Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes of the first meeting of the NE1442 multistate research group which met on August 15 – 16, 2015 in Raleigh, NC at the Hunt Library. Meeting was attended by: Ken Anderson, M. Hulet, D. Jones, D. Karcher, K. Koelkebeck, A. Johnny, Y. Ling, K. Macklin, P. Patterson, M. Persia, K. Wamsley, H. W. Xin, J. Zhu, M. Williams, R. Linton, B. McCrea, H. Li, P. Ferket, M. Toscano, S. Furmah, W. Zhou, Economist NC State, plus others.; M. Erasmus. Ken Anderson is meeting chair and also in charge of local arrangements, with Mike Darre as Secretary. The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed. Hongwei Xin moved to approve the minutes, seconded by D. Jones. Approval was unanimous. Committee was formed to nominate vice chair, Senior Executive, and Junior Executive for the group. Committee was Ken Koelkebeck, Hongwei Xin, and Darrin Karcher. They will report back tomorrow morning. Ken Koelkebeck needs a paragraph and list of references for NIMS Report – Due October 2, 2015 – send paragraph by August 31, 2015. He will send out a template for full Report as given in REEport – full report is due January 1, 2016. Addition of 1890 schools in project was discussed. Brigid McCrea was present and expressed why she saw value in participating in the group. 1890 schools should be able to participate, as would industry representatives or personnel from foreign countries. Station Reports: North Carolina State University – Ken Anderson – Station Test looking at Layer Densities for enriched/enrichable cages; mitigate behaviors – brood, egg-eating , floor eggs Free Range System evaluation 1940 vs Modern commercial layer evaluation Evaluate VMD – ventilation mediated depopulation – euthanasia using heat/co2 in layers; observe behavior and done in concert with AAAP, AVMA, and USDA Michigan State – Darrin Karcher – Euthanasia Layers – foaming Molted cage-free and look at Salmonella shedding with different densities Cage-free – different strains with Deanna Jones – look at Salmonella shedding in eggs. Work on fractured keel with Toscano Look at Shell Strength in enriched colony cages Stalling pullets with Koelkebeck, Anderson, Marissa Erasmus by using molt and look at immune capacity. Examine what causes egg-shell defects Virginia Tech – Mike Persia Energy in layers (Hyline 36) – look at body composition Mississippi State – Kelly Wamsley Evaluate feed form Probiotics / coccidiosis Auburn – Ken Macklin 3 new hires – 2 new jobs advertised – Bilgili and Production / feed feed milling and Poultry Health (DVM) Phone App on backyard diseases Probiotics – production evaluation – looking at models for use Prebiotics – mixed efficacy; reducers of ammonia Delaware State University – Brigid McCrea Market poultry – meat production in Heritage breeds, pastured poultry, pen trials versus pastured; look at tick/ bug consumption. Game cameras for behavior. Iowa State University – Hongwei Xin AI – air sampling, ; UV lights – egg belts, beetles. Mitigating Ammonia; LED Lights vs CFL on pullets; Egg production and quality. Switzerland – Mike Toscano Placement of laying hen feeders – bird density; Perches on Broiler Breeders Survey of aviary systems Keel Bone Damage: Omega 3; across genetic lines Alltech SP1 - bone strength different for different collision amount on keel damage. Genetic differences were found in keel bone strength Proposal for 2016 Meeting Bern Switzerland – up to 30 people – grant for $12K Cost per person - $1300; European Poultry Congress – similar time, but not essential. Need to have commitment by Oct. 1, 2015 by at least 15 people. Alternative site – Atlanta (Deanna Jones); August 1 – 13, 2016 – Doodle poll in 2-3 days Contract other international University of Minnesota – Anup Johnny Probiotics – Propionibacterium – Salmonellosis in turkeys University of Illinois – Ken Koelkebeck Ammonia / Environmental Gas control University of Maryland – Hong Li Alternative housing; air quality (litter additives), feed additives and sodium bisulfate, vegetative buffer Floor systems – netting vs rice halls – Shandong Ammonia control – spinner system for PLT NC State Economist (Tom Vukina) Production and welfare economics Perdue – Marissa Erasmus Euthanasia, genetic strains, stress, stocking densities NC State University – Peter Ferket Layers – organic trace minerals Turkeys – hydrogel – vaccination / additives Penn State University – Paul Patterson/Mike Hulet Vegetative buffers, AI disposal, backyard information on AI, biosecurity, and management. Probiotics, turkey density, litter types, foot pad, gait scores, and behavior University of Arkansas – Jun Zhu Thermal effects of Animal Wellbeing; Transportation measurement Cooling Sheds University of Nebraska – Sheila Purdum 4H – Quality assurance – bird handling; Grooming, Biosecurity – on line. Pullet with calcium particle size; keel damage, heal layer. Stress vocalization between flocks – hear rate variability – Isa Babcock – better cage birds. Write Nick Zimmerman – send get well cards. Objectives: 1. Energy /resource Economics – geography, facilities, equipment management, modeling 2. Evaluating commercial poultry production system – alternative organic, air water quality, environment, and acoustics. 