increased egg prices associated with this shift. These changes have been documented to not improve the welfare of the hens or the safety of the food they produce in systems which are more “humane”. Problem is that the consumers are far removed from production agriculture and don’t understand the inherent issues associated with animal production and the risks to the animal in more extensive systems North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test extension program has been on-going for 61 years in cooperation with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Primary Breeders of Commercial Egg Strains. The 40th NCLPMT Final Report Vol 40 No. 5 was published in July 2019. The NCLP&MT was designed to examine the strain by production system performance in an unbiased manner for egg producers in North Carolina and throughout the world. The test provided insight to egg companies to understand potential problems related to the management of the different genetic strains of white and brown egg layers that they may experience. These strains are commercially available in production systems used in the US and Europe. The results were disseminated to communities of interest via electronic means for the first time. This actually increased the audience. The reports are maintained on a web site and open to the regional, national, and international egg producers. The information is also used as the basis for training at regional and national meetings for the egg industry. The increased electronic communications have enhanced the reach of the project and continues to expand. The International Breeder Companies has deemed the NCLP&MT not relevant to the industry resulting them pulling their support. However, producers located around the world still value the information as indicators of strain by environment interactions. Research has also been focused on internal parasites in cage free and free range systems. What was accomplished under these goals? The 40th NCLP&MT final report includes non-feed- withdrawal program in all production systems without the use of any light restriction. Both White and Brown egg layers participated in the research project at the Piedmont Research Station. The hens in all systems experienced a respite from egg production with a 20% body weight loss in extensive production systems in White and Brown Egg Strains. The hen blood chemistry, stress physiology, livability and subsequent productivity of the hens having undergoing the non-anorexic molt are the key aspects along with taking into account the costs of feed and management. These costs may be more than compensated for by the expected reduction in mortality and increased salable eggs produced under the non-anorexic program which would provide additional monetary returns. There appears to be products which will reduce the incidence of internal parasites in range systems KY - U. of Kentucky - Pescatore and Adedokun Experiments were conducted laying flocks in commercial situations. The first experiment assessed whether movements of free-range laying hens were influenced by changing the locations of movable habitat enrichments, the research demonstrated moving shade in a range affected laying hen movement and location within the range. The second experiment identified a correlation between personality attributes of a stockman and flock productivity and developed a regression using production and personality parameters that yielded an 81.85% predictability of expected results. Key personality traits were emotional control and the relationship between detail orientation and assertiveness.

