Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

A meeting of the S-1035 Regional Project was held in the Brisbane Convention Center, Brisbane, Australia June 30, 2008 from 12 noon until 3 pm. Participants outlined their recent research and extension projects and explored areas for potential collaborations. The group welcomed Paige Gay from the University of Georgia as she is relatively new to the group and was attending the meeting for the first time.

Manure Nutrients and Management Ingredients and Forumlation: Increasing supplies of corn by-products from ethanol production are changing poultry diet formulation especially in the Midwest. Corn derived dried distillers grains with solubles is quite high in phosphorus content (.7%). Processing method and corn fractionation was found to influence the phosphorus content of the feed product. Uncertainty in ingredient phosphorus levels create challenges for accurate feed formulation and result in wider margins of safety and potentially greater fecal phosphorus. Varying the amount of syrup (solubles) addition to the wet grains (mash) prior to drying was found to change the P content considerably. Batches of corn distiller dried grains were produced with varying levels of solubles (syrup) added back to the wet grains (mash) and then dried. The batches produced contained syrup added at approximately 0, 30, 60, and 100% of the maximum possible addition of syrup to mash. Actual rates of syrup addition were 0, 12, 25, and 42 gal/minute. The phosphorus content increased from .53% (DM basis) in the dried grains to .91% (DM basis) in the product with the maximum amount of syrup added. The level of syrup added back to the wet mash can vary depending on the processing plants ability to market or utilize the syrup elsewhere potentially causing the phosphorus content of the final product to vary considerably (Noll, 2007 and Noll et al., 2007). Organic sources of trace minerals are thought to be more available for poultry, compared with traditional inorganic salts. This suggests that their use might be useful for decreasing trace mineral levels in manure. The effect of varying levels and sources (organic vs. inorganic) of trace mineral supplements on trace mineral concentrations in manure was studied using a commercial strain of brown shell laying hen (Hy-Line Brown). Trace mineral mixes that contained Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn at 25, 50 or 100 per cent of the NRC (1994) requirements in the form of inorganic salts or proteinates (Bioplex®,Alltech, Inc.) were added to corn-soybean meal-based grower and layer diets in a 3 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. In manure samples taken during the early production cycle, the concentrations of Cu, Mn and Zn were significantly increased by the 100% level of supplementation (vs. 25 and 50%) and were unaffected by the source of minerals. Manure Fe levels were unaffected by dietary treatments. Respective concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in manure (DM basis) were 39, 813, 145 and 230 mg/kg for hens supplemented with the 100% level and 28, 747, 94 and 165 mg/kg for hens supplemented with the 25% level of trace minerals. The results indicate the dietary level, but not the source, of the trace minerals used with practical diets influences the concentrations of trace minerals in the manure (Cantor et al., 2007a). Composting: Environmental pressures placed on poultry producers could be reduced if there was a reduction of potential nutrient loss (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus) during water runoff from soils to which litter is applied, and a reduction of pathogenic organisms in litter. Therefore, methods of in-house pasteurization (composting or self-heating) of broiler litter were evaluated through demonstration trials conducted in commercial poultry houses. The objectives were to develop a process to pasteurize poultry litter in-house that would generate temperatures to reduce pathogens, to evaluate pasteurization technology to reduce litter moisture, and to determine the effect of pasteurization on nutrient dynamics over time. After flocks of broilers were harvested, poultry growers removed the compacted, high moisture sub-layer of litter (cake), pressure washed the interior of the houses to remove excessive dust build-up, and using tractors with an extended width blade, formed two litter windrows in each poultry house. The windrows ran the full length of the houses (122 to 183 m), and were approximately 0.61 m high and 1.22 m wide. The litter remained in the windrows for 7 to 10 d before being redistributed over the floor of the houses. Several trials were repeated in the same broiler houses to collect information about application of in-house pasteurization over several broiler flocks. Also, the effects of litter accumulation on potential increases in nutrients and pathogenic microorganisms over time were evaluated. Litter samples were taken immediately after windrowing and composting for nutrient and microbiological analyses. Litter