Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objectives 1. Characterize physiological, behavioral, and performance responses of poultry to their physical and social environments and to various management practices, with the ultimate goal of enhancing animal welfare and ensuring environmental soundness while maintaining viable production profitability. Sub-objective 1. Characterize physiological and behavioral responses of poultry to critical elements of the physical environment (Thermal, Aerial, Visual, Auditory, Spatial, Multi-system) A. Thermal Environment NE conducted a study to determine the mechanism(s) by which heat stress reduces egg production in laying hens and, further, to determine differences exist between strains of hens selected for slightly different production characteristics. Hens from three Hy-Line® strains, Brown, W36, and W98, were housed individually under 16L:8D and randomly assigned to one of three thermal treatments: thermoneutral (TN) 22C, 50% RH; acute heat stress (AHS, 24h) 36C, 50% RH; or chronic heat stress (CHS, 2wk) 36C, 50% RH. Follicles were removed and granulosa cells (GC) were isolated, incubated with one or a combination of hormones, stained for the steroidogenic enzyme 3²-HSD using nitroblue tetrazolium, and expressed as % active cells. The hormone incubation treatments were LH, FSH, LH+FSH, PRL, LH+PRL, FSH+PRL, FSH+LH+PRL, and the control cells were incubated without addition of hormones. In TN cells, enzyme activity, as % active cells, increased in response to LH; the increase was greater with LH+FSH. With FSH alone and PRL alone, % activity was suppressed. When LH was added to PRL, enzyme activity improved over PRL alone and LH+FSH added to PRL increased activity further; however, both treatments failed to bring activity to the level of activity in TN cells. IA conducted a study on effects of stocking density and group size on heat and moisture production of laying hens under thermoneutral and heat challenging conditions. A study was conducted with 24 groups of 48 hens (39 to 46 weeks old) to compare heat and moisture production, via indirect calorimetry, for four different stocking densities (348, 387, 465, or 581 cm2/hen; 54, 60, 72, or 90 in2/hen) and two group sizes (8 or 16 hens/cage). Data were collected at thermoneutral (24°C or 76°F) and heat challenging conditions (32°C or 90°F and 35°C or 95°F). No notable differences in heat and moisture production were observed among the treatments under the experimental conditions. These results imply that for existing laying-hen houses, reducing stocking density, and thus flock size, will reduce the heat and moisture generated within houses. B. Aerial Environment PA, along with KY and IA conducted research on ammonia emissions from eight commercial poultry houses in PA with some houses demonstrating emission-reduction strategies. This project is in its final stages and is part of a USDA IFAS funded project. Ammonia level was determined using an electrochemical sensor system developed by the project investigators. Ventilation rate was estimated by monitoring building static pressure difference and runtime of the ventilation fans whose airflow rates were determined in situ with a portable anemometer array. Similar emissions were seen from similar poultry housing situations across the states. More frequent manure removal resulted in lower house emissions (manure storage emissions would be impacted). Emissions from several types of poultry houses can be used on-farm for comparison among emissions abatement strategies. IL conducted research to evaluate how soon after application of sodium bisulfate PLT® would ammonia emissions be affected from layer manure compost. PLT® was tested at 100% of recommended application level (150 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. of surface area). Composting laying hen manure was collected at a commercial laying hen farm that housed approximately 1.4 million birds. Samples were collected from the top 1-2 feet of the approximately three-four depth of compost. They were collected into 6 plastic 5-gallon buckets (14 H x 11.5 D), sealed, and transported to the Environmental Research Lab (ERL) at the University of Illinois. Two replicate samples were collected from each of three different areas of the composting process. Material was estimated to have been composting for approximately two days, and two separate areas that had been mixed and composted for about one week. These data can be added to previously determined result that demonstrate how composting can be used to reduce AE from laying hen manure. An obvious benefit from AE inhibiting treatment is demonstrated and application immediately after compost mixing (a time when