Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Energy/resources efficiency. this will include collaborative 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.

Environmental Lighting.

AL - Microbiome changes due to environmental (poultry house) variations were examined. To date we have looked at varying light levels, light duration, brooding temperatures. To date this has yielded interesting results; however, to date the data is too preliminary.

MS - The role of LED lighting on egg production and layer physiology has been examined. The experiment is on-going and expected to complete by next year. We are investigating the role of wavelength on egg production and performance parameters.

MS - Linhoss - Additional data was collected on multi-year project examining the performance of high-efficiency fan shades in reducing light leakage and spatial variation of light intensity in commercial broiler houses. Light intensities in houses with fan shade were shown to be 10 times lower than in houses without fan shades.

CT - Placement of LED lights in a commercial colony cage facility was examined and the data showed that improved egg production in the bottom row of cages were obtained when compared to production in the absence of the LED lights. This information on the use of LED lamps was shared with the poultry farmers in the region through the Connecticut Poultry Association. The results were presented to participants at the National Egg Quality School and at the Aviagen Poultry Management School.

Management.

MS - The assessment of the microbial profile in laying hens and pullets raised in cage house and cage-free by traditional culture and molecular methods were examined. It was found that hens raised in two housing environments: conventional cage and enriched colony cages were assessed with their microbial profile. 

MS - Dr. Linhoss’s research focused on improving efficiencies in poultry housing, equipment, and environmental control through applied research and education. Research on the use of biochar as a litter amendment in poultry houses was recently published and will continue with help from additional USDA funding sources. Another project examining the role of bleed off valves in evaporative cooling systems was recently started. Initial data suggests that bleed off valves reduce the potential for mineral scaling on pads, but the overall economic benefit of their use needs to be explored further. In the fall 2019, research will begin on a study examining how broiler crop fill is affected by stocking density and if it is good indicator of early performance.

HI - In Dr. Mishra’s lab experiments were designed and focused on improving the laying persistency and egg production traits of laying hens. They identified the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the egg production in the oviduct of laying hens. Further, they delineated the mechanism by which environmental heat stress affects the egg production, and egg quality in the oviduct of laying hens.

Facility Design.

AL - Davis - This lab evaluated the thermal performance and are developing BMPs for the use of test pens in on-farm nutritional test trials. We have evaluated pen panel construction and its effect on the thermal environment. Using simulated birds in a wind-tunnel, we found that bird temperatures increase as panel open area decreases. Orientation of pen-pairs was also important. We are in the process of validating the study in an on-farm trial and will develop BMPs to reduce the effect of pen construction on the thermal performance. We have been evaluating evaporative cooling systems and general water management in commercial broiler farms to develop BMPs for growers to improve their operations.

MN - Noll - Dr. Noll's research has examined the effect of partial slotted flooring systems on market turkey toms raised from 5 to 18 wks age and compared performance to an all bedded system. Two slotted flooring materials were compared: Red Rooster Double L Classic Plastic Flooring and Tenderfoot Dairy Calf Mesh – Diamond flooring. The two flooring materials where installed to form 30% of the total floor area with the remaining floor area with bedding. The control treatment was 100% of the floor area with bedding. While similar market weights and feed conversion were observed among treatments, the Red Rooster flooring was intermediate in carcass quality with the control have the lowest percentage of skin defects and the Tenderfoot mesh having the greatest amount of skin defects. Based on carcass quality the Red Rooster material was selected as the material for further testing.

USDA-ARS IN - In this lab, the use of thermal perches were examined in order to reduce heat stress in colony caged laying hens. The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. P. Hester, Dr. N. Widmar and Dr. W. Wigle (Purdue University); Dr. M. Makagon (UC Davis); and Dr. R. Gates (University of Illinois). This study was conducted to identify intervention methods to reduce heat stress in egg laying strains of chickens by determining if cooled perches improve thermal comfort and welfare for caged hens during hot weather.

In this study, hens were assigned to 3 treatments:

1) Conventional cages with circular perches that were cooled during the summer months of June through September (approximate flow rate of 400 mL/min and chilled to 10o C), 2) conventional cages with the same perches, but with ambient air and no coolant, and 3) conventional cages without perches. The collected results indicate that the cooled perch system is able to assist hens to cope with heat stress. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that although there is an added expense associated with updating housing and cooled perch hens under less heat stress consume more feed, thereby increasing feed expenses, operators should be expected to have revenue available (after covering feed cost), which could contribute to installation and maintenance of the cooled perch system. Thus, egg producers may be able to use caged housing that incorporates perches profitably, depending on the final costs of such a system.

MD - Dr. Widmer has an ongoing project with Katy Tarrant at California State University, Fresno and is evaluating environmental enrichment structure design and implementation for commercial broiler chickens. This project is being conducted in the 16,000 ft2 commercial broiler house at Fresno. Weimer serves as the consulting broiler stress and welfare expert. There are three objectives for this three-year project. For objective 1a we determined the most suitable enrichment materials and designs for commercial application. We are currently running flock trials on evaluating platform prototypes. Welfare data is being collected and behavior is being recorded on each flock.

Density.

MN -  At this research station, footpad dermatitis (FPD) was affected for turkey hens reared at different densities and bedding materials (wood shavings and Miscanthus grass). Litter particle size was correlated with foot pad dermatitis severity (r=.81) with larger particle size increasing FPD severity score at 14 wks of age. Footpad scores were most severe for the combination of Miscanthus grass for bedding and high stocking density.

IN - Dr. Weimer performed a study at Purdue University Poultry Unit to evaluate the effects of two stocking densities on broilers from conventional and slow-growing genetic strains in the laboratories of Darrin Karcher and Marisa Erasmus. This project included three areas of research focus which were 1) production, 2) behavior and welfare and 3) carcass and part yield and meat quality. Behavior video is currently being analyzed in the Weimer laboratory at UMD.

Antibiotics and Antimicrobials.

AL - Pacheco We evaluated thermal inactivation of the Salmonella surrogate Enterococcus faecium ATCC 8459 during extended feed conditioning.

USDA-ARS IN - This study examined if a probiotic, bacillus subtilis, prevents injurious behaviors and increases skeletal health in laying hens. This study is being conducted with Dr. M. Erasmus (Purdue University). This project works on prevention or alleviation of social stress in laying hens by developing an animal-friendly method. The objectives of this study are 1) To determine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, reduces social stress in caged hens via regulating the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-medullary-adrenal axis; 2) To examine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, prevents social stress-induced injurious behaviors and osteoporosis in caged hens by regulating the serotonergic system via the microbiota-gut-brain axis; and 3) To determine if probiotic, bacillus subtilis, increases health status and well-being in caged hens via regulating intestinal and systemic immunity. In this study, chicks from white and brown laying hens are used. The chicks are assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) non- beak trimmed chicks fed a regular diet, 2) beak trimmed chicks fed the regular diet, and 3) probiotic-treated chicks (non-beak trimmed chicks fed the regular diet mixed with probiotic). Hens are evaluated for skeletal and foot health, feather quality, egg production traits, feed intake, causes of death, behavior, physiological responses, and gut microorganism.

CT - At this research station novel lactic acid strains were characterized for their probiotic potential including their ability to inhibit Salmonella colonization. It was determined that plant derived antimicrobials (PDAs) were found to control Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin production in poultry feed.

Nutrition.

AL - Pacheco - Dr. Pacheco evaluated the effect of particle size and soy oil inclusion to corn meal and its effect on NIR.

MS - Investigation of the role of calcium (Ca) particle size and source in eggshell quality: dividing Ca in two different meals during the day of laying hens was examined. The experiment is on-going with two particle size of limestone: fine and coarse. The study is investigating if feeding coarse Ca later in the day to laying hens will help promote eggshells getting better quality. Egg quality and production data are measured throughout the study.