3. Establishing animal measurement by production systems Nutrition, physiology, behavior, foods and milling, economist. USDA-ARS – Deanna Jones Test kitchen – BLC2 lab Impact of hen housing Molecular typing – salmonella. Officers: Sec – Anup Johnny; Sr. Executive: Kelly Wamsley; Jr. Executive: Hong Li Funding Opportunities: 1 USDA NIFA – economic aspect 2 USCAP – economic aspect 3 Organic – co systems 4 Capacity building grant 5 ASP&E association grant. Move to adjourn – Ken Koelkebeck Second – Darrin Karcher Unanimous approval

Objective 1. Energy/resource efficiency. This will include shared efforts on feed and fuel energy sources for poultry and facilities by geographical region; facility design, equipment efficiency, management, and modeling energy use in poultry systems. Facility Design. UDEL worked with Dr. Zhiping Zhu, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, to compare two different flooring systems in commercial broiler houses on broiler production performances, welfare quality, and housing environment in eastern China. Nutrition and Probiotics. IN examined the effects of probiotics on performance, eggshell quality, cecal microflora composition, and skeletal health of White Leghorn hens. Six replicates (cages) with 4 White Leghorn hens each were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments at 60 wk of age based on BW. The hens were fed either a basal diet (Control, 2890 kcal/kg ME and 18.3% CP) or one of three treatment diets comprising the basal diet with 3 levels of a commercial probiotic product (0.5X, 100,000 cfu/g of feed; 1.0X, 200,000 cfu/g of feed; 2.0X, with 400,000 cfu/g of feed) for a 7-wk period. The results indicated that the percent of damaged eggs (cracked or shell-less egg) was significantly decreased in 0.5X and 2.0X groups compared with Control (P = 0.02). Hens of 2.0X groups had significantly higher bone mineral density and content of femur (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). In addition, cecal Bifidobacterium counts were significantly increased in all probiotics treated groups (P < 0.001). These results indicate that probiotics supplementation in feed had a significant effect on eggshell quality, skeletal health, and cecal microflora composition in laying hens. MN investigated the potential of alternative interventions, including probiotics and essential oil ingredients to reduce pathogen colonization and improve performance in poultry. A series of trials were conducted to investigate the efficacy of a few GRAS status probiotic bacteria against major Salmonella serotypes in poultry using co-culture and cecal multiplication assays in vitro. Salmonella at a range of concentrations was tested against different levels of probiotics for obtaining effective co-culture combinations. Then, the most effective inoculation level of the probiotics was tested against the optimum Salmonella concentration in turkey/broiler cecal contents. The tested probiotics completely inactivated Salmonella after 24 hours of incubation in co-culture and resulted in the reduction of all serotypes in cecal contents. The in vitro results indicate the potential of the tested probiotics to control Salmonella in poultry. Follow up in vivo studies are scheduled to validate the results. MN also conducted trials to determine the metabolizable energy (ME) content of corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) which varied in crude fat content resulting from partial oil extraction in turkeys. A comprehensive chemical analysis was conducted at USDA-ARS (Ames, Iowa). Crude fat content ranged from 7 to 13.3% on a dry matter basis. Composition of the DDGS samples also varied in crude protein, amino acids, fiber, and mineral content. Metabolizable energy content corrected for nitrogen was determined in young turkeys using two methodologies – apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and true metabolizable energy (TMEn). No differences were observed among DDGS sources for ME content measured as AMEn, but differences were observed among DDGS sources for TMEn. Values for TMEn ranged from 2,747 to 3,138 kcal/kg (DM basis). Weak correlations