Publications

AL – Bourassa Harris, C.E., L.N. Bartenfeld, D.V. Bourassa, B.D. Fairchild, B.H. Kiepper, and R.J. Buhr. Evaluation of drinking water antimicrobial interventions on water usage, feed consumption, and Salmonella retention in broilers following feed and water withdrawal. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 28:699-711. Talorico, A.A., J.T. Krehling, K.S. Chasteen, L. R. Munoz, A. Pal, M. Bailey, D.V. Bourassa, and K.S. Macklin. Effect of windrow composting on Salmonella Enteriditis persistence in poultry litter. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Pal, A., M. Bailey, A. A. Talorico, J.T. Krehling, K.S. Macklin, and D.V. Bourassa. Examination of poultry litter as a potential source for airborne pathogens. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Bourassa, D.V., A. Giron, K.L. Woods, W.J. Pacheco, and K.S. Macklin. 2020. Mejora de la calidad e inocuidad de huevos en pequeños gallineros. ACES ANR-2657. Bourassa, D.V., K.L. Woods, W.J. Pacheco, and K.S. Macklin. 2020. Enhancing egg quality and safety in small flocks. ACES ANR-2642. Norton, R.A., K.S. Macklin, and D.V. Bourassa. What is the current state of the food supply? Poultry Times. V: 67 N: 12 June 08, 2020. Norton, R.A., S. Rodning, E. Monu, D.V. Bourassa, A. Tigue, and J. Sawyer. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the meat industry and food safety. Food Safety Magazine. eNewsletter. June 16, 2020. Norton, R.A., K.S. Macklin, and D.V. Bourassa. Poultry science professors comment on food supply, poultry processing operations. WATT AgNet.com press release. May 5, 2020.<a href="%20https:/www.wattagnet.com/articles/40231-poultry-science-professors-comment-"> https://www.wattagnet.com/articles/40231-poultry-science-professors-comment-</a><a href="https://www.wattagnet.com/articles/40231-poultry-science-professors-comment-on-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations"> on-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations</a> Growing America press release. May 5, 2020. <a href="https://www.growingamerica.com/news/2020/05/auburn-university-poultry-science-professors-comment-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations">https://www.growingamerica.com/news/2020/05/auburn-university-poultry-</a><a href="https://www.growingamerica.com/news/2020/05/auburn-university-poultry-science-professors-comment-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations"> science-professors-comment-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations</a> Geneva County Reaper. May 5, 2020. <a href="https://www.oppnewsonline.com/2020/05/01/poultry-science-professors-comment-on-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations/">https://www.oppnewsonline.com/2020/05/01/poultry-science-professors-</a><a href="https://www.oppnewsonline.com/2020/05/01/poultry-science-professors-comment-on-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations/"> comment-on-food-supply-poultry-processing-operations/</a> Bourassa, D.V. Bacteria on eggshells can be a concern. Chicken Whisperer Magazine. Spring 2020. Bourassa, D.V. Substantial impact of septicemia/toxemia carcass condemnations. WOGS Newsletter, June 2020. Bourassa, D.V. Factors impacting frequency of dead on arrival (DOAs). WOGS Newsletter, May 2020. Bourassa, D.V. Suggestions for employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. WOGS Newsletter, March 2020. Bourassa, D.V. Biomapping for better process control. WOGS Newsletter, February 2020. Bourassa, D.V. Impact of chilling rate on incidence of spaghetti breast. WOGS Newsletter, November 2019. Bourassa, D.V. Minimizing the cropper as a source for carcass contamination. WOGS Newsletter, October 2019. Hall, M., D.V. Bourassa, and A. Fanatico. Slaughter and processing of poultry. Small and Backyard Poultry eXtension Webinar. June 16, 2020. AL - Macklin Macklin, K.S., and R. Hauck, ed., Overview of Helminthiasis in Poultry, in the 12th edition of The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2019. Merial Select, Inc., Duluth, GA.<a href="https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/helminthiasis/helminthiasis-in-poultry"> https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/helminthiasis/helminthiasis-in-poultry</a> Poudel, A., T. Hathcock, P. Butaye, Y. Kang, S. Price, K. Macklin, P. Walz, R. Cattley, A. Kalalah, F. Adekanmbi and C. Wang. 2020. Comparison of microbiota, antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in flies and the feces of sympatric animals. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 96 (4), 1-13. Hamilton, M., X. Ma, B. McCrea, M. Carrisosa, K. Macklin, C. Zhanf, X. Wang and R. Hauck. 2020. Influence of Eimeria spp. infection on chicken jejunal microbiota and the efficacy of two alternative products against the infection. Avian Disease, 64 (2), 123-129. Muñoz, L., W. J. Pacheco, J. Krehling, K. Chasteen, A. Tailorico, L. Brooks, J. Evatt, and K. Macklin. 2020. Evaluation of commercially manufactured animal feeds to determine presence of Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract M127, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 27-28, 2020. Carrisosa, M., K. Macklin, C. Wang and R. Hauck. 2020. Development and application of a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for Eimeria maxima. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract M31, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 27-28, 2020. Herron, C., K. Macklin and A. Morey. 2020. New food safety challenges facing the poultry and meat industry with the advent of online meal delivery services. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract P217, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 27-28, 2020. Chasteen, K., K. Macklin, J. Krehling, L. Munoz and A. Talorico. 2020. The effect of low pH formic acid salts on litter performance. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract P264, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 27-28, 2020. (25%). Padgett, J., P. Price, T. Gaydos, R. Berghaus, J. Baxter, C. Hofacre, M. Sims and K. Macklin. 2020. Strategies to reduce colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in layers. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract P275, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 27-28, 2020. Haiderer, H.E., J. Krehling, L. Munoz, A. Talorico and K.S. Macklin. 2020. Evaluating roller swabs for Salmonella spp. detection. AU Student Research Forum. Auburn, AL. May 15, 2020. Virtual. Talorico, A.A., J.T. Krehling, K.S. Chasteen, L. R. Munoz, A. Pal, M. Bailey, D.V. Bourassa, and K.S. Macklin. Effect of windrow composting on Salmonella Enteritidis persistence in poultry litter. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Pal, A., M. Bailey, A. A. Talorico, J.T. Krehling, K.S. Macklin, and D.V. Bourassa. Examination of poultry litter as a potential source for airborne pathogens. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Bourassa, D. B., A. Giron, K. L. Woods, W. J. Pacheco, and K. S. Macklin. 2020. Mejora de la calidad e inocuidad de huevos en pequeños gallineros. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2657. Bourassa, D. B., K. L. Woods, W. J. Pacheco, and K. S. Macklin. 2020. Enhancing Egg Quality and Safety in Small Flocks. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2642. Macklin, K. S., S. Bonilla, W. J. Pacheco, and D. B. Bourassa. 2019. Bioseguridad para las aves de traspatio. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2611. Macklin, K.S., D.V. Bourassa, and W.J. Pacheco. Raising chickens for fun. Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Elmore County, Wetumpka, AL. February 24, 2020. AL - Pacheco Fahrenholz, A. C., W. J. Pacheco, C. R. Stark. 2020. Transportation: The mobile arm of your facility. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(06). Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Preventing dust explosions a must. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(05), page 28. Pacheco, W. J., Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. 2020. Understanding bulk density important. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(04), page 28. Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Importance of infrastructure systems emphasized. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(03), page 28. Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Keep infrastructure, material handling systems tiptop. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(02), page 28. Pacheco, W. J., Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. 2020. Tips for feed conditioning, cooling in winter. Feedstuffs. Vol. 92(01), page 28. Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. 2019. FSMA CGMPs Check Up - Part. Feedstuffs. Vol. 91(12), page 28. Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. 2019. FSMA CGMPs Check Up - Part. Feedstuffs. Vol. 91(11), page 28. Pacheco, W. J., Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. 2019. Post-pellet liquid application systems 101. Feedstuffs. Vol. 91(10), page 32. Bourassa, D. B., A. Giron, K. L. Woods, W. J. Pacheco, and K. S. Macklin. 2020. Mejora de la calidad e inocuidad de huevos en pequeños gallineros. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2657. Ovi, F., W. J. Pacheco, C. Starkey, and M. Rueda. 2020. Effect of different inclusion levels of whole corn from 14 to 42 days on productive and processing performance of broilers. Abstr. M52. International Poultry Scientific Forum. Rueda, M., S. Bonilla, C. de Souza, F. Ovi, J. Starkey, C. Starkey, J. Cueva-Caldas, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Evaluation of particle size, feed form and pellet diameter on broiler performance and processing yield from 1 to 39 days of age. Abstr. M53. International Poultry Scientific Forum. AL – A&M – Vizcarra Ceron-Romero, N., A. Thomas, E. Vroonland, K. Sanmartin, M. Verghese, E. Heinen and J.A. Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of a Ghrelin Receptor Agonist (Capromorelin) on Feed Intake and Body Weight Gain in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poultry Science (under review). Taofeek, N. O., N. Chimbetete, N. Ceron-Romero, F. Vizcarraa, M. Verghese and J. A Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of systemic infusion of acylated and des-acyl ghrelin on feed intake, weight gain, corticosterone, and growth hormone concentrations in male broiler chickens. Poultry Science (prepared to be submitted). Sanmartin-Castillo, K., E. Vroonland, N. Ceron, N. Taofeek, L. Swanson, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The Effect of a ghrelin receptor agonist (capromorelin) on Feed and Water Intake, Body Weight Gain and Animal Behavior in Female Broad Breasted White Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Poultry Science Annual Meeting (Abstract). Taofeek, N., Ceron-Romero, K. Sanmartin, E Embden, T. Smith, A. Thomas, O. Cintron, E. Vroonland, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of short term feed restriction and refeeding on ghrelin, growth hormone, glucose, insulin, and corticosterone concentrations in male broiler chickens. Poultry Science Annual Meeting (Abstract). Ceron-Romero, N., Taofeek, A. Thomas, K. Sanmartin, E. Vroonland, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of corticosterone infusion on the concentrations of insulin, ghrelin and glucose in full fed and feed restricted birds (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poultry Science Annual Meeting (Abstract). Thomas, A., T. Smith, K. Muse, N. Merrell, B. Mosley, M. Paris, N. Ceron, N. Taofeek, P. Sanmartin, E. Vroonland, E. Cebert, J. Boateng, S. Ogutu, M. Verghese and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) supplementation to the Skip-a-Day Feeding Method in Broiler Chickens: 1: Animal Behavior. STEM Day 2020. Alabama A&M University. Smith, T., A. Thomas, , K. Muse, N. Merrell, B. Mosley, M. Paris, N. Ceron, N. Taofeek, P. Sanmartin, E. Vroonland, E. Cebert, J. Boateng, S. Ogutu, M. Verghese and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The effect of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) supplementation to the Skip-a-Day Feeding Method in Broiler Chickens: 2: Animal Performance. STEM Day 2020. Alabama A&M University. Chimbetete, S. Willis, L. Shackelford, J. Vizcarra and M. Verghese. 2020. The Anti- Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa in Combination with Probiotics in Sprague Dawley Rats. Institute of Food Technologists (Abstract) Ceron-Romero, N, N. Taofeek, A. Thomas, J. Johnson, R. Winter, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2020. The Effect of Feed Restriction on Pulmonary Pressure and Hormones Related to Energy Metabolism in a Galliform Model (Gallus gallus domesticus). Taofeek, N., N. Ceron-Romero, A. Thomas, E. Vroonland, M. Verghese, and J.A. Vizcarra. 2019. The effect of Short-Term Feed Restriction on Spatial Memory: Development of a Novel Galliform Model. 2019. Aging Symposium. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Abstract p41. Ceron-Romero, N, N. Taofeek, A. Thomas, H. Chance, E. Vroonland, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2019. The Effect of ghrelin antagonist (D-Lys3) GHRP-6 on feed intake in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). STEM Day 2019. Alabama A&M University. Abstract #18. Ceron-Romero, N, N. Taofeek, A. Thomas, J. Johnson, R. Winter, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2019. The Effect of Feed Restriction and Mild Hypothermia on Concentrations of Ghrelin, Corticosterone and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Association of Research Directors. Jacksonville, FL. CA – UC-Davis Belk, A. D., Duarte, T.L., Quinn, C., Coil, D. A., Belk, K. E., Eisen, J.A., Quinn, J.C., Martin, J.N., Yang, X., Metcalf, J. L. (2020). Air versus water chilling of chicken: a pilot study of quality, shelf-life, microbial ecology, and economics. Microbiome. Under Review Murillo, A.C., Abdoli, A., Blatchford, R.A., Keogh, E.J., Gerry, A.C. (2020). Parasitic mites alter chicken behaviour and negatively impact animal welfare. Scientific Reports, 10, 8236. Pullin, A.N., Temple, S.M., Bennet, D.C., Rufener, C.B., Blatchford, R.A., Makagon, M.M. (2020). Pullet rearing affects collisions and perch use in enriched colony cage layer housing. Animals. In Press. Tracy, L.M., Temple, S.M., Bennet, D.C., Sprayberry, K.M., Makagon, M.M., and Blatchford, R.A. (2019). The reliability and accuracy of palpation, radiography, and sonography for the detection of keel bone damage. Animals, 9, 894. Rufener, C. and M.M. Makagon. (2020). Keel bone fractures in laying hens: a systematic review of prevalence across age, housing systems and strains. INVITED REVIEW. J. An. Sci. doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa145 Abdelfattah, E., G. Vezzoli and M.M. Makagon. (2020). On-farm welfare assessment of commercial Pekin duck: A comparison of methods. Poult. Sci.99: 689-697 Belk, A.D., Duarte, T.L., Coil, D., Belk, K.E., Eisen, J., Yang, X., Martin, J., Metcalf, J.L. (2019). Utilizing microbiome and bioinformatic tools to reduce food waste in poultry. AMSA 72nd Reciprocal Meat Conference, Fort Collins, CO. Duarte, T.L., Belk, A., Martin, J.N., Belk, K., Eisen, J., Coil, D., Metcalf, J.L., Yang, X. (2019). A comparison of water chilling and air chilling on poultry shelf life. AMSA 72nd Reciprocal Meat Conference, Fort Collins, CO. Maja M. Makagon, Allison N. Pullin, Mieko Temple, Darin C. Bennett, and Richard A. Blatchford. Behavior of laying hens reared in cage versus aviary pullet systems. Poultry Science, 98(E-suppl. 1). Wood, B, Makagon, MM & Blatchford, RA. Is scatter feeding enriching for broiler chicks? Poultry Science, 98(E-suppl. 1). Wood, B, Rufener, C, Blatchford, RA, Makagon, MM. Scatter feeding as a viable form of enrichment for commercial broiler chickens. Poultry Science, 98(E-suppl. 1). Budeguer, Z, Rufener, C, Makagon, MM. Does wearing sensors affect perching behavior of laying hens? Poultry Science, 98(E-suppl. 1). Pullin, AN, Temple, M, Bennett, DC, Rufener, C, Blatchford, RA & Makagon, MM. Pullet rearing affects long-term perch use by laying hens in enriched colony cages. Proceedings of the 53rd Congress of the International Society of Applied Ethology (ISAE).Tracy, L.M, Temple, M, Bennett, DC, Srayberry, KA, Makagon, MM & Blatchford, RA. The reliability of palpation, x-ray, and ultrasound techniques for the detection of keel bone damage. Poultry Science, 98(E-suppl. 1). GA Kumar, S., Singh, M., Cosby, D.E., Cox, N.A. and Thippareddi, H., 2020. Efficacy of peroxy acetic acid in reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. populations on chicken breast fillets. Poult. Sci. 99:2655-2661 Singh, M., Rama, E.N., Kataria, J., Leone, C. and Thippareddi, H., 2020. Emerging meat processing technologies for microbiological safety of meat and meat products. Meat and Muscle Biology, 4(2). Ramirez-Hernandez, A., Bugarel, M., Kumar, S., Thippareddi, H., Brashears, M.M. and Sanchez-Plata, M.X., 2019. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella strains isolated from chicken carcasses and parts collected at different stages during processing. Journal of food protection, 82:1793-1801. Sasikala Vaddu, Sudhir Yadav, Brian Jordan, Casey Ritz, and Harshavardhan Thippareddi. 2020. Effect of moisture content and holding temperature of poultry litter on the viability of Eimeria oocysts. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Effect of pH on PAA efficacy in reducing foodborne pathogens on chicken wings. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2020. Virtual. Sasikala Vaddu, Avani Gouru, Manpreet Singh and Harshavardhan Thippareddi. 2020. Microbiological quality and safety of chicken parts from salvage line during poultry processing. International Association for Food Protection, October 2020. Rama, Estefania Novoa, Matthew Bailey, Sanjay Kumar, Cortney Leone, Harshavardhan Thippareddi, and Manpreet Singh. Distribution and prevalence of Salmonella in conventional and no antibiotics ever broiler farms. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA. January 2020. Rama, Estefania Novoa, Matthew Bailey, Sanjay Kumar, Henk C. den-Bakker, Harshavardhan Thippareddi, and Manpreet Singh. Characterizing the gut microbiome of commercial broilers raised with and without antibiotics. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA. January 2020. Rama, Estefania Novoa, Cortney Leone, Sanjay Kumar, Matthew Bailey, Harshavardhan Thippareddi, and Manpreet Singh. Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and Campylobacter in conventional and no antibiotic ever broiler farms. Food Microbiology Annual Conference, Athens, Greece. October 2020.   Manpreet Singh and Harshavardhan Thippareddi. 2020. Biomapping:  An effective tool for pathogen control during poultry processing. C1200. Manpreet Singh and Harshavardhan Thippareddi. 2020. Biosecurity for on-farm pathogen control in poultry. C1195.  Manpreet Singh and Harshavardhan Thippareddi. 2020. Validating antimicrobial interventions in poultry processing. C1204. Harshavardhan Thippareddi and Manpreet Singh. 2020. Best Practices for Poultry Processing Safety. May 21, 2020. 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Webinar. HI – Jha Zhang, K. Cai, R. Mishra, and R. Jha. 2020. In ovo supplementation of chitooligosaccharide and chlorella polysaccharide affect cecal microbial community, metabolic pathways, and fermentation metabolites in broiler chickens. Poultry Science (accepted). Singh, K., U. P. Tiwari, J. D. Berrocoso, Y. Dersjant-Li, A. Awati, and R. Jha. 2019. Effect of a combination of xylanase, amylase, and protease and probiotics on major nutrients including amino acids and non-starch polysaccharides utilization in broilers fed different level of fibers. Poultry Science, 98:5571-5581. Yadav, B., R. Mishra, and R. Jha. 2019. 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Assessment of novel water treatment equipment (H2Oelite) on broiler performance, tibia ash and mineral digestibility, (E-Suppl. 1). Poult Sci. Wamsley, K. G.S., Pilgrims Feed Mill Manger Meeting, "Crumb Quality: Increasing Starter Average Feed Particle Size to Optimize Broiler Performance," Pilgrims Pride, Chattanooga, TN. (June 12, 2019). Wamsley, K. G.S., XXIth Massey/Industry Technical Conference, "Increasing Starter Average Feed Particle Size to Optimize Broiler Performance: Journey to Determining the Optimal Starter Feed Particle Size," Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ. (May 21, 2019). Wamsley, K. G.S. 80th Minnesota Nutrition Conference, “Response of broilers fed phytase enzymes alone or in combination,” University of Minnesota. Mankato, MN. (Sept 2019) NC Beckstead, R. B., K. Anderson, and L. R. McDougald (2020) Oviduct fluke (Prostagonimus macrorchis) found inside a chicken egg in North Carolina. Avian Diseases: Posted on line April 2020. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1637/aviandiseases-D-20-00021">https://doi.org/10.1637/aviandiseases-D-20-00021</a> Toomer, O.T., E. Sanders, T.C. Vu, M.L. Livingston, B.Wall, R.D. Malheiros, L.V. Carvalho, K.A. Livingston, P.R. Ferket,and K.E. Anderson, 2020. Potential Transfer of Peanut and/or Soy Proteins from Poultry Feed to the Meat and/or Eggs Produced. ACS Omega 2020, 5, 1080−1085. Jones, D.R., Gast, R.K., Regmi, P., Ward, G.E., Anderson, K.E., and Karcher, D.M. 2020. Pooling of laying hen environmental swabs and efficacy of Salmonella spp. detection. J Food Prot. 2020 Feb 6. doi: 10.4315/JFP-19-467. [Epub ahead of print] Gast, R. K., Regmi, P., Guraya, R., Jones, D. R., Anderson, K. E., & Karcher, D. M. (2019). Colonization of internal organs by Salmonella Enteritidis in experimentally infected laying hens of four commercial genetic lines in conventional cages and enriched colony housing. Poultry Science, 98(4), 1785–1790. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey541 Gast, R. K., Regmi, P., Guraya, R., Jones, D. R., Anderson, K. E., & Karcher, D. M. (2019). Contamination of eggs by Salmonella Enteritidis in experimentally infected laying hens of four commercial genetic lines in conventional cages and enriched colony housing. Poultry Science, 98(10), 5023–5027. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez222 Toomer, O. T., Hulse-Kemp, A. M., Dean, L. L., Boykin, D. L., Malheiros, R., & Anderson, K. E. (2019). Feeding high-oleic peanuts to layer hens enhances egg yolk color and oleic fatty acid content in shell eggs. Poultry Science, 98(4), 1732–1748. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey531">https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey531</a> Kidd, M T and K E Anderson. 2019. Laying hens in the U.S. market: An appraisal of trends from the beginning of the 20th century to present. JAPR 28: 8 (4), 771-784, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz043">https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz043</a> Curtis, P. A., K. E. Anderson, and M. P. Herchler. 2019. Designing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan for Shell Eggs. NC State Extension. NC State Extension Publication AG-862, October 21, 2019. <a href="http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs">http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-</a><a href="http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs"> haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs</a> Anderson, K.E. 2019. Final Report of the Fortieth North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test. Vol. 40, No.5. July <a href="http://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/layer-performance/">2019; http://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/layer-performance/</a> Benjamin N. Alig, Peter R. Ferket, Ramon Malheiros, Kenneth E. Anderson, 2020. The effect of housing environment on commercial white egg layer performance. Poultry Sci. Suppl. 99: 27 (Abstract 101) Kenneth E. Anderson, Benjamin N. Alig, Peter R. Ferket, Ramon Malheiros, 2020. The effect of housing environment and hen age on white shell egg solids and quality. Poultry Sci. Suppl. 99: 27 (Abstract 103) Benjamin N. Alig, Peter R. Ferket, Ramon Malheiros, Kenneth E. Anderson, 2020. The effect of housing environment on egg quality and solids of commercial brown egg layers. Poultry Sci. Suppl. 99: 27 (Abstract 104) Richard K. Gast, Deana R. Jones, Rupa Guraya, Kenneth E. Anderson, Darrin M. Karcher, 2020. Horizontal transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Kentucky in experimentally infected laying hens in indoor cage-free housing. Poultry Sci. Suppl. 99: 45 (Abstract 244) Alyssa Lyons, Prafulla Regmi, Kenneth Anderson, and Michael Persia, 2020 Estimating energy utilization in laying hens using imaging technology. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia 2020 ISPF: Abstract M50. Benjamin Alig, Ramon Malheiros, Peter Ferket, and Kenneth Anderson, 2020. The effect of housing environment on commercial brown egg layer performance. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia 2020 ISPF: Abstract M125. Emma Lund, Wendy Wakeman, Ken Anderson, 2020. The effects of oregano essential oil on pullet rearing. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia 2020 ISPF: Abstract P291 Curtis, P. A., K. E. Anderson, and M. P. Herchler. 2019. Designing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan for Shell Eggs. NC State Extension. NC State Extension Publication AG-862, October 21, 2019. <a href="http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs">http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-</a><a href="http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/designing-a-haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs"> haccp-plan-for-shell-eggs</a> PA – Boney Boltz, J.W. Boney, C. Shen, J. Jaczynski, and J.S. Moritz. 2019. The effect of standard pelleting and more thermally aggressive pelleting utilizing a hygieniser of feed manufacture and reduction of Enterococcus faecium, a Salmonella surrogate. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 28:1226-1233. V.B. Homan, J.W. Boney, and J.S. Moritz. 2019. The effects of steam conditioning temperatures on commercial phytases and subsequent broiler performance and tibia mineralization. Applied Animal Science. 35:298-303. J.W. Boney, J. Jaczynski, J.L. Weidhaas, A.N. Bergeron, and J.S. Moritz. 2018. The effects of Steam Conditioning and Antimicrobial Inclusion on Feed Manufacturing and Inactivation of enterococcus faecium, a Salmonella surrogate. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 27:472-482. J.W. Boney and J.S. Moritz. 2019. Effects of steam conditioning manipulations to feed manufacturing parameters and d1-28 poult performance. Poult. Sci. Vol. 98 (E-suppl. 1): 364 T.A. Sharafeldin and J.W. Boney. 2019. The reliability of different histological features in the evaluation of the intestinal health. WPDC/XLIV ANECA. N.W. Barrett, P.H. Patterson, F. Solis, and J.W. Boney. 2019. The effect of dietary inclusions of guanidinoacetic acid on broiler performance and carcass yield. Poult. Sci. Vol. 98 (E-suppl. 1):M78. J.W. Boney. 2019. How lighting programs and feed manufacturing strategies affect poult development and performance. Pennsylvania Sales and Service Conference. September 13, 2018. State College, Pennsylvania. J.W. Boney. 2019. Molds and mycotoxins: An animal feed ingredient outlook. Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference. April 10, 2019. Hunt Valley, Maryland. C.M. Poholsky, E.W. Mills, and J.W. Boney. 2020. A method for characterizing instrumental quality measures of turkey breast meat. Poult Sci. Vol. 98 (E-suppl. 1):P210 C.M. Poholsky, D.W. Hofstetter, and J.W. Boney. 2020. Improved pellet quality reduces on- farm nutrient segregation. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Poul. Sci. 99:(E-Suppl. 1). July 21, 2020, Virtual PA – Patterson Acar, N., P. H. Patterson and C. J. Lamb. 2019. The impact of Agaricus bazei mushroom extract water supplement on broiler performance. International Poultry Science Forum. Poul. Sci. 98:(E- Suppl. 1). February 11, 2019, Atlanta GA. Adrizal, A., P. H. Patterson, C. R. Angel and A. Markant. 2019. Feeding Broiler Chicks Diets Containing Hydroxy- and Keto-Acids: Performance and Carcass Weight. Poultry Sci. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez091">https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez091</a>. Barrett, N. W., P. H. Patterson, F. Solis, and J. W. Boney. 2019. The effect of dietary inclusions of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on broiler performance and carcass yield. International Poultry Science Forum. Poul. Sci. 98: (E-Suppl. 1). February 11, 2019, Atlanta GA. Burley, H.K. and P.H. Patterson. 2019. Updates on European Union (EU) strategies to meet Methionine needs of organic poultry. White Paper submitted to the USDA, National Organic Standards Board. Ferguson, A. D., L. D. Trimble, H. B., Sciubba, N. Acar, and P. H. Patterson. 2019. Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Meal as Dietary Ingredients for Laying Hens. Abstract and poster, Mid- Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Hunt Valley, MD. Trimble, L. D., A. D. Ferguson, H. B. Sciubba, N. Acar, and P. H. Patterson. 2019. Black Soldier Fly larvae oil and meal as dietary ingredients for laying hens. International Poultry Science Forum. Poul. Sci. 98: (E-Suppl. 1). February 11, 2019, Atlanta GA. Patterson, P. H., L. D Trimble, A. D. Ferguson, H. B. Sciubba and N. Acar. 2019. The impact of feeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae on laying hen performance and egg quality. International Poultry Science Forum. Poul. Sci. 98: (E-Suppl. 1). February 12, 2019, Atlanta GA. Trimble L. D., A. D. Ferguson, N. Acar, P. H. Patterson. 2019. The Impact of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Extract Water Supplement on Hen Performance and Egg Quality. Abstract and poster, Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference. Hunt Valley, MD. Ouyang, B., A. Demirci, and P. H. Patterson 2019. Inactivation of E. coli in liquid egg white using a flow-through pulsed UV light treatment system. Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference (NABEC) June 16 - 19, 2019. Lac Beauport, QC, Canada. Averós, X. Patterson, P.H., N. Acar, I. Pineda and I. Estevez 2020. Are Beak Growth and Pullet Performance Affected by Natural Beak Smoothing Feeders and Outdoor Vegetation Density. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Poul. Sci. 99: (E-Suppl. 1). July 20, 2020, Virtual. Beining Ouyang, B., A. Demirci and P.H. Patterson. 2020. Inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 in Liquid Egg White by a Flow-Through Pulsed UV Light Treatment System. Journal of Food Protection, 83:418-425. Beining Ouyang, B., A. Demirci and P.H. Patterson. 2020. Pulsed UV Light Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in Liquid Egg White and its Effects on Quality. ASABE National Meeting, paper no. 2000057, 15pp. <a href="https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202000057">https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202000057.</a> Bright, L., J. Cassar, P. Patterson, E. Mills and A. Demirci 2020. Fertile Hatching Eggs Response After Treatment of Pulsed Ultraviolet Light. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Poul. Sci. 99: (E-Suppl. 1). July 20, 2020, Virtual. Patterson, P.H., X. Averós, N. Acar, I. Pineda and I. Estevez 2020. Impact of Vegetation Density on Outdoor Paddock Utilization and Behavior by Growing Pullets. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Poul. Sci. 99: (E-Suppl. 1). July 20, 2020, Virtual. Stephenson, C., L. Trimble, P. Patterson and H. Lu. A Study on Avian Influenza Virus Destruction by Rapid Ensiling of Hen Carcasses Post-Depopulation 2020. In Proceedings of the 91st Northeastern Conference on Avian Diseases, page 26. Am Assoc of Avian Path. Trimble, L., A. Ferguson, B. Migdal, M. Pasquinelli, N. Acar and P. Patterson 2020. The Impact of Dietary Beta-Glucans on Poultry Health and Performance. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Poul. Sci. 99: (E-Suppl. 1). July 21, 2020, Virtual 2020 summer ASABE meeting. Ali Demirci Abstract presentation + Beining Ouyang, B., P.H. Patterson. Inactivation of E. coli in liquid egg white using a flow-through pulsed UV light treatment system.