AE is greatest) is demonstrated. GA conducted experiments to measure NH3 concentrations at distances from the source of emissions (tunnel fans) on a commercial broiler farm during summertime conditions, to determine how NH3 concentrations varied with distance from tunnel fans during periods of high air exchange rates typically encountered during hot weather with near-market age birds, and determine how meteorological variable influence NH3 concentrations from a tunnel-ventilated broiler farm. In general, NH3 concentrations were lower as distance from the houses increased with NH3 levels at 100, 200, 300 and 500 ft being less than 1 ppm (5x lower than the NH3 detectable odor threshold of 5 ppm) approximately 50, 75, 85 and 90% of the time, respectively. Ammonia concentrations approximately 100 ft from the houses were influenced by the tunnel fans themselves. Wind direction and wind speed significantly influenced downwind NH3 concentrations beyond 100 ft. At no time were NH3 levels measured that met or exceeded ammonia odor threshold values. IA measured ammonia and particulate matters from Midwestern turkey barns. Considerable progress has been made toward collection of baseline data on air emissions from U.S. animal feeding operations. However, limited data exist in the literature regarding turkey air emissions. This study continuously monitors ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM) emissions from turkey production houses in Iowa and Minnesota for one year, with IA monitoring Hybrid tom turkeys and MN monitoring Hybrid hens. Mobile Air Emission Monitoring Units are used in the monitoring. Based on one-year data at the IA site involving three flocks, air emissions, expressed in grams per bird marketed (grown to 20 wk of age) are 144 (plus-minus 12 S.D.) of NH3 with a daily maximum of 3.5 g/bird; 29 (plus-minus 4) of PM10 with a daily max of 0.7 g/bird; 3.7 (plus-minus 0.8) of PM2.5 with a daily max of 0.11 g/bird. Data analysis at the MN site is continuing. MN evaluated ammonia emissions from turkey hen flocks. In cooperation with Iowa State University, UM monitored air quality, thermal environment and performance in turkey hen flocks (four flocks total) over a one-year period reared in a naturally ventilated and a mechanically ventilated facility. Turkey hens were moved after 5 wks of age into each of two grow-finish turkey buildings and marketed at 12 wks of age. Each room was equipped to measure air quality, temperature and humidity, and in the case of the mechanically ventilated room, exhaust fan usage. Management tools used to maintain air quality were addition of litter additive, tilling of the litter, addition of fresh bedding, and ventilation adjustments. No differences were observed for flock performance that could be attributed to ventilation system. IL built an environmental preference chamber (EPC) to assess the perceptions of poultry to environmental conditions via behavioral feedback response. The EPC is comprised of four interconnected stainless steel compartments capable of providing different temperatures, relative humidities, and air pollutant concentrations; adjustable for size and number of animals for experiments with either individuals or groups; and automated with video cameras for animal behavior monitoring, tracking system for animal position determination, and feedback control for temperature, relative humidity and air pollutant concentration. In the next year, the chamber will be applied in a study to test aversion to atmospheric ammonia. C. Visual Responses CA did work with commercial broiler chickens and commented that they are often reared in near-continuous light, which has been reported to be associated with a higher incidence of leg problems and ascites. It has also been suggested, although with little evidence, that sleep patterns are disrupted in near-continuous lighting. We examined the effect of three lighting schedules on the behavior, weight gain, and leg condition of broilers. Broilers (194 Ross 308 and 96 Ross x Cobb) were housed in environmental chambers. During the first week, all treatments received a 23L: 1D regime (100 lux and 1 lux during the photophase and scotophase, respectively. On day 7, each chamber was assigned a lighting regime of either 23L: 1D, 20L: 4D, or 16L: 8D for weeks 2-5 (20 lux photophase and 1 lux scotophase). At day 35, all chambers were put on a 23L: 1D regime to stimulate compensatory growth. Behavior was observed continuously 2 days per week, and the broilers were gait scored using a 0-5 system at 42 days of age. Broilers showed few differences in their overall pattern of behavior regardless of photoperiod. However, birds given a longer dark period of 8 hours did sleep more than