of TMEn were observed with DDGS composition for crude protein, crude fat, gross energy, and lysine digestibility coefficient. With such weak correlations, prediction equations using different subsets of composition variables did not generate any valid predictive equations. These results indicate that extraction of oil from DDGS resulted in DDGS with varying chemical composition, and TMEn decreased with decreasing oil content, but the decrease in TMEn was not strongly associated with any DDGS chemical component including crude fat content. PA investigated the nutritional and performance impact of lower or no synthetic methionine allowances for organic poultry. Recent studies included evaluations of black soldier fly larvae, high methionine corn varieties, algae, naked oats, lentils, rye and alternatively processed sunflower meal with digestibility studies and broilers and layer trials. Mostly these alternatives to conventional ingredients are not readily available and will not meet the economic, environmental, welfare or performance goals of thoughtful organic production. A new US-EPA/US Poultry & Egg Assoc. project in the six Chesapeake Bays states including Pennsylvania will seek to update the nutrient contribution models for commercial broilers, layers and turkeys with new county census data and updated manure/litter production and nutrient concentrations to reflect modern commercial practices, rather than dated information from historical data bases. Environmental Lighting. IA completed a study on assessment of fluorescent lighting need by laying hens (W36 at 23-30 weeks of age) through preference test. The hens were found to show 1) preference of staying in dimmer light (5 lux) over 15 or 30 lux, with 100 lux being least preferred during light period; 2) preference to feed in 5 lux with a feeder light of 30 lux or <1 lux without feeder light, as compared to 15, 30 and 100 lux all with a feeder light of 30 lux; 3) strong preference of laying egg in ‘dark’ (<1 lux) over light; and 4) daily overall photoperiod of 14L: 10D, although the intermittent hourly light and dark time was distributed quite consistently throughout the day, with time spent in the ‘dark' (<1 lux) condition averaging 25.0 ± 0.4 min per hour. Manuscript of the study has been accepted for publication in Animals. Objective 2. Evaluating commercial poultry production systems. This will include joint efforts on the characterization of the performance of conventional, alternative, and organic poultry production systems relative to air and water quality, nutrient management, acoustic environment, and animal health and welfare. Thermal Environment. AR worked on examining the extremes of heat and cold on physiological stress during broiler transport from farms to processing plants. Five commercial broiler live-haul trips were monitored in winter, spring and summer seasons. Temperature and relative humidity at 36 locations on trailers were continuously monitored at 1-minute interval during on-farm loading, transit and holding before being slaughtered. Large temperature variation existed across the trailer in transit during the winter trip when ambient temperatures were in lower 40s F. Large variation (about 10 F) was also found across the trailer during trip monitored when ambient temperatures were in lower 90s, partially due to the difference of moisture evaporation and wind at different locations on the trailer. Work will continue to further quantify the effect of mitigation methods that’s used on altering thermal environment in summer and winter, to evaluate the impact on the broilers’ wellbeing. Air Quality and NH3 emissions. IL worked on the measurement of NH3 concentration and emission from animal housing. The measurement instruments are required to be accurate, portable, stable and affordable. A Portable Monitoring Unit (PMU) was designed and developed for measuring NH3 and CO2 concentrations and emissions from animal buildings. This study aimed to develop a new PMU system (PMU) with a replacement of the previous NH3 sensor and a redesign to create a more user friendly system compared to the previous version. The objectives were to 1) to redesign the PMU system; and 2) To evaluate the new system. Two 48 hours field tests were performed to demonstrate the feasibility and improve any problems encountered with the PMU system. A commercial caged layer barn, with manure belts, in the Midwest was chosen as the subject of the field test. The barn is 2 floors (12 decks of cages that measured 540 feet (164.59 meter) length and 91 feet (27.74 meter) width, and housed about 425,000 laying hens. Since the field test only measured the laying hen housing during winter