MS - Wamsley - In Dr. Wamsley's lab the effects of superdosing phytase and use of carbohydrase enzymes in low energy diets on 56 day male broiler performance and processing were examined. The objective was to determine the effects of phytase dose (PD) and carbohydrase enzyme (CE) on 0- 56 d broiler performance and d 45 and 56 processing characteristics. The results showed that overall improvements were not observed for the carbohydrase enzyme of fungal origin (B-Mannanase). Feeding a carbohydrase (endo-1,4-beta xylanase) with 1500 FTU/kg of phytase (E. coli 6-phytase; 0.015% Ca and aP release) improved 0-44 and 0-55 live performance characteristics, as well as d 45 processing parameters. In addition, a determination of optimal starter particle size was done. The objective was to determine what the average particle size consumed for two broiler strains from 0-18 d. The results showed that strain was significant from d 0-6 and d 0-18 (P<0.05), with the high yielding birds having a higher average particle size consumed. Interactive effects were found between feed form (crumbles or pellets) and feed quality (low, medium or high) from 0-6 and 0-18 d (P<0.05). These interactions exhibited that when chicks are fed high feed quality, they consume a larger average particle size, regardless of feed form. When chicks were fed low and medium feed quality, they consumed a similar average particle size initially when fed as crumbles, but a decreased average particle size when fed pellets. Significant correlations between bird performance and average particle size consumed for d 0-6 BW, BW gain, FCR, as well as d 0-18 FCR demonstrated as chicks consumed increased average particle size of feed, performance parameters improved (P=0.01; r=0.35, 0.37, -0.38; P=0.04; r=-0.30). These data suggest that feed quality and feed form interactively influence the average particle size consumed. Strain also affect the average feed particle size consumed. Lastly, there is a relationship between increased average particle size consumed and improved BW, BW gain and FCR.

Another experiment determine the relationship between average particle size consumed for two broiler strains varied crumble particle size and intact pellets from 0-18 d and resulting gastrointestinal characteristics. The results showed that starting at d 5 and continuing to d 18, high yielding strains had negative correlations of average particle size consumed and gizzard, duodenum, jejunum and ileum relative organ weights. In each instance, as average particle size consumed increased, the relative organ weight decreased (P<0.05, r=-0.423 to r=-0.68). Additionally, the high yielding strain demonstrated a positive correlation with yolk sac weight from 0-10 d (P=0.018; r=0.498). For the fast growing strain, at d 10 correlation data demonstrated that as chicks consumed increased average particle size, relative ileum weight decreased (P=0.026; r=-0.463). Additionally, from 0-18 d, as fast growing strains consumed an increased average particle size, crop fill increased (P=0.0031; r=0.602). These data may be association with chicks proportioning energy positively to affect performance.

HI - Dr. Jha's lab has conducted research on nutrition programing to improve the gut health of monogastric animals,” and “evaluating novel feedstuffs and feed additives for their nutritional value and functional properties in pigs and poultry” using both in vivo and in vitro digestion and fermenation models. Of particular interest is “early nutrition programming in broiler chickens” using an in ovo inoculation model. 

Fee Mill Management.

AL - Macklin - Dr. Macklin's lab evaluated feed mills for microbiological load in ingredients and finished feed. Specifically, we are looking for Salmonella and Clostridium mainly C. perfringens. This has yielded interesting results in that we are finding Clostridium in the finished feed at approximately 102 CFU/g. Interestingly, the species of Clostridium found are typically not associated with poultry diseases; however they are associated with enteric disease in humans.

AL - Pacheco - Dr. Pacheco trained more than 120 participants including feed mill personnel, allied industry, and students in 2 trainings in feed processing as well as 2 trainings on GMP’s and hazard analysis and risk based preventive control, which are necessary to comply with the Animal Food Rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). We have visited several poultry feed mills visits to determine the presence of Salmonella, E. coli and C. perfringens in feed ingredients, mixed feed, pelleted feed, and finished feeds. Other feed mill visits were focused on improving cooling efficiency by modifying retention time and airflow in the cooler and improving mixer

Objective 2. Evaluating commercial poultry production systems. This will include collaborative 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.

Air Quality and NH3 Emissions.

IL - At the IL research station we evaluated the interior house environment (ammonia concentrations, carbon dioxide levels, and ambient temperature in 3 commercial layer facilities. The objectives of this research was to:  1) Assess interior temperature, ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrationsin 3 types of commercial laying hen houses during winter; determine vertical variation for NH3, CO2, and temperature within the houses.

We have used successfully before a Portable Monitoring Unit (iPMU) in the past. We have used these units to assess air quality in various animal environments. Thus, in this study we sampled the interior environments of three commercial laying hen facilities, located in Midwest USA. These houses were located on the same farm site.

The first house was a stacked enrichable cage system with 2 floors, 168 m (L) x 245 M (W), (12 tiers of cages). This house housed 497,000 Lohmann LSL – Lite hens at 25 wk of age. The bird density was 432 cm2/hen. The second house was an aviary (designated as Aviary 1 (AV 1), and housed 46,400 Lohmann Brown hens at 19 wk of age. The third house was also an aviary (designated at Aviary 2 (AV2), and housed 36,300 Bovans Brown hens at 77 wk of age. Both aviary houses had the same building dimensions of: 159 m (L) x 15 m (W). There was different aviary equipment in each house. The bird density in both houses was 1,114 cm2/hen.

The air and temperature sampling schedule was satisfied by installing two iPMUs and two Temp/RH data loggers in each house, at a location of 30.5 m from the end, and at two different elevations. The cage house sampling locations were 1.5 m and 5.3 m, respectively from the floor of the house. For the two aviary housed the sampling locations were 1.5 m and 2.5 m, respectively from the floor. For sampling barn air was measured every 10 sec. Averages were taken every 30 min, and continuous data recording occurred.

For data analysis, data was recorded in February, 2019. For data analysis, a student’s t-test (PROC TTEST, SAS 9.4) was used to determine any differences between the top and bottom levels (P < 0.05), in each house. Measurements were compared to management set points and industry guidelines. The data revealed that not all housing types had the same air quality. There was a vertical variation for NH3, CO2, and temperature within the same houses. In addition the aviaries have reduced air quality than the cage house.

IA - Air quality/environment evaluation and development of improved management strategies for a novel cage-free egg laying facilities were evaluated.

Management.

AR - This ongoing study aims to improve productivity while reducing cooling water consumption by incorporating the sprinkler system with the evaporative cool cell system on commercial broiler farms. Sprinklers offer a totally different method of cooling broilers by spraying a calculated amount of water onto bird level for a short duration, turning it off, and letting the fans dry off that water on birds’ surface. The key to promote adoption of sprinkler system on commercial farms is to develop an optimal cooling strategy that growers can follow. A common problem in the field is to run sprinklers without making any change to the cool cell setting. This not only adds minimal cooling to birds, but also risk of getting the litter wet. Trials were conducted on multiple farms by programming the sprinkler system as the first three stages of cooling, delaying onset and frequency of wetting the cool cell pads. Data collection included temperature and relative humidity at pad end and fan end, drinking and cooling water consumption in each house, and facial temperature measurement of birds in week 5.

 IA - Quantification and relation of keel bone damage with continuously monitored perching behaviors of individual laying hens was examined. Also, the impact of damaged KB on different nighttime perching behaviors, such as standing, sitting, standing bout, and sitting bout duration, as well as stand-sit shift.

 MS - Adhikari - At this research station, the determination of egg production, egg quality and bone biology in White Leghorns W-36 and Hy-Line Brown housed in three housing types (conventional, enriched and cage-free free range) was done. The animal experiment is completed. We evaluated production parameters (feed intake, egg production, body weight and feed conversion ratio) as well as egg quality and bone welfare (long bones and keel bones) in two strains of laying hens. There still needs to be done further analysis to conclude the results.

Nutrition and Welfare.

KY - A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the metabolizable energy values of different feed ingredients under different conditions. In addition to this, the movement towards the complete removal of antimicrobial growth promoters in poultry feed has presented the poultry industry with challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, the possibility of the removal of anti coccidia drugs from poultry diets would likely increase the possibility of gastrointestinal challenges in poultry. To this effect, we conducted a series of studies to evaluated the potential of a poultry dietary antioxidant supplement (EconomasE ™®) in mitigating the effect of intestinal inflammation as a result of coccidia challenge and/or dexamethasone challenge on birds health and performance. Results from these studies shows that nitrogen excretion in broilers and laying hens could be reduced by careful control of dietary nutrients during diet formulation.