broilers given either 4 or 6 hours of darkness. There was no effect on production of providing a longer dark period. These results suggest that a longer dark period can be beneficial in increasing sleep, with no negative effects on production, although further work in larger-scale trials is necessary to confirm this. GA did work on broiler house lighting. In making broiler housing tighter for efficient heating and ventilation, it has resulted in the ability to control the amount of light provided to commercial broilers. The increased control over photoperiod and light intensity has many growers and companies searching for the lighting programs that will optimize broiler production. Another emerging issue is the influence that lighting has on broiler welfare. A two year research project has been completed where photoperiod and light intensity on broiler performance and welfare were evaluated. The birds are reared in pens at commercial density, provided standard diets and managed according to primary breeder recommendations. Light period and intensity are adjusted in each treatment and feed conversion, body weight and livability are monitored throughout the flock. The light intensity during the first week can influence 7 Day bird performance. D. Auditory Responses CT did work on the effect of stress on the vocalization of captive poultry. Thirty six week old Single Comb White Leghorn chickens were divided into seven treatment groups of 25 birds each for a three month trial. Birds were housed in a litter floor pen at 252 sq in/bird. The treatments were: control, heat stressed (90 to 100°F), crowding (144 sq in/bird), human presence (walking around the pen), heat stress and human presence, heat stress and crowding and heat stress and handling (physically catching and holding a bird). During the application of the treatments, vocalizations of the birds were recoreded for an average of 45 minutes using a Sony PCM-M1 digital audio tape (DAT) recorder and a Shure prologue multidirectional microphone. The microphone was hung at 24 above the floor of the pen. Behavior of the birds during application of the treatments was recorded using a Cannon Optura digital video recorder. The results indicate that the intensity of vocalizaitons of the chickens in our study increased compared to the control birds as a result of the application of an environmental stressor. The combination of heat and handling resulted in the highest intensity vocalizaitons. NE studied vocalizations as an indicator of distress in laying hens. A study was conducted to determine whether changes in call characteristics could be elicited by mildly stressful conditions in Leghorn laying hens. Sonograms were used to visually inspect and confirm call types. Of 1,177 calls, 1,034 could be reliably typed. Recordings were made on an Uher 4200 Report Monitor with a Sennheiser microphone 3m from the edge of each cage. A total of 28 recordings were analyzed (5 min recordings; 7 recordings per treatment). Treatments were control; mild hunger/frustration (FC: feed covered); mild thirst (WW: water removed 12 h); heat stress (HS: 36 C). All treatments except mild thirst were recorded 3s/d for 3 d from May to August. Birds in mild thirst were sampled after 12 h without water. Tapes were digitized and analyzed using Raven (Cornell University). Acoustic properties (max frequency, max power, notes/s, percent time calling, and call rate) were measured. Across type, 3 properties were higher during heat stress: notes, maximum call power and maximum call frequency. Percent time calling was higher in birds submitted to heat stress or feed cover. E. Spatial Responses MD did work in space analysis and determined that increments in stocking density have been argued to restrict movement and use of space in broilers due to social factors (associated with concurrent increments in group size (GS)) and/or a reduction of space availability. Artificial chicken-sized models, added to pens with 30 and 60 broilers, simulated the spatial availability of 90 birds while theoretically controlling for social factors associated with increasing GS. Model size was increased bi-weekly to mimic broiler growth. Group size/stocking density treatments (GSD) were as follows: 90/0, 60/0, 60/30, 30/0, 30/60 (# birds/# models). In the absence of social factors broilers in the 30/60, 60/30, and 90/0 GSD were predicted to show similar use of space patterns. Walking, steps taken, and path linearity (# of changes in direction of movement) were recorded. Core areas were calculated using spatial data obtained from focal birds. Walking frequency and duration and number of steps taken were similar across all GSD (P>0.05). GSD groups differed in the level of path linearity (P<0.05), with trajectories being more linear in the 90/0, 60/0, and 30/0 GSD. GSD with equal density (90/0, 60/30, 30/60) had core areas of similar size (P>0.05), all of them surprisingly larger than those of 30/0 and 60/0 GSD. MI conducted two experiments during a growout of male and female white pheasants to evaluate brooding space needed the first 6 wk and appropriate phase feeding strategies in the growing-finishing stages of growth. One-day-old chicks were placed into brooder pens with stocking rates of 150, 200 or 250 chicks/pen. Individual body weight and feed conversions for each pen were measured at 3 and 6 wk of age and litter moisture was measured at 3 wk. Birds were separated by gender at 6 wk and fed a common grower diet to 12 wk of age. At 12 wk, approximately half of the birds of each gender were fed either the grower diet or a finisher diet containing about 5 percentage units less crude protein than the grower diet. Body weight and feed conversion were measured on a pen basis at 12 wk for all birds, 17 wk for cockerels and 20 wk for hens. At market age, a sample of birds from each pen was selected to measure carcass yield and proximate analysis. There were no effects on body weight, coefficient of variation of body weight within pen, or feed conversion in the brooding period. High stocking density (350 chicks/pen) increased litter moisture at 3 wk. There were no dietary treatment effects on growth performance or carcass traits for either gender in the growing-finishing phases. The result showed that dietary protein could be reduced by 23% in a finisher diet fed after 12 wk of age to white pheasants. IA quantified stocking density and group size effects on bioenergetics and thermoregulation of laying hens under thermoneutral or heat-challenging conditions. A study was conducted with 24 groups of 48 hens (39 to 46 weeks old) to compare HMP, via indirect calorimetry, for four different stocking densities (348, 387, 465, or 581 cm2/bird; 54, 60, 72, or 90 in2/bird and two group sizes (8 or 16 birds/cage). No differences in core body temperature (CBT) of the hens were observed among the treatment regimens at 24°C. In general, mean CTB increased with heat exposure duration (P<0.0001) but leveled off after the 32°C phase. At 32°C, CBT was higher for GS of 16 vs. 8 (42.3 vs 42.1°C, P = 0.05); higher for SD of 348 and 387 cm2/bird than for 465 or 581 cm2/bird (42.4 and 42.2°C vs. 41.9 and 42.1°C, respectively, P = 0.009). Bird body mass decreased as heat exposure duration increased (P<0.0001), but no differences were observed among the treatments. NE studied the effects of social and environmental enrichments on leg strength and welfare of the turkey. Mortality rates of tom turkey flocks average near 13%; of which 3% is due to early starve-outs (failure to consume feed and/or water). Five to 6% of a turkey flocks mortality is estimated to be due to culls, condemnations and mortalities due to leg disorders. Lack of exercise could be a factor in many leg disorders and other welfare issues. Research was conducted to determine the effects of broiler chick addition on the reduction of early poult mortality due to starve-outs and determine the effects of providing environmental complexity in the form of ramps, platforms and perches on leg strength of large tom turkeys. F. Social Stress MD conducted a study examining the social needs of chickens. To study this, we simulated the social conditions of production by exposing two lines, HGPS and LGPS, of male White Leghorns selected for high vs. low group productivity and survivability, to social stress involving recurrent regroupings with two-day intervals between 6 and 14.5 weeks of age. Agonistic interactions were observed in seven 15-bird groups/line, of which 4 belonged to social stress and 3 to control treatment, on the 2nd day after each regrouping. The treatment period was divided into three sub-periods of equal length. During the first period, HGPS birds showed both intensive (e.g. attacks) and mild (e.g. threats) agonistic acts more than LGPSs, the effect of line decreasing thereafter. In the second period, intensive agonistic activity was greater in HGPS controls than stressed HGPSs, a treatment effect lacking among LGPSs. In the last period, no line or treatment effects were present. After the regroupings, 16 birds/treatment and line were tested after four-day training in a long arena where 4 cages provided with strangers (except during training) were protruding in the corridor with a food source at the end of it. Our results suggest that in the long term, birds living in unstable social environments may adopt alternative behavioral strategies/styles in order to avoid high energy consuming agonistic behavior. NE