time, the ventilation system for summer time that is constructed on the north and south side of the building (cooling pads and summer ventilation fans) will not be specifically introduced in this study. Ventilation fans for winter time are constructed on the west and east walls of the building. The minimum variable fans (marked with “M” in Figure 4) are normally running continuously for minimum ventilation of the building. When temperature in the building raises to a higher level than the control point, a stair-like control system of fans will be activated. The fans with different stage levels (marked with “I” to “V” in Figure 4) will be activated stage by stage for gradually regulating the temperature of the building. On the west side of the laying hen housing, a manure storage room is built and connected to the west wall of the main animal building. Therefore, except for the first six ventilation fans which can directly exchange air with outdoor atmosphere, the rest of ventilation fans have to exchange air with outside environment through the windows of the manure storage room. The air exchange from the fans is also applied for drying the manure in the storage room. The sampling points of the two field tests with PMU are noted in Figure 3 which are the first and last two minimum ventilation fans on west wall of the laying hen housing. The performance evaluation of these two field tests included periodic control, signal communication with sensors, data logging, real-time processing and wireless data transfer. Before the test, the sensors were calibrated, the circuit and tubing connections were rechecked, and the protective case was disinfected. The two field tests, which were performed to evaluate the performance (the implement of optimized functions and the reliability of the replaced NH3 EC sensor) of the PMU system in field application, demonstrated the feasibility of the PMU for air quality monitoring in animal housing. Litter Amendments. UDEL worked on conducting a trial to look at various litter amendments with multiple litter amendment application on ammonia emission, growth and health of broilers. Lighting and Indoor Air Quality. IA completed a field study, involving four commercial aviary laying hen houses – two of them with commercially available LED lights and two with compact fluorescent lights (CFL), to assess the effects of LED vs. CFL on egg production in terms of light distribution, degradation, lamp and holder temperature, hen production performance, egg quality, hen activity levels as reflected by the rate of dust settlement, feather condition and avoidance distance. IA worked with an industry partner (Hy-Line International), to initiated a new research project that systematically evaluates a new programmable LED light vs. compact fluorescent light (CFL) for pullets and laying hens with regards to behavioral responses of young (pullets) and adult (layer) hens, production performance of the hens, egg quality, light source preference, and locomotion activities. The proposed project consists of four components to evaluate the impact of LED vs. CFL on a) behaviors (especially aggression) of pullets from 4 to 16 weeks of age; b) hen production performance and egg quality; c) light preference; and d) locomotion activity level. Pullets will be reared under either LED or CFL environment before they are subject to the LED or CFL light regiment during the production stage (17-42 weeks of age). Pullets and hens used in the c) and d) experiments will be raised under incandescent lighting prior to the evaluation tests. Results of the project will help better understand the impact of programmable LED light on pullets and laying hens, and provide research-based data for development or refinement of management guidelines toward more efficient egg production and enhanced animal well-being. IA started a new USDA-NIFA funded project that aims to improve the indoor environment and productivity of cage-free aviary hen housing system by devising an innovative mitigation system that suppresses the generation of particulate matter (PM), airborne bacteria (AB) and ammonia (NH3) plus an added benefit of cooling hens during warm/hot weather. Through laboratory and filed experiments, the project addresses the following specific objectives: a) quantify the efficacy of spraying acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) onto the litter of aviary housing on reduction of PM, AB and NH3 generation in lab-scale experiments; b) design, install and field-test a spray system in a commercial aviary hen house; and c) quantify the impact of the spray system on reducing PM, AB and NH3 generation, hen behavior and welfare, and heat stress