Impact Statements

The research conducted by experiment stations associated with this multi-state research project was communicated to the poultry industry and university researchers via peer-reviewed articles and extension related material.

Date of Annual Report: 09/17/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/23/2021 - 07/23/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2020 - 09/30/2021

Participants

• John Boney (Penn State): Broiler, turkey nutrition and management
• Rajesh Jha (University of Hawaii): Poultry nutrition and gut health
• Birendra Mishra (University of Hawaii): Reproductive health
• Shawna Weimer (University of Arkansas): Poultry Welfare
• Indu Upadhyaya (University of Connecticut): Food Safety Ext Spec
• Pratima Adhikari (Mississippi State University) Laying hen nutrition, management, gut health
• Rich Gates (Iowa State University) – Layer production
• Li Zhang (Mississippi State University) -Bacterial genetics, genomic, gut health
• Kelley Wamsley (Mississippi State University)- Broiler nutrition, feed particle, amino acids
• Aditya Dutta (University of Delaware) -Reproductive biology
• Anthony Pescatore (University of Kentucky) – Extension Poultry specialist
• Lilong Chai (University of Georgia) Animal environmental engineering, poultry health and welfare
• Tayo Adedokun (University of Kentucky) Poultry nutrition
• Richard Blatchford (UC Davis) – Poultry welfare
• Lingjuan Wang-Li (North Carolina State University) – Air quality, ag engineering
• Abhi Upadhyay (University of Connecticut)-Poultry health and safety, nanoemulsions
• Sara Orlowski (University of Arkansas)- Poultry management, genetics
• Wilmer Pacheco (Auburn University) – Feed Milling
• Ken Macklin (Auburn University) – Poultry extension, food safety, genetics
• Tom Vukina (North Carolina State University) – Poultry economics
• Tim Boltz (Mississippi State University) – Poultry nutrition, broiler performance
• Dawn Koltes (Iowa State University) - Physiology
• Peter Ferket (North Carolina State University) – Turkey nutrition, extension
• Janice Siegford (Michigan State University) – Behavior and welfare
• Prafulla Regmi (University of Georgia) - Welfare
• Hong Li (University of Delaware) – Welfare, housing systems
• Scott Beyer (Kansas State University) – Poultry nutrition and managament
• Mary Amalaradjou (University of Connecticut) – Food safety, natural antimicrobials
• Reshma Ramachandran (Mississippi State University) – Reproductive physiology and microbiology
• Anuraj Theradiyil Sukumaran (Mississippi State University) – Pre-harvest and post harvest poultry safety.
• Colin Usher (Georgia Tech Research Institute) – Guest Speaker

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2021 NE-1942 Minutes 7-23-2021.docx