In addition, two studies were conducted to determine the effect of dietary ZnO (inorganic) versus Bioplex Zn (organic) on keel bone damage. Two hundred and forty white egg layers and 240 brown layers were placed on one of five treatments. Diet 1 was a commercial corn-soy diet; 2. Corn- soy (80ppm ZnO); 3. Corn-soy (30ppm ZnO); 4. Corn-soy (80ppm Bioplex Zn); and 5corn-soy (30ppm Bioplex Zn). Birds were place on their experimental diet at 29 weeks of age and were remained on the experimental diet for 36 weeks of lay (65 weeks of age)Keel bone scores were correlated with type of deviation. A score of one was given to a straight keel, with zero deviation from a straight line. A score of two would be anything with a deviation to one side, in one of the four quadrants, or forming a ‘U’ shape, deviations that occurred on one side either left cranial and left caudal or right cranial and right caudal or just one or the other. A score of three was an ‘S’ shape, where deviations that occurred in either the left cranial and right caudal or right cranial and left caudal. Keel bones were scored every 4 weeks on the live bird, with the first scores being taken 2 weeks after the start of the experiment and the final scores taken two weeks after the last weigh date. A greater percentage of keel bones from white egg layers were scored as 1 at the start of the 36-week trial, 63%, compared to the end of the experiment, 82 and 27% to 6% for brown egg layers. Additionally, 0% of the birds had a score of 3 at the start of the experiment, compared to 37% thirty-six weeks later, for the white egg layers; and 3% to 27% of a score of 3 from the start to the end of the trial. Keel bone scores of 2 increased from 37% to 55% for white egg layers throughout the 36 weeks of this trial; brown egg layers stayed consistent throughout the trial, starting at 70% and ending with 67% birds having a keel bone score of 2. For both white and brown egg layers, the ‘U’ shape deviation had significantly less deviation from a straight line, with 22.55 mm and 27.02 mm respectively, compared to the ‘S’ shape deviation for white and brown layers, 42.40 mm a3nd 36.36 mm respectively. Diet had different effect on keel bone deviation, depending on the egg layer. Diet did not have a significant effect on keel bone deviation for white egg layers. However, there was a numerical trend, with keel bones from hens being fed diet 4, as 80 ppm Bioplex® Zn, having a numerically lower deviation of 24.04 mm, compared to the deviation of keel bones from hens on the four diets. On the other hand, keel bones from brown egg layers were significantly affected by the diet they were receiving. Keel bones from hens on diet 3 had significantly higher deviation, 41.08 mm, compared to diets 1, 2, and 4. Keel bones from hens receiving diet 5, had intermediate keel bone deviation of 32.36 mm. This data looks promising for Bioplex® Zn to alleviate keel bone deformation and deviation in laying hens, especially brown egg layers. However, more research in this area is needed to determine the amount of Bioplex® Zn required to alleviate issues with bone health, especially keel bone damage.

Environmental Management.

AL - Davis - We have developed an erosion simulator to evaluate soil loss along the dripline of commercial broiler houses for given rain events. As houses have increased in size, erosion issues are exacerbated with the increased roof area. We have used the simulator to evaluate surface armoring techniques. 

IA - Bioenergetics for a fully open cage-free aviary system with Dekalb White laying hens was conducted. Technical performance and sustainability evaluation of a novel air-to-air heat exchanger for manure belt drying in layer housing was also conducted.

In addition, it was determined that poultry houses may require supplemental heat (Hs) during ventilation showdown (VSD) for containment HPAI spread. The amount of Hs depends on housing type, ambient temperature, and housing tightness. Mortalities during VSD are more likely caused by hyperthermia than by hypoxia. Strategies for reducing temperature stratification are needed for improved VSD in some situations. The results showed that Heat Exchanger (HE) temperature-transfer efficiency was 75.07% ±9.4% with an average supply T increased by 10.0°C ±3.4°C and an average of 93.94 ±31 kW heat recovered. Average indoor T (23.1°C ±0.5°C) was warmer, as a function ambient T, and daily average indoor T range was lower with Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV; 1.8°C ±0.7°C) compared to without HRV (22.2°C ±1.2°C; 3.1°C ±1.1°C). Seven days after manure removal, final average manure DM was 40.6% ±3.1% (without HRV) and 60.0% ±3.3% (with HRV). Implementation of HRV positively influenced indoor thermal environment by maintaining less dynamic diurnal fluctuations. Updated bioenergetics data showed mean values of 7.5 ± 0.2 W kg-1 for total heat production rate (THP), 4.8 ± 0.3 W kg-1 for sensible heat production rate (SHP) and 2.7 ± 0.2 W kg-1 for latent heat production rate (LHP). THP reduced by 40% in the dark period (5.1 ± 0.3 W kg-1), as compared to the light period (8.5 ± 0.3 W kg-1). The house-level heat and moisture production data from this study will contribute to updating of the engineering standards or guidelines for efficient design of environmental control systems in modern cage-free layer production.

Education - Service. 

AL - Davis - We trained 750+ service techs, growers, decision makers from 35 states and 20 countries in 15 hands-on workshops at the NPTC demonstration and teaching facility. We had 10+ off-site grower meetings training 610+ growers across the state. We developed a smartphone app for the use by commercial broiler growers that provides calculations and checklists to assist growers with daily activities.

IA - Data-driven development of task-specific educational modules for training layer employees on animal husbandry to elevate management standards was looked at in IA.

MS - Linhoss - Dr. Linhoss participated in Extension activities to address the concerns of MS poultry growers. A statewide webinar program was developed to educate MSU Extension agents entitled “Commercial Broiler Production in MS: Methods, Myths, and More”. Five extension agents completed the online training. The Mobile Energy and Environment Laboratory (MEEL trailer) was demonstrated at 6 events and educated over 3,000 youth and adults about commercial poultry production in MS. Articles for trade magazines and popular press were also written on a variety of topics and an undergraduate completed a 10-week extension mentorship under the direction of Dr. Linhoss.

NC - The Effects of Californian Battery-cage Ban on Consumer Welfare and Market Equilibrium was examined at NC. The major issue in the egg industry continues to be the rapid change towards extensive production systems that would meet the desire of consumers for improved animal welfare. The shift from cages to cage free egg production started with the passage of the California's Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (Proposition 2) in 2008. At the beginning of 2015, this act and corresponding Assembly Bill (AB) 1437 eliminated battery cages for egg-laying hens in the state. Whereas Proposition 2 outlawed the production of battery-cage eggs, AB 1437 went further and outlawed the sale of such eggs in the state. Several other states introduced or passed similar measures. This trend is likely going to continue and it is reasonable to expect that more states will adopt similar measures. As the result of the implemented or anticipated regulatory measures banning the conventional cages, the cage-free production of table eggs in the United States is constantly increasing. During June 2018, the U.S. weekly production of table eggs totaled 1.9 billion eggs and table egg flock comprised of 313.8 million layers. Since the USDA started the collection of detailed data on cage-free production in 2016, the size of the cage-free layer flock increased from 10.2% of the total flock in August 2016 to 17.43% in June 2018. During the same time period the cage-free egg production increased from 8.49% to 15.02% of total eggs produced in the country. The production of cage-free eggs almost doubled during this less than two years long time period from 161 million to 288 million eggs weekly.

In this project, we are in process of estimating demand and supply models for all type of eggs to be used to predict the effects of imposing stricter standards for egg production on the industry structure and the welfare of market participants (consumers and producers). To evaluate the effects of banning battery cages on market participants, we are estimating a structural model for table eggs demand and supply. Our model is a heterogeneous product oligopoly model where egg producers compete with one another to sell differentiated table eggs to consumers. Depending on how laying hens are treated, table eggs are classified as conventional, free-range, cage-free and certified organic. Of course, different table eggs also differ in other dimensions like color, size and number of eggs per carton. On the supply side of our model, producers compete with one another in a heterogeneous-product oligopoly fashion and each producer decides the average price for each line of their table eggs in each week. We are using Nielsen consumer panel and retail scanner data from Kilts Marketing Center.