temperatures were obtained at 15.24 cm and 30.48 cm depths each day of the trials and are shown below. Litter did reach temperatures needed to reduce pathogens within 1 d and remained there for at least 4 d. Litter moisture was reduced by 9% during pasteurization. Small decreases in total nutrient contents were observed and the increases in plant available nutrient contents were not great. The percentage of total nitrogen (as ammonium), potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium in plant available forms was reduced. However, plant available phosphorus and sulfur increased. The total anaerobic count for pathogens, measured as colony forming units per gram, was reduced by approximately 90% or more. This method of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter provides an opportunity for poultry producers to confidently re-use litter from previous flocks of broilers. The ultimate result would be a reduction in the amount of broiler litter applied to land over a period of time; as well as a reduction in the quantity of litter produced each year (Lavergne et al., 2004, Lavergne et al., 2006). In-house composting to recycle litter is being revaluated in Delaware and the surrounding region in part from increasing environmental scrutiny as it relates to removal, outside stockpiling and land application of litter. In-house composting or windrowing of litter between flocks is a technology that may aid in addressing some current and emerging industry concerns. This is not a new technique! Following a 1987 report by a turkey operation that was composting litter between flocks to reduce pathogens and recycle litter, the author conducted a follow up study with broilers. Even though broilers reared on the composted litter were heavier compared to those grown on fresh pine sawdust and untreated used litter, the issues and timing in the 1980s was not right for industry to consider this practice. Over the past 20 years there has been growing interest but somewhat limited adoption of the in-house composting procedure. However, during the past few years many production areas are starting to adopt this practice for the following reasons; extend litter life, reduce pathogen challenge and the use of anti-microbial chemicals, and sequence partial cleanouts to better match nutrient management plans and waste storage requirements. During this short-term composting cycle many litter pathogens are reduced or eliminated due to the elevated temperatures, the high ammonia levels and the heat-tolerance microbes in these windrows. In fact, research conducted by at least four different universities suggest this process generally eliminates Coliforms and Salmonella. It reduces Clostridium Perfringens, total aerobic bacteria and total anaerobic bacteria by ~50%, 10-30%, and 60-80%, respectively. Field reports from various regions of the USA suggest this procedure breaks the cycle of dermatitis, necrotic enteritis and runting-stunting syndrome on problem farms. In some cases it requires implementing the procedure for two consecutive flocks and its effectiveness may dissipate within ~two flocks. The procedure is also used to inactivate many types of respiratory-related viruses in litter such as Laryngotracheitis, while immune-suppressive viruses tend to be more resistant to this biological heat process. Another reported benefit is a significant reduction in the darkling beetle populations. Depending on the method of composting, it may reduce or eliminate the need to crust-out houses. Windrow composting of litter between flocks has been done with grader blades on tractors, skid-steer loaders and specially-designed aeration equipment such as the Brown Bear unit. Some areas of the south have used a grader blade to form several windrows per house. Forming a single windrow down the center of the house using a skid-steer loader is another option. With this method the cake is often included in the mix for its added moisture. Although it will require crusting the house when the piles are re-spread, the volume of cake removed is greatly reduced. Piles formed by this method tend to be larger and slower to heat compared to the aeration equipment. Windrow formed with the aeration equipment pulverizes litter and cake and eliminates or greatly reduces the need to crust-out houses. Depending on house width and litter depth, two or three windrows are formed immediately following bird movement. With this method the goal is to achieve 130 F or greater within the first two days and to maintain these temperatures for a minimum of 3-5 days. The optimum litter moisture is ~35% but adequate temperatures are achieved with lower litter moistures. To aid in moisture and ammonia release and to recondition the litter, turning windrows several times is recommended. Afterwards, the piles are spread out and the litter leveled with a skid-steer loader and/or box blade. Research efforts at Auburn University in 2007 included trials aimed at extending the life of litter (bedding) in the broiler house so that litter reuse is facilitated with little or no loss