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Integrating technological advances into poultry systems. This will include collaborative research on incorporating engineering and technology to enhance system efficiency and sustainability through infrastructure development of blockchain production. 1a. Engineering and Technology University of Georgia  Activities: Develop a deep learning-based method and tested it for monitoring poultry floor distribution. Funded projects: [1] 2021-2022: Precision Poultry Farming and Data Management: Oracle Research Award, Oracle America (PI). [2] 2021-2022: An Intelligent Imaging System for Animal Data Collection and Welfare Evaluation in Poultry Houses. UGA CAES Dean’s Research Grant (PI). Significant Findings and Impacts: We are the first team to optimize and apply the BP network model for poultry floor distribution monitoring. The new method will promote the animal welfare evaluation with artificial intelligence technologies by providing a new solution. Considering the contribution to the development and application of new technologies for poultry housing, PI Lilong Chai was selected to receive the 2021 Sunkist Young Designer Award by American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). University of Maryland The Chicken Tracking project is a collaboration with the University of Maryland Computer Science department developing algorithms to detect and predict broiler chicken behavior using deep learning neural network computer vision models. Video labeling is complete and algorithms are undergoing validation. Michigan State University Siegford and Morris launched a pilot project in July 2021 to detect and track laying hens in the litter area of cage-free systems using computer vision. Depth and RGB cameras are being used to identify individual hens, their orientation and some key behaviors (e.g., feather pecking, piling, floor laying). <h2>Objective 2. Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaborative research will encompass a multi-disciplinary approach to create a resilient poultry production system through optimal management of inputs and outputs in an ethically responsible manner.</h2> 2a. Nutritional Strategies and Feed Manufacture University of Connecticut Project objective Researchers and extension specialist at the University of Connecticut worked on objective 2  “Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaborative research will encompass a multi-disciplinary approach to create a resilient poultry production system through optimal management of inputs and outputs in an ethically responsible manner” Specifically, research and extension activities were targeted towards: - Use of lactic cultures to promote performance and improve the microbiological safety of       poultry meat and eggs. - Enhancing poultry safety by novel phytochemicals, technology and farmer training.  Findings: - Novel lactic acid strains were characterized for their probiotic potential including their ability to    promote hatchability, growth and performance in broilers - Plant compounds can modulate virulence protein expression of Salmonella in poultry.  Outreach: <ul> <li>Survey conducted among poultry producers in New England to establish current practices on broiler and egg safety.</li> <li>Cooperative Extension activities with large- and small-scale poultry farmers.</li> <li>Training poultry processors in meat and poultry HACCP providing both virtual and in person trainings with certification, which will then help the poultry processors get a USDA certification.</li> <li>Work with USDA-FSIS to offer more counsel to poultry farmers as well on proper poultry slaughter and access to processing facilities.</li> </ul> University of Kentucky Because of the increasing use of alternative feed ingredients, including restaurant grease and bakery by-products, in poultry feed coupled with increasing environmental temperature, the potential for oxidative stress as a result of poor quality of some of the by-products used in poultry diets is high. Vitamin E is one of the nutrients that have been used to mitigate the effect of oxidative stress in poultry. In order to address this topic, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the effect of oil type (corn vs. soy oil), oil quality (normal and oxidized oil), and phytase and vitamin E supplementation, on broiler performance, lipid deposition, and fatty acid composition of liver and fat from different lipid depots. Under this objective, two experiments were conducted with broiler chickens. The first experiment assessed whether oil types and oil quality in the presence or absence of additional vitamin E supplementation would affect performance and fatty acid composition of the liver and subcutaneous and abdominal fat in 20-day-old broiler chickens. The second experiment evaluated the effect of oil quality (soy oil), phytase, and additional vitamin E supplementation on performance, nutrient and energy utilization, and fatty acid composition of the liver and subcutaneous and abdominal fat in 21-day-old broiler chickens. Results from these experiments showed that oxidized oil could negatively impact broiler chicken performance while fatty acid composition of fat depots were mostly similar, but differences were observed between the fatty acid composition of the different fat depot and the liver. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing low nutrient diets with a product that had multiply enzyme activity on the growth performance of broiler chickens. The broilers fed the low nutrient diets had lower body weight, poorer feed to gain ratio and similar feed consumption compared to the broilers fed supplemented diets. The results from this study indicated that the supplementation with a multiply enzyme activity product in diets having low ME, Ca and available P increased weight gain and improved the feed conversion of broilers. Penn State University Animal feed producers understand that improving feed quality can improve broiler performance. However, numerous hurdles often lead to reluctance in implementing techniques that improve feed quality. On-farm nutrient segregation may occur but understanding how the quality of the feed impacts the degree of nutrient segregation is not well understood. Four experiments were conducted in commercial broiler houses to investigate how pellet quality and feed line length impact nutrient segregation. Six amino acids and phytase segregated across eight regions of commercial broiler houses when poor pellet quality was augered long distances (152-m). When improved pellet quality feed was augered the same distance, only two amino acids varied across the eight regions of the house. Some broiler houses are centrally fed where feed is augered shorter distances from a central hopper to either end of the house. When poor pellet quality feed was augered shorter distances (76-m) threonine and phytase segregated across the eight regions of the commercial broiler house. Finally, when improved quality feed was augered 76-m, nutrient segregation was not apparent. These data offer further support for improving pellet quality as well as nutrient segregation mitigation strategies when implementing techniques to improve pellet quality are not possible. Soybean meal processors extract oil from beans and create a resulting soybean meal. Particle size of soybean meal and its effects to poultry performance has not been extensively studied. Three hammermill screens were used to reduce soybean meal particle size. Small particle size soybean meal required more energy at the hammermill and reduced apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers fed mash diets. Small particle size soybean meal improved pellet quality in the feed mill but caused feed flow issues in the feed mill. Because of the reduced AIAAD, broilers consumed more feed. This resulted in heavier broilers but a worsened FCR. Using a 10/32” (large) hammermill screen may reduce cost at the soybean processing plant, improve amino acid digestibility, and allow broilers to be more feed efficient. Improving the performance of poor performing turkey flocks with a direct fed microbial was studied. Performance parameters and intestinal microbial populations were considered. When nutritional and environmental challenges are present, direct fed microbials can improve feed efficiency by eight points of feed conversion across a 19-week turkey production period. This improvement in performance was related to shifts in microbial populations in the gut. The presence of direct fed microbials improved the ratio of lactobacillus to total anaerobes, which is indicative of a healthy gut microflora. These strategies can be used to improve turkey performance in traditionally poor performing flocks or during challenging times of production. 2b. Disease Control and Management Auburn University Activities and Projects <ol> <li>Evaluation of Salmonella transmission in poultry house dust.</li> <li>Use of acidified peracetic acid or stabilized hydrogen peroxide for Campylobacter reduction on poultry meat</li> <li>Pathogen loads in poultry processing wastewater</li> <li>Pathogens in poultry feed</li> <li>Salmonella and Campylobacter persistence in the poultry house</li> <li>Insects as possible disease vectors</li> <li>Salmonella colonization in the broiler chicken</li> <li>In a field study, we evaluated the effect of conditioning temperature, retention time during conditioning, production rate during pelleting, on pellet quality and moisture content in finished feed</li> </ol> Significant Findings and Impacts <ol> <li>Salmonella is present in poultry house dust when birds are positive. However, transmission of Salmonella from litter to dust occurs at very low levels. This transmission can be mitigated through good litter management and dust reduction techniques.</li> <li>Treatment of poultry carcasses post-defeathering with acidified peracetic acid did not influence the presence of Salmonella on poultry parts post-deboning. Therefore, acidified peracetic acid antimicrobial treatment at this stage of poultry processing does not provide an adequate benefit to justify the cost of application. Stabilized hydrogen peroxide reduced the levels of Campylobacter on chicken wings by 2 log CFU/mL. This antimicrobial has potential for further investigation as an alternative to peracetic acid.</li> <li>Both Salmonella and Campylobacter can be detected in poultry processing wastewater before, during, and following treatment. These findings will be used to inform novel wastewater treatment train studies intended to allow for the reuse of poultry wastewater for agricultural production processes.</li> <li>No known pathogens were found in animal (poultry) feed; however Clostridium argentinense was found in several corn samples. What makes this finding interesting is that this bacterium is associated with producing botulism toxin. It is believed that these bacteria isn’t a concern to animal health, but more research is being performed to verify this.</li> <li>Salmonella persists in the poultry house for several flocks; however over time the serovars tend to shift. Favoring those that are more able to survive the time between flocks in the house. Campylobacter though easily found when birds are present rapidly becomes undetectable five days after bird removal; however after birds are brought back this foodborne pathogen reappears.6.</li> <li>Insects, namely litter beetles, had been shown to carry the parasitic eggs from Heterakis and This knowledge is useful in trying to prevent infection with these parasites in broilers by having in place a good insect control program. 7.</li> <li>Several studies were conducted to examine the effects of site of colonization and where the bacteria eventually colonize with two serovars of The results show that regardless of route, birds are easily colonized. Certain routes yielded higher colonization rates those being if this bacterium is inhaled, ingested, placed in the eye or near the cloaca. The site of colonization was high in all the tissue types sampled with the highest incidence being in the ceca and bursa. These results show that Salmonella once introduced into the bird can colonize throughout the animal, making control of these bacteria on the farm that more crucial. 8.</li> <li>The results of this project helped a large poultry integrator to change conditioning and pelleting parameters to improve pellet quality and reduce moisture in the finished feed, which can have an impact on feed conversion ratio.</li> </ol>  2c. Physiological Responses to Environment and Welfare University of Georgia Activities: Investigated methods for enhancing indoor air quality and animal welfare in broiler and cage-free layer houses. Funded projects: 1. 2020-2022: An Integrated Method for Improving Air Quality in Cage-Free Hen Houses. Egg Industry Center. (PI). 2. 2020-2021: Air Quality in Antibiotic-Free Broiler Production Environment. USDA-ARS contract to UGA. (PI). Significan Findings and Impacts: A new method was developed for monitoring airborne E. Coli concentration. The optimal mitigation strategies will be identified to enhance air quality and animal health/welfare in confined poultry facilities. Meanwhile, the air emission from the house to ambient environment will be reduced.  Michigan State University Activities and Projects: Siegford and Swanson (along with Tina Widowski of Guelph) are working with PhD Candidate Tessa Grebey to understand use of space and strain differences related to dust bathing and wing flapping of laying hens in the litter area. Significant Fingdings and Impacts: Capture of 3D images of wing flapping hens to describe vertical as well as horizontal space needed to perform this behavior will begin in August, 2021. Video decoding and analysis of wing flapping by four strains of hens housed in a commercial style aviary is underway. Analysis of dust bathing behavior by 4 strains of laying hens indicates differences in amount and timing of wing flapping during the day—with more dust bathing bouts observed in whiten hens compared to brown hens. Hens of all strains performed the most dust bathing in first 80 minutes after re-gaining access to the floor litter area following confinement in the tiered portion of the system to encourage egg laying in nests. 2d. Housing Systems University of Arkansas Acitvities and Projects Solar air heaters have the potential to reduce heating loads in commercial meat bird production, therefore, decrease the amount of fossil fuel such as natural gas or propane when brooding young chickens. The objective of this study was to evaluate a low-cost solar collector to pre-heat ventilation air in commercial broiler buildings in order to reduce supplemental heating and potentially improve air quality. Six black fabric-based solar collectors of 36 m2 each were installed on south-facing rooftops of a commercial-scale broiler house. The solar collectors provided a portion of fresh air into the buildings during the ON cycle of minimum ventilation. During the OFF cycle of minimum ventilation, when the temperature under the collectors was higher than the house target temperature, additional warm air under the solar collectors was delivered continuously into the house. Daily temperature rise of incoming air due to the collectors and captured heat was calculated. Significant Findings and Impact The daily cumulative duration of solar collectors in operation averaged 125 and 133 min during the first two or four weeks of brooding in the fall and winter flocks, respectively. When in operation, the solar collectors were able to raise 20ºC than the ambient temperature, reducing fuel usage of 7% in the fall and winter flocks. The biggest challenge of solar collector utilization was the collectors not enclosing the fresh air inlets, allowing majority of the air entering from the original sidewall vents. The limited airflow capacity and limited active operation of the solar collectors due to existing minimum ventilation scheme is another reason of a small amount of heating fuel savings. The solar collectors need to be better integrated into the building ventilation inlets to allow better performance. University of Maryland <ul> <li>The Winter Circulation Fan project is a collaboration between Dr. Moyle and Dr. Weimer to evaluate the effectiveness of circulation fans to improve winter ventilation in commercial broiler houses. Circulation fans were installed into 2 of 4 organic commercial broiler houses. Last winter season, environmental measures (ambient temperature and humidity) and welfare measures (body weight, hock burn scores, footpad dermatitis scores, feather dirtiness scores, transect method scans) were collected. We found that the hottest house (with no circulation fans) had the most litter moisture and the greatest number of observed small birds at week 6. The second trial replication will occur this winter season.</li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

Poultry production was improved by analyzing poultry environments, including spatial density and environmental temperature control with solar heaters.