Bird Health

AL - Macklin - At this lab, the understanding and control of necrotic enteritis (NE) through the use of probiotics and synthetic anticoccidials and correlating these different factors to the bird’s microbiome in both NE and non-NE birds was examined. We are trying to develop strategies that may show if a flock is at risk of breaking with NE. This involves sampling farms and determining the cocci as well as C. perfringens levels and if netB is present or not in the C. perfringens samples. This is ongoing and there is no solid data yet.

Nutrition and Bird Health

MN - A non-host-specific probiotic for Salmonella control in turkeys was examined. We investigated the potential of Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PF), a dairy origin probiotic bacterium, against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) in turkeys. Employing in vitro and in vivo experiments, the bacterium was tested for its probiotic potential and its anti- Salmonella activity in 2-weeks-old poults and 7-weeks-old growing turkeys. Results indicated that PF exhibited excellent qualities as a probiotic strain in vitro, and significantly reduced cecal colonization of SH and the dissemination of the pathogen to internal organs, compared to the SH challenge controls in poults and growing turkeys. Results revealed that PF, a non-host- gastrointestinal tract-derived probiotic, could be an antibiotic alternative against colonization of SH in turkeys, improving the preharvest food safety. We are investigating their potential in other production poultry.

Also, studied was work on host-specific probiotic for Salmonella control in turkeys. In similar studies described above, the effects of turkey-derived beneficial bacteria, L. ingluviei UMNPBX19 and L. salivarius UMNPBX2, were tested on Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) in turkey poults. The two strains were tested for their probiotic potential and their anti-Salmonella activity in 2-weeks-old turkey poults. Results indicated that both strains exhibited probiotic qualities in vitro, and the strains in combination significantly reduced cecal colonization of SH and the dissemination of the pathogen to internal organs, compared to the SH challenge controls in poults. The results indicate that turkey- derived L. ingluviei UMNPBX19 and L. salivarius UMNPBX2 have potential against SH in turkeys. We are investigating their potential in other production poultry for improving preharvest food safety.

Drinking water contaminated with Salmonella could serve as a source for cecal colonization of the pathogen in birds. We investigated the efficacy of LGEO against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg (S. Heidelberg) in poultry drinking water. Farm water with and without added droppings, litter, or feed inoculated with S. Heidelberg was treated and stored with selected concentrations of LGEO for a week at 12.5 and 25^oC. LGEO at 0.5% resulted in 5 log10 cfu/ml reduction of S. Heidelberg in water with feces by day 1 at both temperatures. Similarly, LGEO at 0.5% resulted in 5 log10 cfu/ml reduction of the pathogen in water contaminated with litter on day 1 at 12.5oC but needed 7 days for pathogen reduction at 22oC. Also, LGEO at 0.5% resulted in 5 log10 cfu/ml reduction of the pathogen in water contaminated with feed by day 5 at 12.5oC but was not effective at 22oC. Results indicate the potential of LGEO as a natural disinfectant in poultry drinking water. We are currently exploring the potential of LGEO for improving pre- and post-harvest safety of poultry.

VA - Persia - An experiment was completed to understand the effects of dietary feed additives on broiler chickens raised on used litter with coccidial spores without antibiotics, a common occurrence in the commercial poultry industry with the new focus on ABF or NAE production.  Treatments included dietary ingredient selection on the performance and efficiency of egg production.  Dietary treatments included a coated butyrate product fed over a 14 or 42 day period, a botanical product fed over a 42 day period, a combination of the two products with butyrate fed 1-14 days and the botanical fed from 15-42 days, a negative control without feed additive and a positive control with a anticoccidial product.  Performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio and mortality were monitored over the 1-14, 1-28 and 1-42 d periods.  The antibiotic treatment resulted in increased performance over the negative control (no feed additive) fed birds validating the model.  All butyrate containing diets (1-14 and 1-42 days and 1-14 followed by botanical for 15-42 days resulted in increased body weight gain in comparison to the negative control birds fed without feed additive and generally similar to the antibiotic control fed birds.  The birds fed the botanical product did not increase performance over the negative control fed birds when fed starting at day 1 or did not improve performance over the negative control fed birds after butyrate was fed over the first 14 days of age.  Feed conversion ratio was highest with the negative control fed birds and lowest with the antibiotic fed birds with the butyrate fed birds intermediate over both the 1-14 and 1-28 day periods, but significance was lost over the 1-42 day period.  Mortality was not significantly different over any time period.  Overall it was concluded that butyrate was effective at maintaining body weight similar to that of the antibiotic, but did not result in the same feed conversion ratio as more feed was needed to main the body weights.  This might suggest that butyrate was able to maintain generate gastro-intestinal health of the birds by facilitating intestinal cell growth, but this did cost the birds by diverting dietary nutrients from growth to maintenance resulting in the differences in FCR.

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.

AL - Vizcarra - Feed restriction of broiler breeders is practiced commercially to increase fertility and decreased mortality. However, a prolonged feed restriction is perceived as contrary to present attitudes toward animal welfare. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone predominantly synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract of avian and mammalian species. While ghrelin stimulates feed intake in mammals it does the opposite in birds, as indicated in most studies.

We evaluated the effect of Entyce® (capromorelin; a ghrelin agonist) on feed intake in male broiler chickens. Entyce® (distributed by Aratana) is a FDA approved ghrelin agonist used in dogs and available in most Veterinary clinics. Entyce® was orally administered to broiler chickens for five consecutive days by diluting the product in water at a target dose of (0, 6 and 12 mg/kgBW/day). Water intake and BW was measured daily from 3 d before treatments were applied until the end of the experiment. Based on these data, the medicated water concentration was adjusted daily. Measurements of water intake showed that the actual mean dose received by chickens were 0, 4.9 and 9.5 mg/kgBW/day. Our data showed that oral doses of Entyce® were associated with a significant dose-dependent increase of feed intake. Additionally, average daily gain was also increased in a dose-dependent manner, but water intake was not significantly affected by treatments.

We also evaluated the effect of subcutaneous (s.q.) administration of a ghrelin antagonist (D- Lys3)-GHRP-6 on feed intake and weight gain in broiler chicken. One-day-old male chickens were reared as recommended by the industry. At four weeks of age, birds were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to three treatments (0, 6 or 12 nM/kgBW/day of the antagonist) for five consecutive days. Doses were selected based on previous work performed in mammalian and avian species. Feed intake and body weight was recorded daily for 5 days. Our results indicate that subcutaneous injections of (D-Lys3)-GHRP-6 decreased feed intake (P < 0.10) in a dose related manner, but had no effect in average daily gain.

Treatments that can decrease appetite at critical periods of production (without affecting animal wellbeing) can provide new tools with commercial implications that will result in a direct benefit for the poultry industry.

MS - Wamsley - An evaluate of nutritional strategies to maximize the performance of Cobb 500 × MV broilers (a new commercial strain) was explored. The objective was to determine the effects of feeding Cobb MV × Cobb 500 female broilers varying levels of grower dLys (1, 1.08, 1.18%) and AME (2937, 3028, 3116, and 3206 kcal/kg) on 14-28 d performance, as well as 14-41 d performance, processing and economics. The results of the study showed that a dLys × AME interaction was observed at 14-28 d for FCR (P=0.002). This interaction demonstrated that as birds were fed increased AME at each d Lys level, FCR improved; however, there was a slight plateau for birds fed 3018 kcal/kg when increasing dLys of diets from 1.00 to 1.08%. Overall, these data demonstrated that feeding 1.18% dLys + 3,028 kcal/kg AME in the grower phase improved overall performance and processing yield. An economic analysis considering diet costs, production cost per bird, as well as potential gross profit using processing data, demonstrated this feeding strategy to be most economical.

Food Safety and Quality.