of broiler productivity. When this is accomplished, less litter becomes available for use in land application, reducing effects on watershed. Also, when litter reuse is a common practice, litter can be removed from the house at a time of the year and in a manner that ultimate use of the litter as a soil amendment can be controlled for minimizing chances of ecological damage. Trials completed in 2007 included work on in-house composting to rejuvenate litter and control litter-borne disease agents. Windrow composting also allows the reuse of litter to control the application of litter to soils (Macklin et al., 2007a; Hess et al., 2007a; Macklin et al., 2008a) Litter Alternatives and Amendments: A study was completed with a new litter supplement, Envirobed ", on broiler growth and performance. Envirobed " is a byproduct of the cardboard in carpet roll centers. Growth was found to be equivalent and moisture uptake was enhanced by the increased absorbency of this litter material. This material was found to be acceptable for use as litter, to supplement other litter sources, or top dress existing used litter (Hulet and Cravener, 2007). Testing of new litter sources at Auburn University for their suitability has also yielded promising alternatives (Hess et al., 2007b; Hess et al., 2007c; Hess et al., 2007d; Bigili et al., 2008). Experiments using litter amendments to reduce ammonia volatilization allow for better conditions for the birds despite reusing litter and keeping nitrogen in the litter for ultimate use as a fertilizer. A large majority of broiler growers use litter amendments to reduce ammonia and lengthen the life of their litter. This research has helped define how much amendment is needed and when to apply them (Blake et al., 2007a; Blake et al., 2007b; Blake et al., 2007c; Blake et al., 2007d; Macklin et al., 2007b; Macklin et al., 2007c; Macklin et al., 2007d; Macklin et al., 2008b; Macklin et al., 2008c). Other Technologies: In a study with broiler breeder hens immunized with uricase, urease, uricase+urease or a PBS control to prevent manure-N degradation and NH3 release, 43-wk hens were immunized i.m. on d 0, 7, and 14. Egg yolk uricase-IgY titers were greater after the 2nd injection (P d 0.0001) and remained higher than the PBS or urease treatment d 9-24. Egg yolk urease-IgY titer was greater after the 1st injection (P d 0.01), and again on d 17, 21, and 24 (P d 0.0001) beyond the PBS and uricase. Serum uricase-IgY was significantly greater by d 9, and remained greater than the PBS or urease until d 28. Only at 24 and 28 d were serum urease-IgY titers significantly greater than the PBS or uricase group. While manure NH3 losses showed no clear relationship with the IgY titers, manure-N was greater at d 29 from the uricase+urease treatment compared to the others (P = 0.07) (Adrizal et al., 2007a). Water Quality The fate and transport of hormones from the land application of poultry litter in Georgia on a watershed basis is being evaluated. Historically, northern Georgia was the predominant location for the poultry industry, but as the industry has expanded, so has its presence in southern Georgia. It has been estimated 1.9 million Mg of litter were produced in 2004. Inherent in the poultry manure are the natural reproductive hormones 17²-estradiol and testosterone. Little to no research has been done to determine the potential for hormone contamination of streams at the watershed level which is heavily populated with poultry houses. Efforts are aimed at studying the occurrence, distribution, and transport mechanisms of endocrine disrupting hormones to minimize environmental impact. Region 4 of the EPA has agreed to award a regional grant beginning in September of 2008 to examine the impact of land application of chicken litter and the resulting natural hormones. The most potent estrogen hormone is 17²-estradiol (used interchangeably hereafter with estradiol or E2) and its most prevalent environmental degradation products are estrone and estriol. Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic estrogenic hormone used in human contraceptives and its presence along with the natural hormones has been used as an indicator of contamination from human sources. Testosterone (T) is the primary androgenic hormone, and it has three major environmental degradation products (4-androstene-3,17-dione, 5±-androstan-3,17-dione, and 1,4 androstadiene-3,17-dione). This study will focus on E2, estrone, T, androstenedione, and ethinylestradiol in streams and sediments throughout the upper Satilla River Basin, and will be conducted in cooperation with a project currently developed, funded, and underway to measure concentrations and trends of pathogenic bacteria. The results will define the occurrence and magnitude of hormones associated with land application of poultry manures at the watershed level. Results will provide essential information for developing regulation of these hormones under the Clean Water and Solid Waste Disposal Acts, should excessive concentrations of the hormones be found. This study addresses