Date of Annual Report: 09/26/2022

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/28/2022 - 07/28/2022
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2021 - 09/30/2022

Participants

• John Boney (Penn State): Broiler, turkey nutrition and management
• Rajesh Jha (University of Hawaii): Poultry nutrition and gut health
• Birendra Mishra (University of Hawaii): Reproductive health
• Shawna Weimer (University of Arkansas): Poultry Welfare
• Indu Upadhyaya (University of Connecticut): Food Safety Ext Spec
• Pratima Adhikari (Mississippi State University) Laying hen nutrition, management, gut health
• Rich Gates (Iowa State University) – Layer production
• Li Zhang (Mississippi State University) -Bacterial genetics, genomic, gut health
• Kelley Wamsley (Mississippi State University)- Broiler nutrition, feed particle, amino acids
• Aditya Dutta (University of Delaware) -Reproductive biology
• Anthony Pescatore (University of Kentucky) – Extension Poultry specialist
• Lilong Chai (University of Georgia) Animal environmental engineering, poultry health and welfare
• Tayo Adedokun (University of Kentucky) Poultry nutrition
• Richard Blatchford (UC Davis) – Poultry welfare
• Lingjuan Wang-Li (North Carolina State University) – Air quality, ag engineering
• Abhi Upadhyay (University of Connecticut)-Poultry health and safety, nanoemulsions
• Sara Orlowski (University of Arkansas)- Poultry management, genetics
• Wilmer Pacheco (Auburn University) – Feed Milling
• Ken Macklin (Auburn University) – Poultry extension, food safety, genetics
• Tom Vukina (North Carolina State University) – Poultry economics
• Tim Boltz (Mississippi State University) – Poultry nutrition, broiler performance
• Dawn Koltes (Iowa State University) - Physiology
• Peter Ferket (North Carolina State University) – Turkey nutrition, extension
• Janice Siegford (Michigan State University) – Behavior and welfare
• Prafulla Regmi (University of Georgia) - Welfare
• Hong Li (University of Delaware) – Welfare, housing systems
• Scott Beyer (Kansas State University) – Poultry nutrition and management
• Mary Amalaradjou (University of Connecticut) – Food safety, natural antimicrobials
• Reshma Ramachandran (Mississippi State University) – Reproductive physiology and microbiology
• Anuraj Theradiyil Sukumaran (Mississippi State University) – Pre-harvest and post harvest poultry safety.
• Colin Usher (Georgia Tech Research Institute) – Guest Speaker

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NE1942 Annual Meeting Minutes_July2022.docx

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

7. Research on partial-slatted flooring for raising turkeys has shown an advantage and helps improve growth efficiency and reduces the incidence of litter moisture. re

Date of Annual Report: 08/07/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/07/2023 - 06/08/2023
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2022 - 09/01/2023

Participants

• Pratima Adhikari – Mississippi State University – Laying hen nutrition, management, gut health – joined 2018
• Indu Upadhyaya – UConn – extension food safety – joined 2020
• Shawna Weimer – University of Arkansas – Animal welfare – joined 2018
• Kumar Venkitanarayanan– UConn, Dean – Food safety – Academic advisor
• John Boney – Penn State – Nutrition
• Doug Cosby – USDA-ARS Georgia – Microbiology– joined 2016
• Tayo Adedokun– University of Kentucky – swine & poultry nutrition– joined 2015
• Ken Koelkebeck – U of Illinois, extension –joined 35 years ago (NE127)
• Tony Pescatore – University of Kentucky – joined 35 years ago
• Wilmer Pacheco – Auburn University – extension feed milling
• Brett Ramirez – Iowa State – ventilation & environmental control
• John Linhoss – Auburn University – environmental management– joined in 2014-15
• Xue Zhang - Mississippi State University – meat quality– just joined
• Li Zhang- Mississippi State University – microbiology and food safety– just joined
• Reshma Ramachandran– Mississippi State University – reproductive physiology & health of breeders
• Anuraj Theradiyil Sukumaran – Mississippi State University – food safety & processing
• Bethany Baker-Cook – Auburn University – poultry welfare
• Dianna Bourassa – Auburn University – extension food microbiology & stunning
• Paul Patterson – Dean of Ag College & Alabama Experiment Station Director
• Brigid McCrea – Auburn University – poultry extension

Virtual Introductions:
• Ken Anderson – NC State –layer management – joined over 30 years ago
• Ken Macklin – Mississippi State University – Poultry Science Department head–extension microbiology and gut health –joined in 2006
• Hong-Wei Cheng – Purdue University (USDA) – poultry welfare
• Hong Li – U of Delaware – applied poultry research

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2023.6.7-8 Minutes of the NE1942 Enhancing Poultry Production systems through Emerging Technologies and Husbandry Practices.pdf

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The testing and development of various environmental and management control techniques for poultry have proven to be successful for the welfare of poultry.
2. The use of computer vision techniques and precision management techniques have been show to increase the knowledge of poultry behavior in various settings like conventional broiler houses and cage-free aviary houses.
3. Various studies were conducted at several research stations which dealt with studying the optimum feed ingredients needed to improve poultry production performance, and in addition, research was conducted on feed quality and feed particle sizes necessary for optimum performanc
4. Collaborative research was conducted on determining the optimum feed additives to use to control Campylobacter and Salmonella contamination of poultry processed products.
5. Several research stations focused on enhancing housing techniques to improve poultry performance. This research will provide the poultry industry with increased knowledge in effective management techniques to improve production and bird welfare.

Date of Annual Report: 08/23/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/17/2024 - 06/21/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024

Participants

Introduction of Attending NE1942 Participants:
Tony Pescatore – University of Kentucky
Mike Ford – University of Kentucky
Jackie Jacob – University of Kentucky
Tayo Adedokun - University of Kentucky
Lin Walker - NC State Dept. of Poultry Science
Lingjuan Wang-Li – NC State University
Pratima Adhikari – Mississippi State University
Kelly Wamsley – Mississippi State University
Ken Macklin - Mississippi State University
Michael Persia – Virginia Tech
Todd Applegate – University of Georgia
Tomislav Vukina – North Carolina State University
Dianna Bourassa – Auburn University
Greg Fraley – Purdue University
Rajeash Jha – University of Hawaii
Mary Anne Amalaradjou – University of Connecticut
Indu Upadhyaya – University of Connecticut
Shawna Weimer – University of Arkansas