AL - Dr. Bourassa’s lab is focusing on prevention strategies to minimize the occurrence and levels of the foodborne pathogens Salmonella and Campylobacter on poultry and poultry products. We assessed the use of both acidic and alkaline types of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) antimicrobials at various concentrations during a post-defeathering intervention for the reduction of Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. It was determined that alkaline PAA was more effective than acidic PAA at reducing Enterobacteriaceae levels but had similar efficacies for the reduction of Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Extension activities included addressing urgent concerns of the Alabama commercial poultry industry as well as the industry nationwide. This included the development of a quarterly HACCP Roundtable meeting where industry personnel and FSIS can come together to discuss current regulatory issues. A Poultry Processing Short Course was given for training industry personnel on the science behind practices utilized during poultry processing. Backyard poultry processing workshops were conducted to train youth and public regarding regulatory requirement and methods for converting live birds to meat products. In addition to serving the poultry industry, both public and youth groups were served through programming including youth poultry judging training and contests (4-H and FFA).

AL - Vizcarra

Ceron-Romero, N, N. Taofeek, A. Thomas, H. Chance, E. Vroonland, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2019. The Effect of ghrelin antagonist (D-Lys3) GHRP-6 on feed intake in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). STEM Day 2019. Alabama A&M University. Abstract #18.

Ceron-Romero, N, N. Taofeek, A. Thomas, J. Johnson, R. Winter, M. Verghese, and J. Vizcarra. 2019. The Effect of Feed Restriction and Mild Hypothermia on Concentrations of Ghrelin, Corticosterone and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Association of Research Directors. Jacksonville, FL.

Vizcarra, F. R., M. Verghese, and J. A. Vizcarra. 2018. Effect of short- and long-term feed restriction on ghrelin concentrations in turkeys. Poultry Science 97(6) 2183–2188.

Taofeek, N., F. Vizcarra, M. Verghese, and J.A. Vizcarra. 2018. The effect of Feed Restriction on ghrelin, glucose and Insulin concentrations in male broiler chickens. STEM Day 2018. Alabama A&M University. Abstract #17.

Taofeek, N., F. Vizcarra, M. Verghese, and J.A. Vizcarra. 2018. The effect of Feed Restriction on ghrelin concentrations in male broiler chickens. International Poultry Scientific Forum. Atlanta, Georgia. (M3 p 1).

AL - Bourassa

Bourassa, D.V., J.L. Lapidus, A.E. Kennedy-Smith, and A. Morey. 2019. Efficacy of neutralizing buffered peptone water for recovery of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae from broiler carcasses at various points along a commercial immersion chilling process with peroxyacetic acid. Poult. Sci. 98:393-397.

Harris, C.E., K.A. Gottilla, D.V. Bourassa, L.N. Bartenfeld, B.H. Kiepper, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Impact of scalding duration and scalding water temperature on broiler processing wastewater loading. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 27:522-531.

Bourassa, D.V., K.M. Wilson, B.D. Fairchild, M. Czarick, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Microbiological status of broiler respiratory tracts before and during catching for transport to the processing plant. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 27:597-602.

Wilson, K.M., D.V. Bourassa, B. McLendon, J.L. Wilson, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Impact of skip-a-day and every-day feeding programs for broiler breeder pullets on the recovery of Salmonella and Campylobacter following challenge. Poult. Sci. 97:2775-2784.

Bourassa, D.V. 2019. Harvesting market age broilers. 5th International Poultry Meat Congress, April 24-28, 2019, Antalya, Turkey.

Bourassa, D.V. 2019. Salmonella prevention strategies and influences of sampling method selection. Midwest Poultry Federation, March 14-16, 2019, Minneapolis, MN.

Pacheco, W.J., J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin, D.V. Bourassa, and T.J. Biggs. Effect of zinc methionine and manganese methionine on live performance and breast myopathies of broilers. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2019. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Harris, C.E., L.N. Bartenfeld-Josselson, D.V. Bourassa, and R.J. Buhr. Persistence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium on hatching eggshells after 1, 6, or 24 hours. PSA Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2019. Montreal, Canada.

Bourassa, D.V., C.E. Harris, L.N. Bartenfeld, S. Richter, W. Daley, K.M. Wilson, and R.J. Buhr. Impact of postmortem holding temperature on feather retention force and broiler carcass microbiology. XXIV European Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat, June 23-26, 2019. Cesme, Izmir, Turkey.

Lawley, E.O., and D.V. Bourassa. Peroxyacetic acid applied following broiler chicken feather removal minimizes pathogen levels during processing. Auburn Research Student Symposium, April 9, 2019. Auburn, AL.

Lawley, E.O., and D.V. Bourassa. Assessment of peroxyacetic acid as a post- defeathering intervention during broiler processing. International Poultry Scientific Forum, February 11-12, 2019. Atlanta, GA.

Walker, G.K., D.V. Bourassa, R. Qudsieh, B. Wall, and M.L. Livingston. A scald water detergent combined with an organic acid carcass dip reduces microbial loads on post- harvested broiler carcasses. International Poultry Scientific Forum, February 11-12, 2019. Atlanta, GA.

Bourassa, D.V., C.E. Harris, L.N. Bartenfeld, S. Richter, W. Daley, K.M. Wilson, and R.J. Buhr. Impact of postmortem holding temperature on feather retention force and broiler carcass microbiology. International Poultry Scientific Forum, February 11-12, 2019. Atlanta, GA.

Bourassa, D.V. and K.M. Wilson. Antibiotic-free production and broiler chicken meat safety. Food Safety Magazine. October/November 2018.

Bourassa, D.V. Influence of broiler harvest on respiratory tract bacteria. WOGS Newsletter, June 2019.

Bourassa, D.V. Carvacrol as a Potential Antimicrobial on Poultry Parts. WOGS Newsletter, April 2019

Bourassa, D.V. Decreasing food safety risks associated with chicken livers. WOGS Newsletter, March 2019.

Bourassa, D.V. Woody breast myopathy impacts shelf life. WOGS Newsletter, January 2019.

Bourassa, D.V. One Health Certified Program Label for Meat and Poultry Products. WOGS Newsletter, November 2018.

Bourassa, D.V. Red wing tips on broiler carcasses. WOGS Newsletter, October 2018.

AL - Davis

Linhoss, J.E., J.L. Purswell, and J.D. Davis. 2018. Radiant flux preference of neonatal broiler chicks during brooding. Trans. ASABE. 61(4):1417-1423. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.12775

Purswell, J.L., J.E. Linhoss, C.M. Edge, J.D. Davis, and J.C. Campbell. 2018. Technical Note: Water supply rates for recirculating evaporative cooling systems in poultry housing. Appl. Engr. in Ag. 34(3): 581-590. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.12652

Wise, J.D. Davis, V. Naranjo, V.D. Hess, and W.A. Dozier, III. 2019. Effects of feeding reduced crude protein diets to broiler chicks while maintaining amino acid concentrations on growth performance, ammonia production, and meat yield. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, July 15-18, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

J.D. Davis, J.C. Campbell, K.E. Griggs, D.L. Brothers and Edge, C.M., 2019. Improving ambient and attic temperature readings in commercial broiler houses. Presentation for the 2019 ASABE International Meeting. July 7-10, Boston, MA.

Edge, C.M., J.D. Davis, J.C. Campbell, K.E. Griggs, J.L. Purswell, and D.L. Brothers. 2019. Comparison of old and new evaporative cooling pads on a commercial broiler farm. Presentation for the 2019 ASABE International Meeting. July 7-10, Boston, MA.

K.E. Griggs, J.C. Campbell, J.D. Davis, D.L. Brothers. 2019. Development of a mobile app to improve farmer access to poultry housing decision tools and to maintain records of use. Presentation for the 2019 ASABE International Meeting. July 7-10, Boston, MA.

AL - Macklin

Brooks, L.A. 2019. A Comparison of Sites Colonized in Broilers Challenged Through Various Routes and Feed Administration with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Heidelberg at Day 14. MS. Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Cloft, S., S. Rochell, K. Macklin, and W. Dozier. 2019. Effects of pre-starter diets varying in amino acid density given to broiler chickens given coccidiosis vaccination at hatch. Poult. Sci. 0:1- 11.

Cloft, S., S. Rochell, K. Macklin, and W. Dozier. 2019. Effect of dietary amino acid density and feed allocation during the starter period on 41 days of age growth performance and processing characteristics of broiler chickens given coccidiosis vaccination at hatch. Poult. Sci. 0:1-12.

Hauck,R., M. Carrisosa, B.A. McCrea, T. Dormitorio, K.S Macklin. 2019. Evaluation of next generation amplicon sequencing to identify Eimeria spp. of chickens. Avian Dis accepted June 24, 2019.