the EPA Region 4 priority of promoting environmental excellence in both public and private sectors. Many of the streams in the Satilla River Basin are classed as recreational and open to the public in certain areas, thus human contact is expected to be occurring. The study therefore has potential to protect childrens health should the hormones be detected, particularly at elevated concentrations. The study results will affect both the poultry growers and a processing plant by evaluating whether environmental contamination is occurring in the watershed as a result of this industry. The results will provide these private sectors with a baseline for becoming stewards of the environmental conditions resulting from their activities (Gay, 2008a). Additional studies will evaluate the watershed scale transport of Salmonella, Campylobacter, as indicator organisms in the Satilla river basin (SRB). Broiler production in the coastal plain of Georgia has continued to increase however there is risk of contaminating surface waters with pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we are investigating the influence of land application of chicken litter, treatment of chicken processing plant effluent, and the presence of beef cattle on the prevalence of the pathogens, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in the stream network of the SRB. The basin is located in southeast Georgia, is 2900 km2 in size, contains over 440 poultry houses, a waste water treatment plant receiving poultry processing effluent, and numerous beef cattle farms. Water samples are collected monthly from designated sites in the SRB. For the first 7 months of the 24 month study, severe drought and minimal water flow, did not allow water collection from some the stream sites. Water was tested for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. by culture. Total coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci concentrations were measured with the Colilert and Enterolert Quanti-Tray system (from the IDEXX system most probable number estimation). Salmonella spp. were detected at several sites associated with poultry, including detection within the influent and effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant receiving poultry processing waste. Campylobacter spp. have not been detected at any sites. Low Impact Flow Event (LIFE) samplers were installed in 2008 to collect surface runoff samples from the edges of fields and pastures within the SRB. Samples from two LIFE samplers following a rain event were negative for pathogens. Samples were not collected immediately following rain event due to logistical issues and may have limited detection. Additional LIFE samplers are being installed at various sites and a comprehensive plan of action for monitoring storm events. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the source of bacterial pathogens and indicator organisms in watersheds and their association with commercial-level animal agriculture, and will establish a foundation for continued protection of our nations water resources. Results to date consistently recover indicator organisms, and show concentrations vary with total daily rainfall. Monitoring will continue to further evaluate any emerging trends. Salmonella was detected almost routinely and positive samples were from sites within areas with a higher concentration of poultry houses. Influent to the WWTP as also routinely positive for Salmonella, but this site also received poultry processing waste. Campylobacter has not been detected to date, and procedures to fine tune the method of detection are being evaluated (Gay, 2008b). Farm Emissions Dietary Treatments: A broiler trial was initiated to evaluate the effects of dietary sodium bisulfate (S), humate and zeolite on growth, litter nutrients and litter ammonia flux with six treatments including a control from 14-44 d. Feed conversion was lowest for the .75% S treatment. Ammonia flux (mg NH3/m2/min) at 23 and 41 d were higher from the control litter, but linearly reduced four-fold with increasing levels of dietary S at .5 and .75% (P<0.0001). Litter pH was significantly reduced by 0.75% S vs. the control. Overall, improvements in growth and litter ammonia flux with the 0.75% S diet suggest promise for commercial application (Patterson et al., 2007a). The effects of using distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with and without enzyme supplementation in laying hen diets on the nutrient content and ammonia release of manure was evaluated. Hens were fed one of five layer diets: 1) corn-soybean meal diet (16% CP, 2850 Kcal/kg ME); 2) corn-soybean meal diet with 25% DDGS (16% CP, 2850 Kcal/kg); 3) Diet 2 plus 0.1% enzyme preparation (Allzyme SSF®, Alltech Inc.); 4) low energy corn-soybean meal diet with 25% DDGS (16% CP, 2550 Kcal/kg ME); and 5) Diet 4 plus 0.1% enzyme preparation. Dietary treatments did not affect manure moisture content nor pH. Ammonia release was highest for hens fed the corn-soybean meal diet (Diet 1) and lowest for those fed the low energy DDGS diet (Diet 