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Integrating technological advances into poultry systems. This will include collaborative research on incorporating engineering and technology to enhance system efficiency and sustainability through infrastructure development of block chain production. 1a. Engineering and technology University of Arkansas – Dr. Sara Orlowski <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Available technology to measure minute amounts of water intake or water flow necessary for a primary breeder company for selection has been limited. Current technology designed in,   collaboration with Alternative Design and tested by the Orlowski lab for both manual and automatic water intake measurements are being, evaluated for the efficacy and use in broiler and broiler breeder systems. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> After several trials of testing, an automatic water intake system is now available for commercial use through Alternative Design. This system can record water intake on an individually caged bird and record the data to an SD card. Information generated from the data can show drinking behavior, water intake, timing and volume of drinking episodes on a single bird. This technology can be of benefit to primary breeders to help generate better breeding values from direct and accurate water intake measurements. Purdue University – Dr. Marisa Erasmus <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> The Erasmus lab is conducting research to track the location and behavior of laying hens in two types of cage free housing systems to evaluate how housing system influences the behavior of hens. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Based on analysis of hen behavior, feeding, preening and environmental pecking behavior differed among birds in the two housing systems but effects of housing system depended on whether birds were marked for individual recognition or unmarked. Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Created and evaluated a mobile platform to classify potential disease via images of poultry feces. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The system achieved over 90% accuracy for identifying diseases, and the whole operational procedure took less than one second. This proof-of-concept demonstrates the feasibility of a potential framework for mobile poultry health assessment based on fecal images. Rapid and accurate chicken health assessment can assist producers in making timely decisions, reducing disease transmission, improving animal welfare, and decreasing economic loss.   Michigan State University – Dr. Janice Siegford, Dr. Janice Swanson, Dr. Daniel Morris <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> PI Siegford and PI Morris continue working with colleagues at Clemson University (Ahmed Ali and Bulent Koc) to combine computer vision and robotics to help reduce floor laying in cage-free hens. <ul> <li>A robot prototype was used in the litter area of 2 styles of aviary housing systems with brown hens for a flock cycle. Video and live data from the project are being, analyzed.</li> <li>Automated detections and interventions were developed to prevent piling behavior on the litter area of cage-free laying hen systems.</li> <li>Work on the detector will be, presented at two conferences by PI Morris’ MSU-based PhD student Yunfei Long.</li> </ul> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> <ul> <li>12 robot prototypes have been deployed at the MSU Laying Hen Facility. Hens do not panic when presented with robots and initial fear of the robots has turned into habituation—or even positive acclimation. Many hens approach the robots and some perch on them while moving and still. Work is, needed to perfect the tracks/wheels moving the robot as well as strategies to encourage hens to move from the robot’s path without causing panic.</li> <li>The piling detector software performed well at detecting piles of >10 hens. LED light interventions were effective at disrupting piles and continued being effective for up to 2 weeks though hens did show habituation.</li> </ul> North Carolina State University – Dr. Lin Walker <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> In the past year, my team studied novel water treatments, including ultrafine bubble water and electrolyzed water, on the antimicrobial intervention to reduce Salmonella in poultry products. We have also studied the invasion of Campylobacter in hen’s ovum to evaluate the risk of vertical transmission. Enhanced Technology in Poultry Processing and Poultry Products   North Carolina State University – Dr. Yan Campbell <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Problem focused on 3-4 issues have driven my program for protein quality, process improvement, packaging technologies and shelf-life.  First, broiler meat quality with breast myopathies, such as woody breast, spaghetti meat, feathered meat, white striping.  The major component for my contribution in this area is starting a trial to look at CO2 concentration during the incubation period and how that impacts the woody breast, white striping and spaghetti meat (the trial just ended, currently analyzing data). Second, meat quality for turkeys with different genetic strains, nutrition or management practices. Third, is the lack of technology to extend liquid egg shelf life and maintain protein functionality and quality over-storage time, with regarding packaging sustainability, and automated systems for foreign materials protection and shelf-life extension. Woody breast myopathy leads to over $200 million loss annually Last year was the first year that I started some trials with evaluating technologies for broiler meat quality, to investigate their impact on woody breast incidence as well as white striping and spaghetti meat. These data are currently being analyzed. Another trial was to evaluate the meat quality of different genetic strains of turkeys. This research will help identify technologies that can help enhance protein quality for meat or advise the industry on their development of genetic lines on how the quality of meat is related to the products. An egg functionality study was also performed to evaluate the egg functionality differences between cage and cage-free eggs under different housing systems, which resulted an abstract at IPSF for a poster presentation. An extension effort is that I was able to develop a processing and products Academy short-course for 3-days to train industry professionals on poultry processing and products.   <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The NCPPA workshop has benefited the stakeholders on workforce training for their new or recent hires or employees that need more background and science information with their day-to-day job. The applied research helped stakeholders to move their product development forward and enhance production efficiency in their processing plant. Allied industry are getting involved with workshop and classroom engagement, and students are learning first hand developments from industry professionals without having to travel far to pay for a professional conference. 1b. Environmental Control and Management University of Arkansas – Dr. Yi Liang <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Ventilation electricity represents a significant portion of the overall power consumption from poultry houses. Variable frequency drive can be, used to vary fan speed because speed adjustment is an energy efficient method of airflow control. In partnering with an equipment manufacturer, 16 exhaust and tunnel fans in one house on a 12-house farm were retrofitted with new 57” VFD direct drive fans. RMS current and voltage transducers were, installed on all fan circuits in the test house and an adjacent baseline house to monitor the dynamics of operation of fans. The electricity consumption of fans during different seasons and flock ages will be, calculated. Annual power and operating costs saving will be determined.  Objective 2. Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaborative research will encompass a multi-disciplinary approach to create a resilient poultry production system through optimal management of inputs and outputs in an ethically responsible manner.  2a. Nutritional Strategies and Feed Manufacture Alternative Ingredients and Feedstuffs. University of Hawaii – Dr. Rajesh Jha <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Dr. Jha’s lab works are focused on “Nutrition programming to improve the performance and gut health of monogastric animals,” and “Evaluating novel feedstuffs and feed additives for their nutritional value and functional properties in pigs and poultry” using both in vivo and in vitro models. His particular interest is “Early nutrition programming in broiler chickens” using an in ovo inoculation model. Mississippi State University – Dr. Tim Boltz <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> The Boltz lab's main activity is improving feed hygiene, both in mash and pelleted feed. The lab also investigated how feed additives can reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler chickens raised to 42 days of age. The lab also investigated novel feed ingredients and their impact on broiler performance. The lab is doing this by: <ol> <li>Feeding novel feed additives to broilers and inoculating them with Salmonella at 21 days to investigate how these products reduce colonization in the bird's gastrointestinal tract until 42 days of age.</li> <li>Determine the efficacy of various chemicals (monoglyceride and organic acid-based) in controlling Salmonella serotypes in complete mash feed.</li> <li>Investigated the impact of varying conditioning times and temperatures on reducing a Salmonella surrogate, Enterococcus faecium, in a pilot-scale feed mill.</li> <li>Feed a household food waste product to broilers until they are 21 days old to see how this novel ingredient can impact performance.</li> </ol> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The lab found that our Salmonella challenge was not strong and needs to be reevaluated for future studies. The lab demonstrated that various organic acid products can reduce the number of Salmonella in feed. Formaldehyde still has the most promise at pathogen reduction but is a concern for worker safety. The work from the pilot feed mill work is still being analyzed, but what has been observed so far supports work that increased conditioning temperatures and times reduce bacteria recovery and increase pellet quality. The lab showed that up to 10% of the novel household food waste product could be included in broiler diets without negatively impacting body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed intake. Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Evaluated novel protein and lipid supplements on turkey performance, health, and stress. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Alternative feed ingredients such as high protein distiller’s grains and corn fermented proteins, can be supplemented at rates of up to 15% up to 5 weeks of age in turkey diets without impacting weight gain, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, or mortality.  This study also provides baseline digestibility data that was previously missing in published literature for these products and other distiller grain products in turkeys. In the turkey space, multiple products claim to reduce the need for the addition of lipids (costly feed component, but necessary to reach energy requirements of turkeys); however, few have impacts on growth performance, metabolic shifts, and carcass composition compared to full fat or energy reduced diets. We are exploring the impacts of some of these products and found that many do have limited detrimental effects, and may be method to reduce overall feed costs when lipid sources are elevated. Poultry Feeding and Nutritional Enhancement Virginia Tech University – Dr. Mike Persia <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <h2>Virginia Tech will investigate dietary energy in response to challenges posed by renewable fuels' standards, exploring alternative energy sources and strategies to enhance energy utilization in broiler chickens and laying hens.</h2> <h2>Aim 1: To use egg production, body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality, egg quality, and abdominal fat pad weights to determine the effects of dietary energy and fat emulsifier on late pullets and young hens.</h2> <h2>Aim 2: To use weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality, energy digestibility, and fat digestibility to determine the effects of a fat emulsifier on growth broilers fed various soybean meals.</h2> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The live animal phase of Aim 1 is currently underway and the live animal phase from Aim 2 has yet to start but is planned to start this fall. Mississippi State University – Dr. Pratima Adhikari <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <ol> <li>Supplementation of phytase superdose in laying hens.</li> <li>Evaluation of almond hulls in pullets and hens.</li> <li>Evaluation of soybean meal in laying hens.</li> <li>Evaluation of feed ingredients and additives for mitigation of Salmonella</li> <li>Assessment of pathogenicity of avian pathogenic coli.</li> </ol>   Mississippi State University – Dr. Kelley Wamsley <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Determination of optimal feed particle size for starter phase broilers; evaluating the relationship behind starter phase broiler feed particle size selection and performance as influenced by bird beak capacity; amino acid digestibility as influenced by feed form. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> A study from 0 to 17 d on male broilers fed 3 corn particle sizes (600, 900 or 1200 microns) and 3 crumble particle sizes (1600, 2400, 3200 microns) given a 10x dose of live coccidiosis vaccine (LCV) at d of hatch.  In general, 17 d BW and 0 to 17 d FCR were improved with chicks fed 900 micron corn and 3200 micron crumbles.  These data were utilized to conduct a follow up study wherein 900 micron corn and 3200 micron crumbles were fed as a pretest for a grower phase study this summer, determining the optimal combination of corn particle size and feed quality (percent pellets) for challenged (subclinical necrotic enteritis) and unchallenged birds from 14-28 d.  These data will be impactful in the long run for integrators to utilize to maximize bird performance for chicks with subclinical necrotic enteritis, as well as healthy chicks.  Also, feed manufacturing costs to produce the feed recommended for each phase will be considered.  Thus far, the corn particle size recommended for the starter (900 micron) will likely not increase feed manufacture costs for integrators, as it is similar to the particle size used for broilers fed by companies surveyed by Wamsley lab.  As for the crumble particle size, it is much larger than that typically fed by industry and could help throughput in the mill (by not having to slow production rate to further reduce crumble particle size in the starter phase).    Auburn University – Dr. Wilmer Pacheco <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <ol> <li>Effect of feed form, conditioning temperature, and particle size on poultry performance.</li> <li>Pre-harvest strategies to control Salmonella in poultry production.</li> <li>Dietary strategies to improve gut health and improve broiler performance.</li> </ol> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> <ol> <li>Feeding broilers crumbled diets led to improved performance, reduced feed wastage, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 21 days of age.</li> <li>Conditioned temperature did not influence broiler performance and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 21 days of age.</li> <li>Broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pelleted diets had greater nutrient digestibility and improved broiler performance compared to broilers fed mash diets.</li> <li>Broilers fed 3-mm pellets had higher incidence of breast myopathies compared to broilers fed mash diets.</li> <li>Broilers fed diets containing 1,500 FTU/kg had showed digestibility of fat, phosphorus, and apparent ileal digestible energy compared to those fed diets with 500 FTU/kg.</li> <li>Broilers fed a diet containing both calcium butyrate and BMD had higher BW than those fed a diet with only calcium butyrate, particularly at a phytase concentration of 500 FTU/kg.</li> </ol>   University of Kentucky – Dr. Tony Pescatore and Dr. Sunday Adedokun <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> 1. Effects of dietary postbiotic on the performance, immunity (cytokine concentrations) and intestinal tissue injury of broiler chickens challenged with LPS. 2. A study looking at the interactive effects of poor quality diet (naturally contaminated corn) and heat stress on broiler chickens performance, nutrient utilization and blood gas was recently completed.   2b. Disease Control and Microbiology Bacterial Infections of Poultry During Growout and Processing. University of Connecticut – Dr. Mary Anne Amalaradjou and Dr. Indu Upadhyaya <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Dr. Amalaradjou’s lab is focused on developing a probiotic and postbiotic based approach to i) promote performance in broilers and layer and ii) reduce Salmonella on table and fertile eggs. Multiple trials in the last year demonstrated that in-ovo probiotics application significantly reduce Salmonella populations in hatching eggs, developing embryos, hatchlings and grow-out birds. Further, in-feed probiotic supplementation was seen to improve layer performance with significant reduction in FCR. Results of these studies were presented to the poultry community at the Spring and summer Poultry outreach workshop, 2024 IPPE meeting and 2024 PSA annual meeting. Dr. Upadhyay’s lab investigated the potential of phytochemical nanomulsions for controlling foodborne pathogens in poultry and on poultry products. Their results demonstrate that incorporation of trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol nanoemulsions significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in broiler chickens, biofilms on plastic and steel surfaces and survival on poultry products (eggs, meat). Results of aforementioned studies were presented to the scientific community at the 2024 PSA annual meeting and the 2024 IAFP annual meeting. Additionally, with support from a new USDA-NIFA-OREI grant, Upadhyay’s lab will explore the potential of phytochemical nanoemulsions in reducing eggborne transmission of Salmona       in    layer   chickens.   You    can   read   more   about                     the  grant   via             this     link: <a href="https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic-poultry-industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw">https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic-</a> <a href="https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic-poultry-industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw">poultry-</a> <a href="https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic-poultry-industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw">industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6</a> <a href="https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic-poultry-industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw">mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw</a>   Extension/Outreach Activities (Dr. Upadhyaya): <ul> <li>Outreach provided to poultry producers in New England to establish current practices on broiler and egg</li> <li>Stakeholder discussion on alternative methods to improve broiler and layer production, including use of fish meal, natural antimicrobials.