relief of hens in summertime. The system for the lab experiments has been developed and tested. Bird Health. IA (Egg Industry Center) responded to the unpreceded highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in the United States by serving as a clearinghouse during the crisis, conducting research aimed to understand and prevent transmission of the highly infectious virus, supporting/coordinating AIV-related research as identified by the scientific community and the industry leaders. IA has also developed a computer model tool to assist decision-making in reducing the virus spread by quickly depopulating inflected flocks. NE conducted studies examining the major welfare issues of cage-free housing systems. The goal of this research was to improve bone health in layers by building better pullet skeletons and to investigate limestone particle size (LPS) effects on bone health in conventional cages and cage-free housing systems. Study 1 was a preliminary study that compared conventional cages with litter floor pens in terms of performance, bone health, and eggshell quality from 33 to 47 wk of age. Caged hens had higher egg production and eggshell strength, and improved feed efficiency, but lower tibia bone mineral content compared to floor housed hens. Study 2 examined the effects of LPS fed from 7 to 17 wk of age on performance and bone health in conventional cage and aviary systems. The use of a limestone blend of fine and large particles (0.879 mm; LPS-Blend) rather than a fine limestone (0.431 mm; LPS-Fine) increased tibia bone mineral density (BMD) and alleviated incidence of curved keel bones at the end of the pullet phase. Study 3 investigated the subsequent effects of LPS (Study 2) during the layer phase. The LPSBlend increased eggshell weight and alleviated keel bone indentations in the middle and end of the lay cycle (Study 3). Study 4 examined the effects of LPS fed from 9 to 17 wk of age on pullet and hen performance, bone health, and eggshell quality in deep litter systems. Hens fed LPS-Blend during the pullet phase had greater tibia BMD at onset of egg production and higher overall eggshell strength. Study 5 evaluated the effect of two layer strains on nest and perch use in aviary systems. White Leghorn hens had greater usage of perch and nest and preferred elevated tiers compared to Brown hens. In conclusion, the provision of LPS-Blend rather than LPS-Fine during the pullet phase improved bone mineralization at the onset of egg production and eggshell quality. Although White Leghorn hens had greater usage of resources in aviary systems; they had higher potential risk of bone fractures. PA and NE 1442 members contributed to the PA HPAI Task Force with preparedness documents, websites and presentations to back yard and commercial poultry keepers in the areas of flock plans, virus testing, biosecurity, flock depopulation and disposal. Antimicrobial alternatives for Coccidiosis Control. VA conducted an experiment to understand the effects of antimicrobial alternatives on the effective control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens as a result of regulation around the continued use of antibiotics in a growth promoting role. This research in collaboration with Dr. Rami Dalloul demonstrated that bata-glucans can have some positive effects for cocci control and that when looking at the effects of coccidiosis on broiler lean v. fatty tissue accumulation, coccidiosis has a greater effect on energy accumulation as fatty tissue than amino acid accumulation as lean tissue. This effect should be expected as one of cocci modes of action includes reduced dietary fat digestibility, but part of this effect could be also related to activation of the immune system with more energy resources diverted from tissue accretion. Follow up experiments to this work include evaluation of direct fed microbials with an E. coli challenge model and control of necrotic enteritis using non-drug preventatives. Body composition will be used to help determine the fate of both energy and amino acid resources in response to infection. Environmental Stewardship. PA received a new USDA-CIG grant which will focus on doing new research and outreach with vegetative and Riparian Buffers for Environmental Stewardship and Renewable Fuels on Poultry Farms, demonstrating the five conservation practices vegetative buffers can deliver for air quality, landscaping and screening, energy conservation, biomass (bedding & fuel) production, and riparian buffers for water quality. Objective 3. Establishing parameters influenced by the production system and strains utilized within the poultry industry. This collaborative research will encompass the areas of poultry nutrition, physiology, behavior, well-being, food safety and quality, and economic evaluation of poultry production systems. Nutrition. KY conducted a series of experiments to look at increase nutrient utilization. A study exploring the relationship between calcium and phosphorus levels resting on apparent and standardized ileal amino acid losses in broiler and laying hens has just been completed. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of algae as a source of Omega 3 fatty acids in layer and broiler diets. Studies evaluated the effect of pasture vs. conventional rearing in combination with alternative ingredients on heritage breeds. Laying Hen Performance and Economic Returns. NC conducted the 39th North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test (NCLP&MT) with a flock in its 109th week of production. To date 4 reports have been published the, Hatch report 39th NCLP&MT Vol39, No. 1, the Grow report of the 39th NCLP&MT Vol. 39, No. 2, the First Cycle Report of the 39th NCLP&MT Vol. 39, No. 3, and the Single Cycle Report of the 39th NCLP&MT and the 3rd NCAPELP&MT Vol. 39, No. 4. The Piedmont Research Station Poultry Unit Layer facilities which underwent a major remodel have been through a complete laying cycle, conventional cage, enrichable cage, enriched environmental housing system, cage-free and free-range production environments used in the US. NC also conducted studies examining molting hens is the 39th NCLP&MT trial. Currently the egg industry practice remains to molt over 80% of the caged, enrichable and enriched egg-type hens in the U.S.A. Molting remains a viable management tool used to extend the productive life of the hen and enhance the production planning needed by the producers. In the 39th NCLP&MT the non-feed-withdrawal program developed in conjunction with the NCLP&MT at the Piedmont Station, was completed in the conventional cage system. The hens experienced a cessation of egg production in the flock, and the birds experience a respite from egg production with a 20% body weight loss. This study showed that the documented method for molting extensive production systems was effective in both Brown and White Egg Strains. The hen 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. PA and members of NE 1442 from MN, MI, NC, IN, and PA combined on a NIFA grant addressing production and animal welfare of turkeys. A study was started evaluating heavy hen density and litter composition on welfare of the birds (growth, foot pad scores, litter scores, walking ability, and behavior).

AR Liang, Y. and Z. Liang. 2015. Monitoring thermal environment on live haul broiler trucks. ASABE Annual Meeting, Paper No. 152189918. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. DE Li, H., R. Alphin, Z. Zhu, Z. Zhou, X. Wen. 2015. Comparison of Two Different Floor Systems for Broilers. Paper number 15-053. NABEC annual meeting, Newark, Delaware, July 12-15, ASABE. Weiss, Alyson. 2015. Effects of acidic litter amendments with multiple application on ammonia, microbial environment, production performances, and health of broilers. University of Delaware. Yang, X., H. Li, C. Zhang, C. Lin. 2015. Development of a Spinner-Disc Spreader System to Apply Litter Amendments in Broiler Houses. Paper number 152161483, 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Yang, X., H. Li, C. Zhang. 2015. Field Comparison of TSI DustTrak PM Monitor with Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM. Paper number 152161447, 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting. (doi: 10.13031/aim.20152161447). IL Maia, G.D.N., A.R. Green, B.C. Ramirez, Y. Sun, L.F. Rodriguez, D.W. Shike, and R.S. Gates. 2015. A novel ruminant emission measurement system: Part II-Commissioning. Transactions of the ASABE. Accepted for Publication. Maia, G.D.N., B.C. Ramirez, A.R. Green, J.R. Segers, D.W. Shike, L.F. Rodriguez and R.S. Gates. 2015. A novel ruminant emission measurement system: Part I. Design evaluation and description. Transactions of the ASABE 58(3):749-762. doi:10.13031/trans.58.10752. Sales, G.T., A.R. Green, R.S. Gates, T.M. Brown-Brandl and R.A. Eigenberg. 2015. Quantifying detection performance of a passive low-frequency RFID system in an environmental preference chamber. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 114:261-268. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2015.03.008. Xiong, Y., A.R. Green, and R.S. Gates. 2015. Characteristics of trailer thermal environment during commercial swine transport managed under US industry guidelines. Animals 5(2):226-244. doi 10.3390/ani6020226. Zhang, Z., R.S. Gates, Z. Zhirong and H. Xiohui. 