conducted two Tom Turkey Trials (08-09) to investigate the benefits of: 1) Adding broiler chicks from day 1 to increase feeding activity and reduce early starve-outs, and 2) Enrichment of Turkey tom poults with broiler chicks (3 day old) to 14 days of age. The results showed that no effect on feed intake or mortality to 2 wks of age occurred. Body wwt. increased at 7 days of age, and there was no change in time spent eating, drinking or resting (Instantaneous time sampling on videos). Sub-objective 2. Characterize physiological and behavioral responses of poultry to critical management practices currently considered essential and beneficial to humane production (Beak trimming, Induced molt, Water quality, Phase feeding, Antibiotic use) A. Beak Trimming MN conducted research on the practice of beak-trimming in turkeys and examined welfare concerns and cannabalism in cooperation with H. Xin and R. Cook (IA), I. Estevez (MD), and M. Beck (NE). Male turkey poults were either not trimmed or had the upper beak trimmed after hatching by electric arc, infrared, or hot blade methods. Poults were fed either mash or crumbles/pellets to 18 wks of age. Performance, feed intake, behavior, and histology of beaks was determined. Feed form had the greatest effect on performance with improved body weight and feed conversion for turkeys fed pelleted feed of 5.2 and 9.6%, respectively (P<.05). Higher mortality (P<.06) was observed for poults that were trimmed by hot blade in comparison to the control for the first 6 wks of the trial. An interaction of trim and feed form was noted for feed disappearance where feed disappearance was lower for the arc and infrared trimmed poults in comparison to the control or hot blade trimmed birds during 0-6 wks. Removal or culling of birds due to aggressive picking damage was greater for the untrimmed and hot blade trimmed turkeys in comparison to those trimmed by arc or infrared. Beak trimming had minimal effects on performance with the greatest control of aggression in turkeys beak trimmed by electric arc or infrared methods. IN conducted experiments to examine the effects of infrared beak treatment (IR) in layer hens. In the laboratory studies, chicks were randomly assigned to hot-blade beak trimming (HB), IR or a control group at one-day-old. Chicks' behavior, beak images, and production indices were obtained post-treatment and at fixed intervals for 10 weeks. IR birds, compared to HB birds, had less abnormal upper-to-lower mandible length ratio. Behavioral responses to a warm water test (inducing pain test) were evident at 2 weeks following trimming and continued to be affected by trimming method for up to, and including, 9 weeks of age. Latency to drink was similar between the treatments, however, the number of drinking bouts tended to be greatest in HT birds. Furthermore, the number of head flicks and beak wipes, both potential pain-induced behaviors, were also elevated in the HB birds relative to the IR treated birds. The results may indicate that IR beak treatment may reduce the damage done by aggressive and feather pecking without the more painful procedure of the HB method. B. Bill Trimming CA conducted a study to determine the effects of a commercial bill-trimming to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. The goal of this experiment was to compare two different bill-trimming methods, hot blade trimming with cautery (TRIM) and cautery only (tip-searing; SEAR), on the behavior, bill morphology, and weight gain of Pekin ducks. Ducklings (N = 192, 96 per sex) were trimmed at the hatchery and assigned into 12 floor pens (3.66 m X 0.91 m) by treatment. Behavior was evaluated by scan sampling, and plumage condition scored using a 0 to 3 scoring system. Thirty-six ducks were randomly euthanized at 3 and 6 wk of age, and their bills collected for examination. Trimmed ducks performed fewer bill-related behaviors and rested more than untrimmed ducks (NOTRIM) during the first 2 weeks post-trim. SEAR and NOTRIM showed similar patterns of weight gain, but TRIM had a lower rate of gain than SEAR during the first week post-trim and than NOTRIM for 2 weeks post-trim. Feather scores of NOTRIM were significantly worse than those of TRIM or SEAR by 18 d, and continued to deteriorate at a greater rate than in trimmed ducks throughout the study. These results suggest that there is acute pain associated with both trimming methods but that SEAR may be a preferable method, causing less check in weight gain and fewer bill morphological changes while still being effective in minimizing feather pecking damage. Studies were also conducted in collaboration with IN on bill-trimming of ducks. Both Muscovy ducks and Pekin ducks showed behavioral and