</li> <li>Workshop conducted for farmers to learn more about sustainable poultry production and use of alternative approaches to improve food</li> <li>Cooperative Extension activities with large- and small-scale poultry</li> <li>Training poultry processors in meat and poultry HACCP.</li> <li>Outreach for enhancing the safety of eggs by ultra-fine bubble</li> </ul> Mississippi State University – Dr. Ken Macklin <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. Finalize a survey of an NAE broiler complex and initiate another survey of a conventional poultry complex (pullet, breeder, hatchery, broiler, processing and transportation between each step) to determine potential risk factors for Campylobacter and Salmonella and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. 2. The impact of nutrition on hatching egg’s shell quality and how it relates to hatchability. 3. Developing novel strategies to control litter beetles on poultry farms.  <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> By helping to provide a safe and nutritious food we can help ensure the health of the public. Our activities in pre- and post-harvest food safety have helped in identifying possible reservoirs of Campylobacter and Salmonella on and around commercial poultry live operations. In addition, we have been working on developing/refining common on farm management strategies to control Salmonella and Campylobacter on the farm. Unfortunately, none have proven to be effective by themselves; however combining several of them have shown some improvement in reducing those two bacteria in the poultry environment. There is an effect of hen nutrition on the quality of eggshells, and this can be seen in the number of chicks that hatch from fertile eggs. With eggs having better eggshell characteristics having an improved hatch. Adding additional trace minerals to the hen’s diet does improve hatch of fertile which would help the industry by them being able to produce more chicks and in turn help the consumer. Mississippi State University – Dr. Li Zhang <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> The main activities that my lab has been focusing on include: <ol> <li>Identifying potential vaccine candidates through host-pathogen interactions for major poultry pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.</li> <li>Developing advanced techniques for detecting pathogens in poultry.</li> <li>Evaluating the vertical transmission potential of Salmonella and analyzing the genomic characteristics of multi-drug resistant bacteria.</li> <li>Investigating the biofilm formation capabilities of major foodborne pathogens, specifically Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella.</li> </ol> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> <h1>We have identified several potential vaccine candidates for Campylobacter jejuni and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. These advancements have the potential to yield highly effective vaccines that could significantly reduce the prevalence of these pathogens in poultry populations. Additionally, our research on the vertical transmission of Salmonella Reading provides invaluable insights that could revolutionize current strategies for controlling the spread of this pathogen in poultry farms. Moreover, our studies on biofilm formation deepen our understanding of pathogen survival tactics, thus facilitating the development of more precise disinfection and control measures. These contributions play a vital role in advancing agricultural biosecurity and improving food safety protocols.</h1> Mississippi State University – Dr. Xue Zhang <h2>Activities and Projects and Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. investigating the causes of woody breast development and mitigating incidence. 2. studying spoilage bacteria in chicken breast during processing and storage. 3. chicken product evaluation and advancement. Activity 1: Impact of genetic selection on broiler growth and muscle myopathies Genetic selection for enhanced broiler growth has led to an increased incidence of breast muscle myopathies, particularly woody breast (WB). To evaluate the potential role of dietary amino acids in this phenomenon, we investigate the interaction between a reduced amino acid diet and its impact on muscle gene expression. Our findings reveal that breast myopathy has a more significant effect on differentially expressed genes and gene co-expression patterns than the diet itself.   Activity 2: Identifying and controlling spoilage bacteria using nanopore sequencing. Microbial growth is a primary cause of spoilage in refrigerated fresh chicken breast meat. In our pursuit of combating spoilage, we employ Nanopore sequencing, a rapid and cost-effective long-read sequencing technique. This approach enables us to identify species-level spoilage bacteria, including elusive unculturable species that are often overlooked using conventional methods. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of Nanopore sequencing in determining the spoilage associated bacteria in chicken meat. Future research may focus on developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of these spoilage bacteria and extend the shelf life of chicken meat.   Activity 3: Gluten-free product development for health-conscious consumers The market demand for gluten-free products has surged in response to rising rates of celiac disease in western nations and increasing consumer preference for health-conscious choices. As part of our commitment to food innovation, we examine the effect of xanthan gum (XG) on the rheological and sensory properties of various gluten-free chicken nugget batters. Our investigation includes a comparison with gluten-containing batters. The gluten-free recipes, particularly those using rice flour and chickpea flour, present promising alternatives to the traditional all-purpose flour batter. The significance of these findings lies within the potential for gluten-free alternatives to meet consumer expectations and dietary needs without compromising sensory quality. The use of rice and chickpea flours in gluten-free chicken nuggets not only provides a solution for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity but also caters to the growing demand for diverse dietary options in the food industry. Auburn University – Dr. Dianna Bourassa <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <ol> <li>Role of darkling beetles in the transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry litter.</li> <li>Activity of photoactive compounds curcumin and chlorophyllin against Salmonella and</li> <li>Sanitation of broiler transport containers for the reduction of Salmonella and</li> <li>Reduction of microbial load on broiler carcasses using a surfactant and organic acid during scalding.</li> <li>Genomic analyses of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolated from environmental samples across a No Antibiotics Ever broiler complex.</li> </ol> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> <ol> <li>Both Salmonella and Campylobacter can survive in litter for up to 127 days following bird removal. Darkling beetles can harbor and transfer Salmonella, but Campylobacter was not detected in beetles.</li> <li>Neither curcumin nor chlorophyllin were found to result in significant reductions in Salmonella or Campylobacter when applied in vitro.</li> <li>Pressurized steam coupled with forced hot air is as effective at broiler transport container sanitation as pressure washing and chemical sanitation. However, neither of these methods were able to completely prevent the transmission of Salmonella from transport containers to broiler chickens.</li> <li>Using a scald water surfactant and organic acid carcass dip slightly reduced the microbial load on carcasses following scalding.</li> <li>Within an NAE broiler complex, some Salmonella isolates detected at the processing plant were genetically related to some isolates found at broiler breeder houses and the hatchery. However, multiple isolates were also detected that were not genetically related between locations across the broiler complex.</li> </ol>   2c. Physiological Responses to Environment and Welfare Management of Cage-Free Aviaries. Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Evaluated novel approaches to improve indoor air quality inside cage-free barns. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> The upgraded indoor air cleaning prototype was subjected to a challenging environment. Filters with UV treatment improved indoor air quality for 25 days (&sim;50% ON/OFF). Total suspended PM concentrations were reduced by 55% between ON and OFF days. Airborne bacteria concentrations were mitigated by 47% between ON and OFF days. Indoor air, especially with suspended particulate matter (PM), can be a carrier of airborne infectious pathogens. Michigan State University – Dr. Janice Siegford, Dr. Janice Swanson, Dr. Daniel Morris <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> PI Siegford worked with Ahmed Ali (Clemson) and Tina Widowski (Guelph) to examine impact of cage-free aviary style and management practices on reducing floor eggs while not negatively impacting welfare. At MSU, MS student Katie Baugh is examining impacts on productivity, egg quality, physical welfare and fear while MS student Xioawen Ma is examining impacts on hen activity (ie movement in the systems) and play behavior. MSU Postdoc Valentina Bongiorno is evaluating dust bathing, piling, and foraging behavior in the litter area using video footage. Work concluded on a series of projects PI Siegford collaborated on with Tina Widowski (Guelph) and her PhD student Ana Renstch examining impacts of rearing environment complexity on laying hens. PIs Siegford and Swanson also continued as members of the United Egg Producer’s Scientific Advisory Council and assisted with updates to the UEP Certified Guidelines. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> <ul> <li>Preliminary results suggest that aviary style did not impact egg quality, but a higher percentage of floor eggs and mortality rate were observed in the more enclosed aviary style. Minimal effects on productivity were found with hens in the more enclosed aviary style coming into lay faster than hens in the more open style. Keel and feather scores worsened with age but were not affected by aviary style.</li> <li>Hens in a more open aviary design showed more overall and vertical activity, and this activity decreased less over time compared to findings from hens housed in a more enclosed aviary design.</li> </ul> Laying Hen, Broiler, and Turkey Management Welfare University of Arkansas – Dr. Shawna Weimer <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <h2>The Weimer lab has worked on several broiler chicken welfare projects. Results and impact are reported on 2 projects.</h2> <h2>1) To examine the effects of four different lighting wavelength treatments on the stress responses of broilers during grow-out. Chicks (N=274) hatched from 16 incubators with four continuous incubator wavelength lighting treatments (blue [450nm], green [560nm], white [462nm], and no lights [control]) were randomly assigned to 16 pens (N= about 17 birds/pen). On D15 and D34, 80 birds (37 males, 43 females) were subjected to the Inversion Test (IT). During the IT, birds were inverted for 30 seconds and the frequency of wing flapping (WF), vocalizations (V), righting (R), and head movements (HM) were analyzed through video observations. Two holding methods were used based on coverage of the bird’s legs, the shank method (SHM) versus the feet method (FTM), to test if the holding method impacted behaviors. Blood was collected from 64 birds on D21 and D42 for cell population concentrations (10^3/µL) and plasma corticosterone levels (CORT, ng/mL), and on D42 the Bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted for relative weight (%).</h2> <h2>2) To determine how blue-green lighting influences broiler the physiological stress response under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks (N=600) were randomly distributed among 12 environmental chambers (N=50 chicks/chamber). The experiment was a 2x2 split plot design. Each chamber contained either a white LED light (C, N=6) or a blue-green spectrum LED light (T, N=6). From D35-41, birds were subjected to either cyclic heat stress (HS) conditions (31°C, N=6 chambers, 3 per light treatment) for 8h/D or thermoneutral (TN, 20°C, N= 6 chambers, 3 per light treatment) conditions. Water intake (L/bird) was recorded throughout HS. On D42, pen body weight (BW, kg) was recorded, blood was drawn for flow cytometry, right and left tibiotarsus (tibia) bones were collected for morphology (mm, °) and water displacement (ml) measures, and the Bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted and weighed to calculate relative bursa weight (RBW, %) from 36 birds (N=3 birds/chamber).</h2> <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> 1) There was no effect of incubation lighting (P=0.77) on relative bursa weights or H:L ratios at D21 (0.34, P=0.25) or D42 (0.36, P=0.53). A tendency (P=0.06) was found for CORT levels at D42 with controls being lower (1.96 ng/mL) compared to white (2.35 ng/mL) and blue (2.27 ng/mL) treatments. There was no treatment effect on IT behaviors, but there were holding method and age effects. Independent of holding method, younger birds had a greater frequency (P<0.0001) of V (33.1) and HM (7.7) than older birds (13.7 and 4.8, respectively). Independent of age, birds inverted with the TFM had greater (P<0.04) frequency of WF (20.1) and R (0.9) than SHM (4.2 and 0.3, respectively). The IT holding method influenced the frequency of behaviors, suggesting that IT test results can depend on the inversion holding method. The results of this research indicate that effects of certain incubation light wavelength treatments on broiler behavior and stress physiology are limited, but further research is warranted. 2) While there was no difference in water consumption during the hours between cyclic HS, THS birds consumed less water (1.3L/bird, P=0.04) during HS than CHS birds (1.6L/bird), with TTN and CTN intermediates. There was a tendency (P=0.07) for a greater D42 BW in TN birds (3.60kg) than HS birds (3.44kg). There was no difference in blood plasma corticosterone levels or heterophil: lymphocyte ratios (P>0.05); however, HS birds had lower RBW (0.13%, P<0.01) than TN (0.16%). The T:B cell ratio was greater (P<0.03) for TTN (4.18) birds than THS (3.24), with CTN and CHS intermediate. For the right tibia, HS birds had reduced (P<0.04) tibial head, 90% and 75% widths (27.8, 22.4 and 14.0mm respectively) and tibia lengths (105.1mm) than TN (28.9, 25.8 and 14.8 and 108.9mm respectively). TN birds tended to have a greater (P=0.09) right tibia angle (49.2o) than HS (46.4o). Similar patterns were seen for the left tibia, with HS birds having reduced (P<0.04) 75% widths and tibia lengths (14.0 and 104.9mm, respectively) than TN birds (14.9 and 108.9mm, respectively). Additionally, left tibia water displacement was greater (P=0.007) for TTN (18.6ml) than THS (14.9ml) and CTN (16.2ml), with CHS intermediate (16.9ml). The results suggest that blue-green lighting may provide a cooling effect during heat stress, but further research is needed to determine the effect on broiler stress physiology. University of Arkansas – Dr. Yi Liang <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors to poultry production. Studies have demonstrated that sprinkler technology can mitigate heat stress using up to 60% less water for broiler cooling. However, flock performance was difficult to compare and evaluate in the previous studies where broiler houses are used as experimental units. To compare production performance of sprinkler and evaporative cooling-pad, the present study was conducted using floor pens in two commercial broiler houses (40 × 400 ft). One house was cooled by a combined sprinkler/cool cell system while the other house by a cool pad system only. The combination-cooling house was cooled by the sprinkler system as the first stage of cooling with assistance from the cool cell system once house temperature reached 32°C (90°F). Approximately 17,000 chicks (Ross 708, Aviagen) were placed in each house on 24 July 2023 and raised till age 28 d.  Migration fences divided each house into four quarters, with equivalent cooling using tunnel ventilation and cooling pads as needed. Sixteen pens (4 × 4 ft each) made of PVC frames and 1ʺ diameter wire grid were installed per house, four in each quarter. Sixteen birds of 29 days were placed into one of the pens on 22 August 2023 and raised till 42-d-old. In each quarter, two pens held males while the other two held females. Birds inside the pens had access to nipples of the water lines. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> During the two-week period, average daily weight gains were insignificantly different, e.g. 0.056 kg and 0.058 kg per bird in the cool cell house and combination houses, respectively. The adjusted feed conversion ratios in the 2-wk period weren’t significantly different in the cool cell house and combination houses (1.48 vs. 1.49, respectively). The average daily maximum temperature in the cool cell house, the combination house and outside were 29.9°C, 31.9°C and 34.2°C.  The average corresponding relative humidity (when daily max T was recorded) in the cool cell house, the combination house and outside were 63.1%, 57% and 45.3%.   