4). Total ammoniacal nitrogen content for all of the DDGS diets was higher than for the corn-soybean meal diet. Manure from hens fed the DDGS diets had lower P and K content than that from hens fed the corn-soybean diet. Total nitrogen content was lowest for manure from hens fed diets supplemented with the Allzyme SSF® enzyme preparation (Diets 3 and 5). The results indicate that inclusion of DDGS and enzymes in laying hen diets may be useful for decreasing ammonia release and nutrient content of the manure (Pierce, et al., 2007). Reducing emissions was the goal of a treatment diet (R) containing 6.9% of a gypsum-zeolite mixture and slightly reduced crude protein (CP) fed to 21-, 38-, and 59-wk old Hy-Line W-36 hens (trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Egg production and emissions of NH3, H2S, NO, NO2, CO2, CH4 and non-methane total hydrocarbon (NMTHC) were compared to a commercial diet (C). At each age, 640 hens were allocated, randomly to eight environmental chambers for a three-wk period. On an analyzed basis, the C diet contained 18.0, 17.0, and 16.2% CP and 0.25, 0.18, and 0.20% S in trials 1, 2, and 3 and the R diet contained 17.0, 15.5, and 15.6% CP and 0.99, 1.20, and 1.10% S in trials 1, 2, and 3. Diets were formulated to contain similar Ca and P contents. Average daily egg weight (56.3 g), average daily egg production (81%), average daily feed intake (92.4 g) and BW change (23.5 g), across ages, were unaffected by diet (P > 0.05) in the short term. Age effects were observed for all performance variables and NH3 emissions (P < 0.05). In trials 1, 2, and 3, daily NH3 emissions from hens fed the R diets (185.5, 312.2, and 333.5 mg/bird) were less than emissions from hens fed the C diet (255.0, 560.5, and 616.3 mg/bird; P < 0.01). Daily emissions of H2S across trials from hens fed the R diet were 4.08 mg/bird compared to 1.32 mg/bird from hens fed the C diet (P < 0.01). Diet (P < 0.05) and age (P < 0.05) affected emissions of CO2 and CH4. A diet effect (P < 0.01) on NO emissions was observed. No diet or age effects (P > 0.05) were observed for NO2 or NMTHC. Results demonstrate that diet and layer age influence air emissions from poultry operations (Wu-Haan et al., 2007a). Nutrient retention in the laying hens above were also compared using three approaches to estimate nutrient excretion: 1) mass balance calculation (feed nutrients  egg nutrient), 2) use of an indigestible marker with analyzed feed and excreta nutrient content, and 3) an environmental chamber that allowed for capturing all excreted and volatilized nutrients. Hens (n=640) were allocated, randomly to eight environmental chambers for three-wk periods. Excreta samples were collected at the end of each trial to estimate apparent retention of N, S, P, and Ca. No diet effects on apparent retention of N were observed (53.44%, P > 0.05). Apparent retention of S, P, and Ca decreased in hens fed R diet (18.7, -11.4, and 22.6%, respectively) compared to hens fed C diet (40.7, 0.3, and 28.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). Total N excretion from hens fed the C and R diet was not different (1.16 g/hen/day); however, mass of chamber N remaining in excreta following the three-wk period was less from hens fed the C diet (1.27 kg) than from hens fed the R diet (1.43 kg). Gaseous emissions of NH3 over the three-wk period from hens fed the C diet (0.74 kg per chamber) were greater than emissions from hens fed the R diet (0.45 kg). The three-wk S excretion mass (estimated using the calculation, indigestible marker, and environmental chamber methods, respectively) was greater from hens fed R diet (1.85, 1.54, and 1.27 kg, respectively) compared to hens fed C diet (0.24, 0.20, and 0.14 kg, respectively). The three-wk P excretion was similar between diets (0.68 kg). Results demonstrate that feeding the acidified diet resulted in decreased N emissions but, because of the acidulant fed, greatly increased S excretion and emissions (Wu-Haan et al., 2007b). Vegetative Shelter Belts: The potential of trees planted around poultry farms to trap ammonia (NH3), and particulate matter (PM) was evaluated in two studies at the Penn State layer farm (Exp 1, 2) and another two studies (Exp 3, 4) on commercial poultry farms (n=3 and n=5 houses). Previous research in environmental chambers charged with ammonia had shown the potential of different plant species to metabolize atmospheric ammonia. Also more than 12 field experiments and demonstration sites had shown potential for commercial poultry farms to mitigate ammonia, dust and odor issues at the urban rural interface. Therefore five tree species were planted in pot-in-pot containers in 5 rows downwind of a Penn State layer house and in 2 control rows upwind of the fans (Exp 1). NH3 concentration decreased sharply with greater distance from 51.5 to 0ppm, at 0 and 50m. Significantly less NH3 was recorded when the trees were present downwind of the fans compared to when the trees were removed (16.4 vs. 19.4ppm). This was further supported by a marked decrease in foliar N with greater distance