Brooks, L.A., J.T. Krehling, K. S. Chasteen, B. Singh and K.S. Macklin. 2019. Comparison of sites colonized in broilers through various routes when challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis at Day 14. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract M115, Atlanta, GA. Feb. 4-5, 2019.

Carrisosa, K. Macklin and R. Hauck. 2019. Establishing monoclonal Eimeria spp. isolates in immunosuppressed chickens. International Poultry Science Forum Abstract P246, Atlanta, GA. Feb. 4-5, 2019.

Hess, J.B., W.D. Berry, K.S. Macklin and R. Prasad, 2018. Elemental Sulfur as a feed ingredient to control mites. Poultry Times 65(18) 8.

AL - Pacheco

Min, B. R., F. Abrahamsen, N. Gurung, J. H. Lee, J. W. Joo, W. Pacheco. 2019. Association of peanut skin in diet alters average daily gain, ruminal and blood metabolites, and carcass traits associated with Haemonchus contortus infection. Accepted in Animal Nutrition Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.05.006

Rubio, A. A., J. B. Hess, W. D. Berry, W. A. Dozier III, and W. J. Pacheco. 2019. Effects of feed form and amino acid density on productive and processing performance of broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 0:1-11. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz032.

Hess, J. B., K. S. Mackin, W. J. Pacheco, R. Hauck, and W. Berry. 2019. Current trends in litter management. Midwest Poultry Federation. Minneapolis, MN. March, 2019.

Abascal-Ponciano, A. Calderon, J. Flees, D. Patino, S. Leiva, J. Sandoval, M. Presume. Ordonez, L. Avila, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Evaluation of different particle size analysis methods for ground corn. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:7.

Avila, M. Presume, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Effect of particle size on near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) nutrient analysis of ground corn. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:8.

Patino, E. Mendez, J. Sandoval, J. Flees, A. Calderon, G. Abascal-Ponciano, K. Ordonez, L. Avila, M. Presume, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Effect of ground corn particle size and soybean oil addition on angle of repose and flow time. Poult. Sci. 108, E- Suppl. 1:9.

Presume, J. Sandoval, G. Abascal-Ponciano, A. Calderon, D. Patino, K. Ordonez, L. Avila, S. Leiva, J. Flees, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Assessment of angle of repose as a tool to measure the flowability of different particle size ground corn with and without added soybean oil. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:10.

Sandoval, S. Leiva, J. Flees, A. Calderon, G. Abascal-Ponciano, K. Ordonez, D. Patino, Avila, M. Presume, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Effect of particle size and oil addition on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) nutrient analysis of ground corn. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:11.

Calderon, G. Abascal-Ponciano, L. Avila, J. Flees, S. Leiva, K. Ordonez, D. Patino, M. Presume, J. Sandoval, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Evaluation of different methods for particle size analysis of milled corn with added soybean oil. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:57.

Avila, G. Abascal-Ponciano, A. Calderon, S. Leiva, J. Flees, K. Ordonez, D. Patino, M. Presume, W. Pacheco, and C. Starkey. 2019. Evaluation of the Aviagen Turkeys shaker sieve to determine particle size for ground corn with increasing additions of soybean oil. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:58.

Rueda Lastres, A. Rubio, C. Starkey, F. Mussini, and W. Pacheco. 2019. Effect of conditioning temperature on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and processing yield. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:60.

Spencer, L. Avila, D. Patino, A. Calderon, W. Pacheco, E. Monu, O. Fasina, L. Bell, and C. Starkey. 2019. Evaluation of differential scanning calorimetry for analysis of starch gelatinization in multi-component animal feed. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:61.

E. Monu, W. Pacheco, C. Starkey, and J. Caldas-Cuevas. 2019. Thermal inactivation of the Salmonella surrogate Enterococcus faecium ATCC 8459 during extended feed conditioning. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:202.

Pacheco, D. Patino, J. Hess, K. Macklin, D. Bourassa, and T. J. Biggs. 2019. Effect of zinc methionine and manganese methionine on live performance and breast myopathies of broilers. Poult. Sci. 108, E-Suppl. 1:393.

Spencer, L. Avila, A. Calderon, D. Patino, W. Pacheco, E. Monu, O. Fasina, C. Starkey. 2019. Evaluation of differential scanning calorimetry to assess starch gelatinization of multicomponent feed processed with different conditioner temperatures and Hygieniser retention times. Abstr. M55. Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting.

Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. Safety as a culture. Feedstuffs, August 2019.

Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. Liquid addition at the mixer. Feedstuffs, July 2019.

Pacheco, W. J., Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. Recall Plan. Feedstuffs, June 2019.

Bourassa, D. V., W. Pacheco, K. Macklin, J. Hess. 2018. Protect yourself from Salmonella in backyard poultry. Small Poultry Flocks. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension.

Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. Organization key to well-functioning feed mill. Feedstuffs, May 2019.

Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. Pellet Quality – What is your method of analysis? Feedstuffs, April 2019.

Pacheco, W. J., Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. New grain, feed industry technologies available. Feedstuffs, March 2019.

Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. Students of feed manufacturing. Feedstuffs, January 2019.

Stark, C. R., A. C. Fahrenholz, W. J. Pacheco. Feed Manufacturing Technology – The Road Map to the Future. Feedstuffs, December 2018.

Pacheco, W. J., D. V. Bourassa, K. S. Macklin, and J. B. Hess. Broiler chicken development, Day 1 to Day 50. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR- 2482.

Hess, J. B., A. Morey, and W. J. Pacheco. 2018. Insect proteins in poultry feeds. Practical Applications, Alabama Poultry.

Pacheco, W. J., J. B. Hess, Fahrenholz, A. C., and C. R. Stark. Integrated approach helps maintain pellet, feed quality. Feedstuffs, November 2018.

Fahrenholz, A. C., C. R. Stark, and W. J. Pacheco. Quality assurance best when comprehensive, clear cut. Feedstuffs, October 2018.

Hess, J., R. Hauck, W. Pacheco, and D. Bourassa. 2018. 48 hours to processing. Practical Applications, Alabama Poultry.

AR

Luthra, K., Y. Liang, J. R. Andress, T. A. Costello, S.E. Watkins, and D. Aldridge. 2018. Construction and performance of a self-contained, temperature-controlled heat source (electronic chicken) to quantify thermal load during live haul of broilers. Applied Engineering in Agriculture (accepted).

Heymsfield, C., Y. Liang and T.A. Costello. 2018. Computational fluid dynamics model for air velocity through a poultry transport trailer in a holding shed. Proceeding of 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X), Omaha, NE. ASABE, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Luthra, K., Y. Liang, J. R. Andress, T. A. Costello, and S.E. Watkins. 2018. Construction and performance of a self-contained, temperature-controlled heat source to quantify thermal load during live haul of broilers. Proceeding of 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X), Omaha, NE. ASABE, St. Joseph, Missouri.

IL - Koelkebeck

Xiong, Y., R. Gates, and K. Koelkebeck, 2019. Interior environment of three laying hen systems during winter conditions. Poult. Sci. 98(E-suppl. 1): presented at the Poultry Science Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada.

IA - Xin

Zhao, Y., Xin, H., & Li, L. (2019). Modelling and validating the indoor environment and supplemental heat requirement during ventilation shutdown (VSD) for rapid depopulation of hens and turkeys. Biosystems Engineering. 184 (2019) 130-141. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2019.06.014.

Wang, K., Liu, K., Xin, H., Chai, L., Wang, Y., Fei, T., ... & Ying, Y. (2019). An RFID-Based Automated Individual Perching Monitoring System for Group-Housed Poultry. Transactions of the ASABE. 62(3): 695-704. doi: 10.13031/trans.13105

Goselink, Y. M. & Ramirez, B. C. (2019). Technical performance of an air-to-air heat exchanger for manure belt drying ventilation in aviary layer housing. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. doi: 10.3382/japr/pfz075.

Oliveira, J. L., Ramirez, B. C., Xin, H., Hoff, S. J., & Wang, Y. Ventilation performance and bioenergetics of Dekalb white hens in a modern aviary system. Biosystems Engineering. (under review).