physical (a check in growth) evidence of short-term pain of 1-2 weeks duration after trimming, but there was no neuroma formation in the bill stump indicating that the procedure did not cause chronic pain. For Pekin ducks, there appeared to be less pain following a trim performed by simply searing the bill tip rather than one involving cutting and cautery. C. Induced Molt IL conducted a study which evaluated the effects of limit feeding of corn and DDGS molt diets at three different levels of intake on postmolt performance. Hy-Line W-36 hens (504) (69 weeks of age) were housed in a cage layer house of commercial design with water and feed provided for ad libitum consumption and exposed to a 17-hour daily photoperiod prior to the start of the experiment. Six replicate groups of 12 hens each (2 adjacent cages, containing 6 hens per cage, 92 square inches per hen) were randomly assigned to each treatment. The treatments were: Fed a 47% corn: 47% soy hulls diet ad libitum for 28 days. (C/SH); Fed a 94% corn diet at a rate of 36.3 g/hen/day for 28 days. (Corn 36); Fed a 94% corn diet at a rate of 45.4 g/hen/day for 28 days. (Corn 45); Fed a 94% corn diet at a rate of 54.5 g/hen/day for 28 days. (Corn 54); Fed a 94% DDGS diet at a rate of 36.3 g/hen/day for 28 days. (DDGS 36); Fed a 94% DDGS diet at a rate of 45.4 g/hen/day for 28 days. (DDGS 45); Fed a 94% DDGS diet at a rate of 54.5 g/hen/day for 28 days. (DDGS 54). At the start of the experiment (Day 1), hens in all the seven treatments were fed their respective diets immediately. In summary, hens totally ceased production when fed the Corn 36 and all the DDGS diets. Among the corn diets, the Corn 36 had the lowest egg production during the molt, but there were no differences in all corn diets in Weeks 5-43 and Weeks 1-43. D. Nutrition MN in cooperation with IL studied the nutritional value of DDGS. The nutritional value of corn derived distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was examined by determining the amino acid digestibility in cooperation with IL as well as assessing its performance through feeding trials. It was hypothesized that variable solubles addition to the wet grains prior to drying could effect the nutrient composition of the dried product and perhaps change the dynamics of the drying process to effect product quality. 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. Dryer temperature decreased with the decrease in rate of solubles of addition. Samples of each lot of material were taken and were chemically analyzed. The results indicate that the level of solubles addition has most of its effect on particular particle size and color of the dried product. CT investigated the prophylactic efficacy of feed supplemented with caprylic acid a natural, GRAS status, 8-carbon fatty acid present in breast milk and coconut oil, for reducing S. Enteritidis colonization in chicks, cloaca, crop, and liver. No Salmonella was detected from unchallenged control groups (negative and Caprylic Acid controls). SE counts in the cecum were reduced by ~2.5 log CFU/g compared to control by 10 d PI in 1% Caprylic Acid group. SE counts in the cloaca was reduced to 2 log CFU/g by 10 d PI in 1% Caprylic Acid treated group. SE counts in the crop and intestinal samples were reduced to ~1.5 log CFU/g in both Caprylic Acid -treated groups. SE counts in the liver and spleen were reduced significantly on 7 and 10 d PI (P<0.05) in both Caprylic Acid groups. No apparent change was noticed for the cecal endogenous microflora counts (~7.5-8 log CFU/mL). No abnormalities were observed in the cecum and liver samples of Caprylic Acid -treated groups upon histologic examination. No significant difference was noticed for feed consumption or body weights among the five groups of birds. In MN market turkey feeding trials were conducted to examine the utilization of co-products from the biofuels industry as feed ingredients for turkeys. It was found that crude glycerin could be added up to a level of 6% of the diet when replacing corn and fat on a weight equivalent basis in market turkey finisher diets. Crude glycerin improved pellet quality when included in turkey finisher diets. Inclusion of 20% distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) tended to reduce gain and feed intake of market tom turkeys in the 17-19 wk age period and suggests that a lower level of DDGS should be fed during the finishing phase. Addition of up to 14% of a high protein DDG appears possible in diets without DDGS but should be confirmed in future studies especially for feeding this high level near market age. Sub-objective 3: Develop a decision support system based on characterization of responses in Sub-objectives 1 and 2, to optimize production and economic outputs while enhancing welfare of commercial poultry. MS has done work on neural networks which offers a alternative to regression analysis for biological growth modeling. There is very little research that has been conducted to model animal growth using artificial neural networks. Twenty-five male chicks (Ross x Ross 308) were raised in an environmental chamber. Body weights were determined on a daily basis. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The birds were fed a starter ration (23% protein 3200 kcal ME) from 0 to 21 d and a grower ration (20% protein and 3200 kcal ME) from 22 to 70 d. Dead and female birds were not included in the study. Average body weights of the remaining 18 birds were used as the data points for the growth curve to be modeled. Training data consisted of every other day weights starting with the first day. Validation data consisted of the remaining body weights. Comparison was made between the modeling by the Gompertz nonlinear regression equation and neural network modeling. Neural network models were developed with the Neuroshell Predictor. Developed neural networks were evaluated in an Excel spreadsheet using the Neuroshell runtime server program. The predictor model is based on one of two models called neural and genetic. The training procedure is based on the premise that the accuracy and precision of the model can be adjusted by inclusion or exclusion of the nodes in the hidden layer. The genetic approach was also evaluated. Quantitative examination of the fit of the predictive models was made using error measurement indices commonly used to evaluate forecasting models.

Anup Kollanoor Johny, Sangeetha Ananda Baskaran, Anu Susan Charles, Mary Anne Roshni Amalaradjou, Michael J. Darre Mazhar I. Khan, Thomas A. Hoagland, David T. Schreiber, Annie M. Donoghue, Dan J. Donoghue and Kumar Venkitanarayanan. 2009. Prophylactic supplementation of caprylic acid in feed reduces Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in commercial broiler chicks. J. of Food Protection. 72, #4:722-727. Johny, A. Kollanoor, M.J. Darre, T.A. Hoagland, D.T. Schreiber, A.M. Donoghue, D.J. Donoghue, and K. Venkitanarayanan. 2008. Antibacterial Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken Drinking Water. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 17:490-497. L. Mejia, E.T. Meyer, P.L. Utterback, C.W. Utterback, C.M. Parsons, and K. W. Koelkebeck. 2009. Evaluation of limit feeding corn and DDGS in nonfeed withdrawal molt programs for laying hens. Poult. Sci. 88 (in press). Burns, R.T., H. Li, L. Moody, H. Xin, R. Gates, D. Overhults, and J. Earnest. 2008. Quantification of particulate emissions from broiler houses in the southeastern United States. Proc of the 8th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Sept 1-3, 2008, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. (eds) R.R Stowell, E.F. Wheeler and H. Xin. St Joseph, MI: ASAE. Carvalho, V.F., T. Yanagi Jr., H. Xin, R.S. Gates, F. Damasceno, and S.R.P. Moraes. 2008. Mathematical model for thermal environment and broiler chickens performance prediction in acclimatized housing. Proc of the 8th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Sept 1-3, 2008, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. (eds) R.R Stowell, E.F. Wheeler and H. Xin. St Joseph, MI: ASAE. Gates, R. S., K.D. Casey, E.F. Wheeler, H. Xin and A.J. Pescatore. 2008. U.S. broiler ammonia emissions inventory model. Atmospheric Environment 42(14): 3342-3350. Gates, R.S., K.D. Casey, H. Xin, R. Burns, and H. Li. 2008. Uncertainty analysis in animal building aerial emissions measurements. Proc of the 8th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Sept 1-3, 2008, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. (eds) R.R Stowell, E.F. Wheeler and H. Xin. St Joseph, MI: ASAE. Gates, R.S. and H. Xin. 2008. Extracting poultry behavior from time-series weigh scale records. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 62(1): 8-14. Green, A.R., C.W. Wathes, T.G.M. Demmers, J.M., Clark, and H. Xin. 2008. Development and application of a novel environmental preference test system for assessing responses of laboratory mice to atmospheric ammonia. J. American Association for Lab oratory Animal Science 47(2):49-56. Green, A.R. and H. Xin. 2008. Effects of stocking density and group size on thermoregulatory response of laying hens under heat challenging conditions. Proc of the 8th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Sept 1-3, 2008, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. (eds) R.R Stowell, E.F. Wheeler and H. Xin. St Joseph, MI: ASAE. Green, A.R. and H. Xin. 2008. 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