from the source and plant species differed with willow more responsive and the best NH3 trap. In a second study (Exp 2) similar trends in foliar N and ambient NH3 were recorded, and plant 2.5, 10um PM and total PM washed from the foliage showed a linear decrease with greater distance from the fans. Plants also showed unique species differences in their capacity to trap and hold PM. Results from commercial farms (Exp 3) showed greater foliar N in Norway spruce(NS) and Hybrid poplar (HP) downwind of house fans than control trees (P<0.05), and no impact of fan proximity on ambient temp or tree livability. In Exp 4 on commercial farms plant foliar N [Streamco willow, hybrid willow (HW), NS, HP] and ambient NH3 was again greater (P<0.05) near fans than controls and HW and NS trapped more 2.5, 10um PM and total PM than the other species (P>0.05). Results suggest combinations of plant species can trap both poultry fan NH3 and PM (Patterson et al., 2008a; Patterson et al., 2008b; Patterson et al., 2008c; Adrizal et al., 2008; Patterson et al., 2007b; Adrizal et al., 2007b; Hulet et al., 2007) Planting trees as a visual screen, vegetative environmental buffer (VEB) and shelterbelt around poultry farms is a proactive initiative being implemented in the Delmarva region by the poultry industry. With the introduction of tunnel ventilation and less concerns with blockage of air flow by trees, establishment of VEB now offers a cost-effective strategy to address urban encroachment and fan emission issues. In the past five years, 20 different demonstrations have been conducted to characterize various aspects in the establishment of VEB. In an effort to be responsive to escalating neighbor-relations and emissions issues, the local poultry industry has hired a coordinator to facilitate in the design, installation and maintenance of VEB on poultry farms. Financial assistance is available in some regions to help offset the cost of implementing VEB on poultry farms (Malone et al., 2008) Emissions of dust, gases and odor from poultry facilities pose major challenges for the poultry industry worldwide. Cost-effective technologies to abate emissions from modern tunnel-ventilated poultry houses are limited. In 2002, a three-row planting of trees were installed opposite two, 1.2 m diameter tunnel fans to evaluate vegetative environmental buffers (VEB) as a means of mitigating emissions from the poultry house. The first row, 9.1 m from the fans, were 4.8 m high bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), followed by 4.3 m high Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) and the outer most row of 2.4 m high Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Air quality monitoring stations to assess total dust, ammonia and odor were positioned 1.2 m high opposite the fans at locations in front and to the rear of 6.7 m wide, three-row VEB. Solid walls were installed next to the VEB to minimize winds during the sampling events. Over a five-year period, measurements were taken for a 6 h period during peak fan operation with market-age broilers to assess the reduction in emissions by the VEB. Based on a total of 42 days of measurements during this study, there was 57% reduction (P<0.01) in total dust concentration across the VEB. The relative change in ammonia concentration based on 38 days of sampling found a 55% reduction (P<0.01) with the VEB. Odor measurements were limited to 21 days and were influenced by meteorological conditions. However, the 27% reduction in odor concentration with the VEB was significant (P<.03). These results suggests the use of trees as vegetative filters may offer a cost-effective means of partially abating emissions from modern tunnel ventilated poultry houses. In addition to the potential air quality benefits, the VEB also aid in reducing potential nutrient losses in surface and subsurface groundwater flow from poultry farms. With the appropriate design as a shelterbelt around farms, the VEB can also conserve energy. Perhaps the greatest benefit and the factor having the greatest influence on implementation of VEB for poultry farms in the region has been a strategy to be proactive in addressing increasing neighbor-relations concerns (Malone et al., 2008b). At the University of Arkansas vegetative shelterbelts and windbreak walls are being evaluated to mitigate dust and odor emissions downwind from poultry farms. Vegetative environmental buffers strategically planted around poultry houses a natural air filtering structure to reduce dust and gaseous emissions. They also provide a certain dilution effect of odor plume by creating zones of ground level mechanical turbulence. Multi-row shelterbelts (45 trees total) including Crapemyrtle, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Japanese Cedar were planted in Dec 2007 near the tunnel ventilation fans on the south side of a broiler house at the Applied Broiler Research Farm in Savoy. A windbreak wall consisting of tarpaulin material fastened to frames near exhaust fans will be installed at one chicken house on the same farm. Monitoring