KY - Adedokun

Adedokun S. A. and O. Co. Olojede. 2019. Optimizing gastrointestinal integrity in poultry: The role of nutrients and feed additives. In: S. W. Kim, and R. Jha (eds.). Nutritional intervention for the intestinal health of young monogastric animals. Front. Vet. Sci. 5:348. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00348.

Dunaway A. E. and S. A. Adedokun. An evaluation of the effect of choice of reference diets and adaptation length on apparent metabolizable energy contents of corn and wheat middlings in broiler chickens. Submitted to Canadian Journal of Animal Science. (accepted).

Olojede, O. C., M. J. Ford, T. Ao, A. J. Pescatore, and S. A. Adedokun. 2019. Effect of dietary supplementation with EconomasE™ and two sodium sources on production parameters, egg quality, and blood electrolyte responses of laying hens exposed to elevated temperatures. Presented at the 2019 Poultry Science Association meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. July 15-18, 2019.

Corteel, M. and S. A. Adedokun. 2019. An evaluation of five different sources of trace minerals on manganese, zinc and copper retention in the tibia of 21-day old broilers. Presented at the 2019 Poultry Science Association meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. July 15-18, 2019. (Poster).

Olojede, O. C., T. Ao, A. J. Pescatore, and S. A. Adedokun. 2019. Dietary supplementation of an antioxidant (EconomaseTM)to ameliorate the effect of stressors on physiological parameters, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, and cellular immune response in broilers. Presented during the International Poultry Scientific Forum meeting, Atlanta, GA, February 11-12, 2019.

Olojede, O. C., T. Ao, A. J. Pescatore, and S. A. Adedokun. 2019. Dietary supplementation of an antioxidant (EconomaseTM) and two sodium sources on intestinal permeability (gastrointestinal health) and apparent ileal, total tract energy, and nutrient digestibility in 21-day-old broilers challenged with dexamethasone. Presented during the International Poultry Scientific Forum meeting, Atlanta, GA, February 11-12, 2019.

Dunaway, A. E. and S. A. Adedokun. 2019. The effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation on performance and AME in broiler chickens challenged with coccidia vaccine 7- and 14-day post challenge. Presented during the International Poultry Scientific Forum meeting, Atlanta, GA. February 11-12, 2019.

KY - Pescatore

Ao, M.A. Paul, A.J. Pescatore, L.M. Macalintal, M.J. Ford and K.A. Dawson. 2019. Growth performance and bone characteristics of broiler chickens fed corn-soy diet supplemented with different levels of vitamin premix and sources of mineral premix. Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition, Vol. 7; e6.

Pescatore, A. J., Jacob, J. P., Anderson, K. E., McCrea, B., Shaw, D. P. (2018). Impact of Free- range Poultry Production Systems on Animal Health, Human Health, Productivity, Environment, Food Safety, and Animal Welfare Issues. Number 61, July 2018. Council for Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Lauren Nolan, Anthony Pescatore, Tuoying Ao, Lizza Macalintal, Marquisha Paul, Mike Ford. 2019. Keel Bone Deformities in Commercial Brown Laying Hens Fed Different Zinc Sources. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Montreal Canada.

Lauren Nolan, Anthony Pescatore, Tuoying Ao, Lizza Macalintal, Marquisha Paul, Mike Ford. 2019. Effect of Different Dietary Zinc Sources on Keel Bone Deformation of Commercial White Laying Hens. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Montreal Canada.

MN - Johny

V. T. Nair, J. V. Thomas, G. Dewi, S. Noll, J. Brannon, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2019. Reduction of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg using a dairy-originated probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii freudenreichii B3523, in growing turkeys. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 28: 356-363. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfy079.

V. T. Nair, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2018. Characterizing the antimicrobial function of a dairy-originated probiotic, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii against multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in turkey poults. Front. Microbiol. 9: 1475. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01475.

V. T. Nair, J. V. Thomas, G. Dewi, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2018. Effect of a dairy probiotic, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, on Salmonella enterica Heidelberg colonization and internal organ dissemination in commercial turkeys. 2018 Midwest American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, March 12 – 14, 2018.

V. T. Nair, T. Johnson, S. Noll, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2018. Effect of supplementation of an allochthonous probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii, on the cecal microbiome of commercial turkeys, challenged with multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, July 23 – 26, 2018.

V. Thomas, D. V. T. Nair, T. Johnson, S. Noll, C. Cardona, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2019. Effect of turkey-gut derived beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus ingluviei on multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in turkey poults. J. Food Prot. 82: 435-440. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-18-286.

Kollanoor Johny, D. V. T. Nair, J. V. Thomas, G. Dewi, T. Johnson, and S. Noll. 2018. Effects of combination of antibiotic alternatives on the cecal colonization and internal organ dissemination of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg in commercial turkeys. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, July 23 – 26, 2018.

Peichel, D. V. T. Nair, G. Dewi, A. M. Donoghue, K. M. Reed, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2019. Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil on the survival of multidrug- resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in contaminated poultry drinking water. J. Appl. Poult. Res. (In press).

Dewi, D.V.T. Nair, C. Peichel, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2018. Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) essential oil on the attachment of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Enterica Serovar Heidelberg to chicken skin and meat. 2018 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, July 15 – 18, 2018.

Dewi, D.V.T. Nair, C. Peichel, S. Manjankattil, J. Langlie, and A. Kollanoor Johny. 2018. Effect of lemongrass essential oil on Salmonella Heidelberg colonization in commercial broiler chickens. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, July 23 – 26, 2018. Poult. Sci. 97(E-Suppl. 1): 214.

MN - Noll

Furo, G. (2019). Bedding Material and Stocking Density Influence the Performance, and the Occurrence of Footpad Dermatitis in Turkeys Hens (MS dissertation). University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.

Furo, G., M. Hulet, L. Kitto, C. Cardona, and S. L. Noll. 2018. Bedding material and turkey hen density influenced footpad dermatitis. North Central Avian Disease Conference. Minneapolis, MN March, 2018.

Noll, S., K. Janni, B. Hetchler, G. Furo, J. Brannon, J. V. Thomas, and C. Cardona. 2018. Partial slotted flooring system for market turkeys. Poultry Sci. (E-Supplement 1) 97:89.

Theis, E., J. Brannon, K. Janni, and S. Noll. 2018. Behavior of market turkey toms in a partial slotted flooring. Poultry Sci. (E-Supplement 1) 97:75.

Sally L. Noll, Gabriella Furo, Kevin Janni, and R. Michael Hulet. 2019. Footpad Dermatitis in Market Turkey Hens – Bird Density and Bedding Material Relationships. Midwest Poultry Convention, March 12-14th, 2019.

MS - Adhikari

Sharma, M., C. D. McDaniel, A. Kiess, and P. Adhikari. 2019. Housing environment and hen strain alter egg production, egg quality and tibia strength as well as eggshell microbiology in post-peak laying hens. Poultry Science Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2019. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Williams, V., D. Brown, M. Sharma and P. Adhikari. 2019. Effect of house type and strain type on egg production, cracked and dirty eggs. Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium. Colvard Student Union-MSU April 16, 2019. 

Williams, V., D. Brown, M. Sharma and P. Adhikari. 2019. Effect of house type and strain type on egg production, cracked and dirty eggs. Third annual summer student science symposium by Mississippi Academy of Sciences. July 11, 2016.  

Adhikari, B., S. R. Jun, Y. M. Kwon, A. Kiess and P. Adhikari. Effects of housing types on egg production and cecal microbiota of two different strains of laying hens during the late production phase. Poultry Science Annual Meeting, July 15-18, 2019. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

MS - Linhoss

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., Street, J., & M.R. Rowland. 2019. Evaluation of biochar as a litter amendment for commercial broiler production. J Appl Poult Res. 0:1-10.

Purswell, J.L., Olenrewaju, H.A., and J.E. Linhoss. 2018. Effect of light intensity adjusted for species-specific spectral sensitivity on live performance and processing yield of male broiler chickens. J Appl Poult Res. 27:4, 570-576.