2015. Evaluation of ventilation performance and energy efficiency of greenhouse fans. Int J Agric & Biol Eng 8(1):103-110. doi 10.3965/j-ijabe.20150801.014. Saraz, J.A.O., I.F.F. Tinoco, R.S. Gates, K.S.O. Rocha and O.L.Z. Marin. 2015. A simple methodology to measure ammonia flux generated in poultry houses submitted to natural ventilation. Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 28:3-12. dePersio, S., P.L. Utterback, C.W. Utterback, S. Rochell, N.O. Sullivan, K. Bregendahl, J. Arango, C.M. Parsons, and K.W. Koelkebeck. 2014. Effects of feeding diets varying in energy and nutrient density to Hy-Line W-36 laying hens on production performance and economics. Poult. Sci. 94:195-206. IN Yan, F.F., G.R. Murugesan, and H.W. Cheng. 2015.The effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics on performance, eggshell quality, cecal microflora composition, and skeletal health of White Leghorn hens. Poult. Sci. 94(E-Suppl.1):46. IA Hansen, H., T. Wang, D. Dolde, and H. Xin. 2015. Tocopherol and annatto tocotrienols distribution in laying-hen bod. Poultry Sci. doi: 10.3382/ps/pev228. Hansen, H., T. Wang, D. Dolde, H. Xin, and K. Prusa. 2015. Supplementation of laying-hen feed with annatto tocotrienols and impact of ?-tocopherol on tocotrienol transfer to egg yolk. J. Agric. Food Chem. DOI: 10.1021/jf505536u. Karcher, D.M., D.R. Jones, Z. Abdo, Y. Zhao, T.A. Shepherd, and H. Xin. 2015. Impact of commercial housing system and nutrition and energy intake on laying hen performance and egg quality parameters. Poult. Sci. 94:485-501. Li, H., C. Zhang and H. Xin. 2015. Performance of an infrared photoacoustic single gas analyzer in measuring ammonia from poultry houses. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 31(3):471-477. Long, H., Y. Zhao, T. Wang, Z. Ning, and H. Xin. 2105. Effect of light-emitting diode (LED) vs. fluorescent lighting (Fl) on laying hens in aviary hen houses: Part 1 – Operational characteristics of lights and production traits of hens. Poultry Sci. doi.org/10.3382/ps/pev121. Long, H., Y. Zhao, H. Xin, H. Hansen, Z. Ning, and T. Wang. 2015. Effect of light-emitting diode (LED) vs. fluorescent (FL) lighting on laying hens in aviary hen houses: Part 2 – Egg quality, shelf life and lipid composition. Poultry Science (accepted). Ma, H., H. Xin, Y. Zhao, B. Li, T.A. Shepherd, and I. Alvarez-Castro. 2015. Assessment of lighting needs by W-36 laying hens via preference test. Animals (accepted). Shepherd, T.A., Y. Zhao, H. Li, J.P. Stinn, M.D. Hayes, and H. Xin. 2015. Environmental assessment of three laying-hen housing systems– Part II: ammonia, greenhouse gas, and particulate matter emissions. Poultry Science 94(3):534-543. Zhao, Y., T.A. Shepherd, T.A., H. Li, J.P. Stinn, M.D. Hayes, and H. Xin. 2015. Environmental assessment of three laying-hen housing systems–Part I: monitoring system and indoor air quality. Poult. Sci. 94:518-533. Zhao, Y., T. A. Shepherd, J. Swanson, J. A. Mench, D.M. Karcher, and H. Xin. 2015. Comparative evaluation of three laying-hen housing systems: description of the production systems and management practices. Poult. Sci. 94:475-484. MN Johny, A. Kollandoor, K. Venkitanarayanan, A. Donoghue, D. Donoghue, and M. Darre. 2015. Potential Role of Essential Oils in Organic Poultry Production. Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, Saint Paul, Minnesota, March 15-17, p 8. Nair, D. V. T., and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2015. Use of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry. Proceedings of the 76th Minnesota Nutrition Conference. Pp 200 – 209. Nair, D. V. T., Jennifer Hagen, Claire Peichel, Soren Hallberg, Alexandra Bakken and Anup Kollanoor-Johny. 2015. Antimicrobial potential of Propionibacterium freudenreichii against Salmonella Heidelberg and Salmonella Enteritidis. Poult. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 1): 13. Noll, SL, 2015. U of M Research Update: Energy Value of DDGS for Turkeys Proceedings of the 76th Minnesota Nutrition Conference. Pp 218-219. Youmans, B , S. Noll, T.J. Johnson. 2015. Modulating the gut microbiome to enhance growth and performance in commercial turkey flocks. Proceedings of the 9th Turkey Science and Production Conference. Chester UK. Wealleans, A.L., D Yueming, M Hruby, K Gibbs, S Noll. 2015 A multi-enzyme and direct-fed microbial combination improves turkey brooder performance and intestinal morphology. Poult. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 1): 90. Noll, S.L., Z. Jiang, PB Tillman. 2015. Digestible lysine requirement of male turkey poults. Poult. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 1): 124. NC Burley, H. K., P. H. Patterson, and K. E. Anderson, 2015. Alternative ingredients for providing adequate methionine in organic poultry diets in the United States with limited synthetic amino acid use. World’s Poultry Sci. J. 71: In Press. Gast, R. K., R. Guraya, D. R. Jones, and K. E. Anderson. 2015. Persistence of fecal shedding of Salmonella Enteritidis by experimentally infected laying hens housed in conventional or enriched cages. Poult, Sci. 94: In Press. Jackson, M and K. Anderson. 2015. Effect of ß-mannanase (Hemicell-HT) feed enzyme on post-molted layer performance in 11 white egg strains. Southern Poult. Sci. Suppl. 94:40 (Abstract T133). Anderson, K.E. 2015. Single Production Cycle Report of the Thirty Ninth North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test: Alternative Production Environments. Vol. 39, No.4. August 2015; http://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/layer-performance/. Karcher. D. M., K. W. Koelkebeck, K. E. Anderson. 2015. Pullets: Alternative Methods to Delay Onset of Lay. Michigan State University Extension, Publication AABI-060 Pullets, 1P–05:2015–Web–PA/AB WCAG 2.0 AA2. Anderson, K.E. 2015. First Cycle Report of the Thirty Ninth North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test. Vol. 39, No.3. April 2015; http://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/layer-performance/. Anderson, K. E. 2015. Explaining the North Carolina Egg Law for Producers with Small Flocks, North Carolina State University, Cooperative Extension Service, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, Raleigh, NC, NC Cooperative Extension Publication AG-802, Feb 13, 2015; http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/explaining-the-north-carolina-egg-law-for-producers-with-small-flocks. Anderson, K. E. 2015. Induced Molting as a Management Tool. North Carolina State University, Cooperative Extension Service, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, Raleigh, NC, NC Cooperative Extension Publication AG-800, Feb 13, 2015 ; http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/induced-molting-as-a-management-tool. Anderson, K. E. 2015. Induced Molting of Commercial Layers. North Carolina State University, Cooperative Extension Service, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, Raleigh, NC, NC Cooperative Extension Publication AG-801, Feb 13, 2015 http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/induced-molting-of-commercial-layers. Anderson, K.E., 2015. Commercial Layer Industry. PAACO Training Conference, Brownstone Hotel, Raleigh, NC August 5, 2015. Anderson, K.E. 2015. Economics of Different Production Systems. Multi-State Poultry Feeding and Nutrition Conference and AS Vista’s Technical Symposium, Marriott East, Indianapolis, IN, May 19-21, 2015. Anderson, K.E., 2015. Lecture VII: Conserving Egg Quality. Proceedings of the National Egg Quality School, Section III, pp.52-66, Indianapolis, IN, May 18-21, 2015. Anderson, K.E., 2015. Lecture IV: Cleaning Eggs for Quality and Safety. Proceedings of the National Egg Quality School, Section III, pp.1-15, Indianapolis, IN, May 18-21, 2015. Anderson, K.E., 2015. Comparison between three egg production systems and its effect on egg safety. XI Symposium on Poultry Processing and Food Safety ANECA - Texas A&M University, February 12-13, 2015, Misión Juriquilla Hotel, Querétaro, México Participants. Vukina, T., K. Anderson, and M.K. Muth. 2014. Proposed Changes in Living Conditions for Broilers under the National Organic Program Will Have Limited Economic Effects. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, Vol. 23: 233-243. Vukina, T., K. Anderson, and M.K. Muth. 2014. Economic Effects of Proposed Changes in Living Conditions for Laying Hens under the National Organic Program. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, Vol. 23: 80-93. VA Calvert, A., M. Schirmacher, C. Honaker, M.E. Persia, and A., McElroy. 2015. Effect of calcium level and a direct-fed microbial on performance of broilers experiencing naturally occurring necrotic enteritis. Presented at the PSA Annual meeting, Louisville, KY July 27-30. Ehr, I.J., A.B Kehlet, J. Dickerson, and M.E. Persia. 2015. Effects of direct-fed microbials on egg production in late first cycle laying hens. Presented at the PSA Annual meeting, Louisville, KY July 27-30. Ott, C.P., Persia, M.E., Payne, R.L., and R.A. Dalloul. 2015. The effect of ?-glucans on performance and response of broiler chicks during coccidiosis. Presented at the PSA Annual meeting, Louisville, KY July 27-30. Walugembe, M., J.C.F. Hsieh, N.J. Koszewski, S.J. Lamont, M.E. Persia, and M.F. Rothschild. 2015. Effects of dietary fiber on cecal short fatty acid and cecal microbiota of broiler and laying hen chicks. Poult. Sci. 94:2351–2359.