of particulate matter and ammonia emissions downwind of the tunnel ventilation fans are scheduled to be conducted in summer of 2009 and 2010 to evaluate their efficacy as mitigation technology. Guidelines and recommendation of design and maintenance for vegetations and structural windbreak are to be developed to assist local poultry and livestock producers in adopting these affordable, cost-effective technologies. An open water curtain for reducing ammonia and PM emissions from broiler houses is also being evaluated in Arkansas with the goal to design, build and test the curtain for reducing emissions of ammonia and PM from tunnel ventilated broiler houses. The water curtain should be relatively low cost and easy to install. The water containing the pollutants will be either biologically treated or injected to adjacent hay fields, based on convenience and cost. The water curtain is currently being built with various nozzle size and water pressure. Fuel and Energy Poultry litter is being evaluated as a fuel source for poultry growers in Pennsylvania because of rising fuel costs, soil phosphate buildup, feed phosphate importation and costs and reduced grower profitability. The objectives of the work are to evaluate poultry litter as an on-farm fuel source for brooding baby birds. The project plans to determine minimum processing requirements, measure residual ash and evaluate the ash as a dietary P and mineral source for growing poultry and as a potential phosphate fertilizer agronomic crops. Thus far the work has estimated aerial emissions, and with the help of a commercial turkey grower litter energy has been measured at 3643-4349BTU/lb and litter ash averages of 14%. The project intends to calculate total system costs and transfer the information and technology to the commercial industry (Patterson et al., 2008d). A broiler trial has been initiated in Pennsylvania to study the use of ceiling fans on litter and air quality as well as energy use and broiler growth performance. Two new houses were identically furnished with equipment except one house had six ceiling fans that would use tempered air from the heated ceiling air to ventilate and supplement the air required by the house. Information on propane use, air temperature in the attic and within the house, as well as humidity and ammonia air within the house for a years collection time. Poultry growers are constantly struggling between maintaining indoor air quality and litter conditions and reducing energy usage. Work at the University of Arkansas is evaluating indoor temperature and relative humidity in houses with and without attic/ceiling vents. Introduction of incoming air through attic/ceiling vents is a simple means of utilizing solar energy for heating and ventilating poultry houses. Attic vents were installed in two of the four broiler houses on the Applied Broiler Research Farm. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded at both attic space and bird levels in houses with attic vents and only on bird level in the house without attic vents for one flock with built-up litter. Gas consumption was monitored by the gas meter of each individual house. Number of caked litter after flock harvest was also recorded. The daily air temperature of incoming air to the house with attic inlet was about 6 F higher than that of the house with sole sidewall inlets during the half-house brooding in the first week. The temperature differences were 3.8 F between the two houses for both weeks 2 and 3, and 4.5 F from week 4 to 8. Comparing two houses under the same environmental control regimen, the house with attic vents saved about 8% gas over the flock. Lower bird-level relative humidity contents were observed in the house with attic vents across the flock. The two houses with attic vents had 2 and 3 loads of cakes, while the two other houses had 5 loads of cakes each. Mortality Management With the threat of avian influenza (AI) in the region, in 2003 a team of university cooperative extension specialists (CES) from Delaware and Maryland conducted a demonstration on in-house composting as a potential means of mass-carcass disposal of infected flocks. Based on this demonstration and the techniques developed, this technology was successfully used for carcass disposal and virus inactivation in an AI event in the area one year later. During this AI response the CES also conceived another method for mass depopulation of floor-reared poultry using water-base foam. Researchers have since developed and validated this new technology for emergency mass depopulation of diseased flocks. Water-base foam for emergency mass depopulation of flocks with zoonotic disease was conditional approved for floor-rear meat birds in 2007. Other efforts are ongoing at the LSU AgCenter evaluating a method of in-vessel composting of poultry mortalities, and at Penn State University utilizing foam generated with fire retardant surfactants and egg white for euthanasia of commercial floor birds and commercial hens in cages.

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