Purdue University – Dr. Greg Fraley <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Photoreceptors Welfare and Fertility in Poultry. Poultry are seasonal breeders and require long daylengths to maintain fertility. Unlike mammals, birds have photoreceptors both in their retinas and in their brains. Photoreceptors involved in regulation the onset of puberty and seasonal reproduction are referred to as Deep Brain Photoreceptors (DBPs). Dr. Fraley’s lab evaluates the impact of different colors of light on DBP responses and has demonstrated that blue light is necessary to maintain fertility. His lab has further demonstrated the expression pattern of these DBPs during development and the lack of effects of incubator lights on the expression of photoreceptors in ducks. He has further showed a similar lack of effects of incubator lights in broiler chicks through a collaboration with Tyson Foods and a visiting scholar from Pakistan. Dr. Fraley collaborates with Drs. Esteban Fernandez-Juricic (Biological Sciences, Purdue) and Darrin Karcher (Animal Sciences, Purdue) to characterize photoreceptor type and distribution in duck and chicken retinas to develop mathematical models of how these species perceive objects in their environment under different lighting conditions. These efforts have led to a funded NIFA- IDEAS Grant (2022; PI: D. Karcher) and a NIFA Foundational Grant (2023; PI: G. Fraley) to design commercial barn lighting systems for layer chickens and ducks, respectively. Avian Welfare and a Re-evaluation of the Avian Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPA). Improving the welfare status of all poultry is both a consumer and poultry industry priority. For decades, poultry scientists have assessed the HPA (stress) axis with the understanding that the avian HPA functions similarly to that of mammals. Dr. Fraley’s team, however, has demonstrated that there are long-term changes in the brain following transportation stress in poultry, and that there are sex-dependent differences in HPA responses to stress and to the downstream effects of glucocorticoids on immune response. Dr. Fraley’s team has further demonstrated that heat stress has adverse effects on fertility and welfare in Pekin breeder ducks (also in a sex-dependent manner) and that heat stress elicits epigenetic changes in the progeny of the stressed Pekin breeders. Currently, Dr. Fraley’s team leads efforts to better understand the physiological basis of welfare in poultry. While poultry scientists have long considered corticosterone to be the sole glucocorticoid in birds. Dr. Fraley has demonstrated that cortisol also plays an important role in the stress response of birds and immune regulation (Manuscripts #14,20). Further, his team has shown that cortisol, not corticosterone, is deposited into eggs from hens experiencing long-term stress. Further, the Fraley lab has determined how stress impacts the brain and changes brain chemistry associated with different affective states, and therefore welfare status. This re- evaluation the avian HPA has allowed poultry scientists and stakeholders to better assess both the stress and welfare status of their birds. Additionally, his team evaluates the physiological and neurobiological bases of welfare of birds housed with or without environmental enrichment, such as preening cups (Manuscripts #5,12). More recently, Dr. Fraley’s lab in collaboration with Dr. Jeff Lucas (Biological Sciences, Purdue University, has evaluated how duck and chicken vocalizations can be understood and utilized as a determinant of bird welfare. His team has demonstrated that ducks have 19 distinct types “quacks” (Manuscript #3, Abstracts 2,7,9,12), that are dependent upon social and environmental factors. The Fraley lab has also demonstrated that specific vocalizations can activate or deactivate sympathetic nervous and HPA systems. Thus, vocalizations relay specific information to conspecifics (Abstract #6). The Fraley lab intends to develop poultry vocalizations as another tool for the modern, digital farm to utilize develop real-time and ongoing assessment of flock health and welfare. His efforts towards better understanding poultry vision and vocalizations earned him an invited talk at the Annual PEAK conference in 2024, and an interview with FeedStuffs365 at that meeting (https://<a href="http://www.feedstuffs.com/poultry/sweet-sound-of-duck-song-to-their-view-of-the-">www.feedstuffs.com/poultry/sweet-sound-of-duck-song-to-their-view-of-the-</a> world). Stakeholder-initiated Research. Dr. Fraley works directly with a wide assortment of stakeholders in an effort to facilitate the translation of his research towards industry practices. His decades long relationship with Maple Leaf Farms (Indiana) has led to more optimized use of water systems in commercial duck barns, and the introduction of different flooring types to increase bird welfare. These efforts continue to determine the effectiveness of preening cups as environmental enrichment with Culver Duck (Indiana); the Fraley lab demonstrated the efficacy of preening cups as environmental enrichment for ducks. Along with Drs. Darrin Karcher and Luiz Brito (Purdue), Dr. Fraley is evaluating the interaction of welfare, physiology, and genetics underlying “flip-over” ducks (young ducks cannot right themselves, leading to death in many cases) in collaboration with Maple Leaf Farms, Culver Duck, Cherry Valley Duck (UK), and Eco Duck (China). Dr. Fraley’s team has also defined a series of blood parameters found in healthy ducks to compare and contrast with ducks that underperform in commercial operations. This new knowledge has revealed that fatigue in ducks, a well-recognized animal welfare concern, alters sodium/potassium and calcium/phosphate levels. Finally, Dr. Fraley is collaborating with Tyson Foods, Inc. to evaluate the effects of incubator lighting on bird growth and production. Dr. Fraley’s efforts in duck research specifically have led to his adjunct faculty position at Sichuan Agricultural University (China) and other international collaborations, including most recently with Dr. Francois Crots (NUTRAfeed and Country Bird Holdings) in South Africa to investigate the effects of broiler housing lights on brain melatonin production. Dr. Fraley demonstrates how basic neuroendocrine and physiological science can be translational to directly impact our poultry stakeholders. These projects are still in data collection mode. Purdue University – Dr. Marisa Erasmus <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Current projects in the Erasmus lab are aimed at 1) assessing the impact of environmental enrichment and forced locomotion using a robot on the behavior, welfare and walking ability of turkey toms and identifying traits associated with improved walking ability, 2) identifying individual factors associated with resistance to northern fowl mites in egg laying hens, and 3) evaluating the influence of space on the walking ability and reliability of fear tests in broiler chickens. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Walking ability of turkey toms was influenced more by age-related weight gain than by environmental enrichment. Turkeys provided with a pecking block had better footpad condition at 18-19 weeks compared to turkeys provided with platforms, straw bales, a tunnel to shelter from conspecifics, no enrichment and turkeys subjected to forced locomotion using a robot. Provision of enrichment influenced body weight such that turkeys provided with a straw bale had lower body weights at 18 weeks than turkeys provided with robots, pecking blocks or tunnels. For the second project, preliminary results indicated that high mite infestation levels were associated with worse belly feather condition in laying hens and further research will assess differences in behavior of hens with high and low levels of mites, as well as traits associated with resistance to mite infestation. Results from studies assessing the confounding effects of space and walking ability on fear responses of broiler chickens indicated that the amount of space available did not influence whether or not broiler chickens approached a stationary person, and broiler chickens’ responses in fear tests is influenced by age and their walking ability. University of Hawaii – Dr. Birendra Misra <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Dr. Mishra’s lab is focused on 1) Genetic and hormonal regulation of egg production in the          broiler breeder and laying hens, and 2) Mitigation of heat stress in poultry. His research identified the novel genes and biological pathways involved in egg production in the oviduct of laying hens. Further, he evaluated the mitigating effects of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds in the birds under environmental heat stress. University of Kentucky – Dr. Tony Pescatore and Dr. Sunday Adedokun <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Three heat stress-related studies were conducted with broiler chickens. These were done to evaluate the effect of different dietary supplements on performance, gut health, immune function of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress North Carolina State University – Dr. Ramon Malheiros <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> During this past year, my work was associated with the development of broiler breeders and the factors that may have influenced the decrease in the fertility of broiler breeder males. In 2022, USDA reported that since the 2012, the percent fertility in the eggs from broiler breeder parent flocks has decreased by 5%.  Associated with this huge reduction of in the percent of fertile eggs and the resulting lower number of the broiler day-old chicks per hen housed is a serious issue. Reproduction fertility depends heavily on the roosters as a major importance in this, due the mating ratio of one rooster for every 10 hens housed. Therefore, my research focus has been on the fertility of the roosters, from the approach of testis development and subsequent sperm quality of these males, as they sexually matured and aged during the production cycle. 2d. Housing Systems and Economics Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Evaluated impacts of hen housing on microbial communities and markers of stress. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Recent work was published examining the impact of different housing systems on microbial communities, glucocorticoid, and intestinal permeability. An initial study in commercial facilities yielded limited changes in microbial communities and intestinal permeability.  To determine if these changes were a result of housing system or other factors, like age or diet, that we were unable to control for, a follow up study was conducted at a research facility.  This study indicates that age and not housing system has the greatest impact on microbial communities, glucocorticoid, and intestinal permeability. North Carolina State University – Dr. Ken Anderson <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Thirty-four percent of the laying hens in the egg industry are in extensive production systems approximately 106 million hens in cage free commercial systems. Along with this the Non-commercial hen population (Backyard Flocks) are estimated to be at least 212.5 million hens. Related to this shift is working to understand the nutritional needs for the extensive systems.  In both groups where partitioning of nutritional resources are focused on animal activity versus production formulations to address these issues benefits all hens.  Sustainability is inherent in how we address this issue.  This can be done through nutrient formulations, alternative feed ingredients to mitigate squandering natural resources yet maintain the performance, health and welfare of our flocks and the quality of the products they produce.  The second issue is the maintenance of laying flocks in excess of 100 weeks of age and how the industry can maintain egg quality for the consumer market. Extensive production systems remain an industry objective and they continue to move in this direction. Retail consumers are driving the push however, individual family consumer demand stymies’ the issue due to the increased egg prices.  HPAI Outbreaks from 2022 that continue currently combined with the associated shift is resulting in record egg prices.  The current estimate of backyard flocks in this country based on a USDA Survey and published report out of CA indicates a national backyard flock of 212.5 million hens but could be as high as 300 million.  These changes to cage free though deemed more “humane” do not improve the welfare of the hens or the safety of the food produce in these systems.  Along with this the backyard flock push increases the distribution of unwashed and un-regulated shell eggs. Problem is that the consumers are more than 8 generations removed from production agriculture and don’t understand the inherent issues associated with poultry production and the risks to the bird in more extensive systems and the inherent safety compromises in the products they produce. Our work has been focusing on three issues confronting the egg industry today.  First, is the shift of egg production from primarily intensive to extensive production (cages to cage-free). We beginning to understand what these shifts in production systems are having on egg production and quality. Increasing the understanding of these impacts on egg production and quality will help the primary breeders evaluate their selection strategies and the producers how to enhance or modify their management to improve production and subsequent egg quality.  Second, is the utilization of alternative feed ingredients recapturing nutrients which would be destined for the landfill we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of production.  Replacing conventional protein and energy sources such as Soybean meal or Corn can lower costs and improve sustainability.  Third, with the continuing HPAI in the poultry industry the research we have done related to depopulation of laying hens, broilers, broiler breeders, and turkeys has provided the industry and USDA-APHIS a set of tools that can be used in the depopulation of diseased flocks.  The Hyperthermic (VSD+) processes developed have been used extensively in 2022-23 by VMOs from APHIS. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Production research is results in improved egg production and quality which translates to the public domain as a food commodity, which is more affordable, higher quality and is safer when consumed.  My program is always associated with extension education making the public aware of where their food comes from and how safe it is.  Translation of the research helps the producers whether they are backyard flocks, or larger up to the FDA exempt flock status of 2,999 hens or commercial producers with 5 million hens on a facility.  The goal with exempt producers is to ensure the eggs they sell are a high a quality as possible and safe by providing trainings on flock health, egg storage cleaning and sanitation. This helps them to provide a high quality product, mitigates potential food borne pathogen transfer to consumers and ultimately improves the image of all egg producers. North Carolina State University – Dr. Aaron Kiess <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> As we aim for 66% cage-free production by 2026 it is important to identify which genetic strains of laying hens are best suited for cage-free production. Due to genetic selection, white strains of laying hens have historically been housed in conventional cages, while brown strains have occupied alternative systems. Transitioning strains that were originally selected for caged production may present challenges in their adaptation to alternative systems. Because cage-free environments are more complex than traditional cages, laying hens may encounter various unpredictable stressors that can impact their performance and ability to cope. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of genetic strain on egg production, egg quality, stress responses, and fearfulness responses amongst white and brown commercial strains of laying hens in a cage-free environment. <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Strain differences were found amongst egg production and quality metrics. H&N White (HN) hens produced the fewest number of eggs, eggs per hen, and grade A eggs, had the lowest hen-day egg production %, and produced the highest amount of check eggs. The Bovan Brown (BB) strain consumed the most feed yet had the lowest feed conversion ratio. It is evident that HN hens were the lowest producing strain, while BB were the least efficient strain. Hy-Line W36 White (W36) hens had the lowest albumen height, Haugh unit scores, yolk color, and yolk weight, while HN hens had the lowest vitelline membrane strength, shell weight, and shell thickness. Both Hy-Line Brown (HB) and BB strains had higher vitelline membrane elasticity compared to both white strains, concluding that both white strains demonstrated poorer egg quality. There were no differences found attributable to genetic strain for plasma corticosterone, heterophil lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, or heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression parameters. However, strains exhibited higher levels of HSP70 at the end of lay, HSP90a at the start of lay, and HSP90b at peak lay. Additionally, H:L ratios were highest at peak lay. Therefore, all strains demonstrated similar stress responses at critical time points throughout the lay cycle. This research found that genetic strain influenced laying hen performance in a cage-free environment. HN hens were the lowest producers, while BB hens were the least efficient strain. Additionally, HN and W36 strains exhibited poorer egg quality. Consequently, the HB strain may be the most efficient and therefore best suited strain for cage-free production. Furthermore, the variability in stress responses over time offers insights into factors affecting laying hen welfare throughout egg production. North Carolina State University – Dr. Tomislav Vukina <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> <h2> </h2> <ul> <li>Mergers and acquisitions in the broiler industry: the case of Wayne Poultry and Sanderson Farms Ph.D. dissertation.</li> </ul> (b)       The investigation of alleged collusion and price fixing in the broiler industry -Ph.D. dissertation. (c)        Poultry grower capital investment recoupment and alternative poultry growing tournament contract types – cooperative agreement with USDA-AMS. (d)       Driving Transformational Change: The Effects of Pastured Broiler Production on Animal Welfare and Food Production Quality and Safety.” Grant from General Mills (with Pullin, Walker and Campbell)   <h2>Significant Findings and Impact</h2> Found empirical confirmation for some degree of price fixing and collusion in the broiler industry during 2008 and 2019. Found economically limited negative welfare effect on consumers from the Wayne Poultry and Sanderson Farm merger. The poultry industry within the past decade and even more so in the past 5 years been undergoing major shifts in production systems, consumer demands, product offerings, foreign animal disease outbreaks, and welfare and how these impact the products safety.  Staying abreast of these aspects and those growing consumer concerns on production practices pushes the egg producers to continuously explore for answers to questions that will not impact poultry production or the sustainability of their operations. Another concern the other aspect of sustainability that of carbon footprint and the impact the industry has on the environment. University of Maryland – Dr. Jonathon Moyle <h2>Activities and Projects</h2> Continued on farm demonstration of high capacity circulation fans to improve bird welfare.

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The use of several management techniques such as measuring poultry water intake, assessing behavioral activities, using imaging analysis to assess poultry welfare, employing robots to examine poultry movement activity, and analyzing efficient ventilation in poultry houses will provided the poultry industry with much needed engineering techniques to help efficiently manage poultry.
2. Research conducted at several experiment stations showed that alternative feed ingredients can be used to promote increased poultry efficiency and enhance production. It was shown that feeding alternative feed ingredients can reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler chickens. In addition, alternative feed ingredients can improve turkey and broiler performance.
3. Several stations produced research that can help poultry and duck producers maximize performance by supplemented diets with phytase, feeding various particle size feed pellets, modifying diets with various energy levels, and providing broilers with several lighting regimes, and providing laying hens and ducks with different lighting systems.
4. Several research stations focused on enhancing housing techniques and this research will increase poultry producer knowledge in effective housing management techniques.
5. Research done by several stations provided need information on techniques to decrease the incidence of Salmonella on broiler carcasses during the grow-out period and during processing. This information will increase the knowledge of proper food safety and handling of poultry products.
6. Research was conducted on techniques to properly manage laying hens in a cage-free housing situation. This research will be very valuable to the egg industry, since there is an increased demand for cage-free produced eggs.