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., and J.D. Davis. 2018. Radiant flux preference of neonatal broiler chicks during brooding. Trans. ASABE. 61(4), 1417-1423.

Purswell, J.L., Linhoss, J.E., Edge, C., and Davis, J.D. 2018. Water supply rates for recirculating evaporative cooling systems in poultry. Appl. Eng. Agric. 34(3), 581-590.

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., Davis, J.D., Campbell, J. 2019. How Much Water is Your Evaporative Cooling System Using? Mississippi State University Extension Service (in press).

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L. 2019. Proper Earth Grounding in Mississippi Poultry Houses Can Prevent Lightning Damage. Publication 3321. Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Linhoss, J.E., Tagert, M.L., and J. Wooten. 2018. Solar pumping for livestock applications. Publication 3236. Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L. Evaluation of bleed-off valves on mineral scale potential, pad efficiency, and water consumption in poultry housing cooling systems. 2019. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. 

Purswell, J.L., Linhoss, J.E. Temporal variability of illuminance in commercial broiler houses. ASABE Paper No. ILES-046. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE (conference paper).

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., Lowe, J.W., & G.D. Chesser. 2018. Performance evaluation of high-efficiency fan shades in reduction of light leakage and spatial variation of illuminance in commercial broilers. ASABE Paper No. ILES-079. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. (submitted, conference paper).

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., Lowe, J.W., & G.D. Chesser. 2018. Performance evaluation of high-efficiency fan shades in reduction of light leakage and spatial variation of illuminance in commercial broilers. 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium. Omaha, NE. (oral).

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., and J. Street. Evaluation of biochar as a beneficial litter amendment for broiler production. 2018. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Detroit, MI. (accepted, oral)

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L., Lowe, J.W., & G.D. Chesser. 2018. Performance evaluation of high-efficiency fan shades in reduction of light leakage and spatial variation of illuminance in commercial broilers. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Detroit, MI. (accepted, oral).

Linhoss, J.E., Purswell, J.L. Street, J., & C. Magee. 2018. Evaluation of biochar as a beneficial litter amendment for broiler production. International Poultry Scientific Forum. Atlanta, GA. 

Linhoss, J.E. & J.L. Purswell. 2018. Proper Earth Grounding Can Prevent Damage to MS Poultry Houses. Emerging Trends, Mississippi Poultry Association, Issue 1. “Unsafe digging presents liability for farmers”. October 18, 2018. Delta Farm Press Daily.

MS – Wamsley

Hirai, L. Mejia, C. Coto, J. Caldas, C. D. McDaniel, and K.G.S. Wamsley. Evaluating the response of Cobb MV × Cobb 500 broilers to varying amino acid density regimens for a small bird program. J. Appl. Poult. Res. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz055. 

Lemons, C. McDaniel, J.S. Moritz, and K.G.S. Wamsley. 2019. Interactive effects of high or low feed form and phase of feeding on performance of Ross x Ross 708 male broilers throughout a 46 d growout. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 0:1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz012.

Lemons, C. McDaniel, J.S. Moritz, and K.G.S. Wamsley. 2019. Increasing average feed particle size during the starter period maximizes Ross × Ross 708 male broiler performance. J. Appl. Poult. Res. https://academic.oup.com/japr/advance-article- abstract/doi/10.3382/japr/pfz004/5305887.

Andrew Brown, Mark Lemons , Chris McDaniel , Joseph Moritz , and Kelley Wamsley. Determining the relationship among average particle size consumed and gastrointestinal characteristics of two broiler strains in the starter phase. 2019. Poult. Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Accepted.

Courtney Ennis, Mark Jackson, Omar Gutierrez, Staci Cantley, and Kelley Wamsley. Effects of superdosing phytase and use of carbohydrase enzymes in low energy diets on 56 day male broiler performance and processing. 2019. Poult. Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Accepted.

Rosana Hirai, Leonel Mejia, Cesar Coto, Justina Caldas, Christopher McDaniel, and Kelley Wamsley. Impact of feeding varying grower digestible lysine and energy levels to female Cobb MV × Cobb 500 broilers on 42-day growth performance and processing yield. 2019. Poult. Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Accepted.

Andrew Brown, Mark Lemons, Christopher McDaniel, Joseph Moritz, and Kelley Wamsley. Determining the average particle size (APS) consumed between two broiler strains (S) receiving diets varying in feed form (FF) and feed quality (FQ) and the subsequent impact on starter performance (0-6 and 0-18 d). 2019. Poult. Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Accepted.

USDA-ARS Purdue – Cheng

Bir, C., N. M. Thompson, W. E. Tyner, J. Y. Hu, and N. J. O. Widmar. 2018. “Cracking” Into the Debate About Laying Hen Housing.” Poult. Sci. 97(5):1595-1604.

Hu, J. Y., P. Y. Hester, M. M. Makagon, Y. Xiong, R. S. Gates, and H. W. Cheng. 2019. Effect of cooled perches on physiological parameters of caged White Leghorn hens exposed to cyclic heat. Poult. Sci. 98(6):2317-2325.

Hu, J. Y., P. Y. Hester, M. M. Makagon, Y. Xiong, R. S. Gates, and H. W. Cheng. 2019. Effect of cooled perches on performance, plumage condition, and foot health of caged White Leghorn hens exposed to cyclic heat. Poult. Sci. 98(7): 2705-2718.

Hu, J. Y., P. Y. Hester, M. M. Makagon, Y. Xiong, R. S. Gates, and H. W. Cheng. 2019. Effect of cooled perches on the efficacy of an induced molt in White Leghorn laying hens exposed to a cyclic heating episode. Poult. Sci. Pii: pez317.

F. Yan, G. R. Murugesan, § and H. W. Cheng. 2019. Effects of probiotic supplementation on performance traits, bone mineralization, cecal microbial composition, cytokines and corticosterone in laying hens. Anim. 13:33-41.

NC – Vukina

Wang, Z. and T. Vukina. Sorting into Contests: Evidence from Production Contracts. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy, 19 (2019) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/bejeap-2018- 0049.

MD - Weimer

Weimer, S., S. Zuelly, K. VanDeWater, M. Davis, D. Karcher, and M. Erasmus. Effects of strain and stocking density on broiler yield and meat quality. Poultry Science Association meeting in Montreal, Canada. July 15-18, 2019. 

Abraham, M., S. Weimer, K. VanDeWater, E. Rocheford, T. Rocheford, L. Hoverman, and D. Karcher. Use of corn to reduce the prevalence of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens. Poultry Science Association meeting in Montreal, Canada. July 15-18, 2019.

Lopez, R., S. Weimer, and K. Tarrant. Evaluating the effects of three platform enrichments in a commercial broiler house. Poultry Science Association meeting in Montreal, Canada. July 15-18, 2019.

Lopez, R., S. Weimer, and K. Tarrant. Comparing platform enrichment usage between conventional Cobb 500 and Ross 708 broilers. Poultry Science Association meeting in Montreal, Canada. July 15-18, 2019.

Weimer, S., D. M. Karcher, and M. A. Erasmus. Effect of strain and stocking density on broiler conformation, performance, and welfare. International Poultry Scientific Forum in Atlanta, GA. February 11-13, 2019.

Weimer, S. L., C. I. Robison, R. J. Tempelman, and D. M. Karcher. 2018. Effect of stocking density on egg production and welfare of laying hens raised in enriched colony cages. In press.

Lusk, J. L., N. M. Thompson, and S. L. Weimer. 2019. The cost and market impacts of slow growth broilers. Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. In press.

Weimer, S., R. Wideman, C. Scanes, A. Mauromoustakos, K. Chrisetensen, and Y. Vizzier-Thaxton. 2019. Lameness attributed to bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) can be detected by infrared thermography (IRT). Poultry Science. 98:1575-1588.

Weimer, S. L., R. F. Wideman, C. G. Scanes, A. Mauromoustakos, K. D. Christensen, and Y. Vizzier- Thaxton. 2018. An evaluation of methods for measuring stress in broiler chickens. Poultry Science. 97:3381-3389.

CT

Venkitanarayanan, K., Thakur, S., & Ricke, S. C. (Eds.). (2019). Food Safety in Poultry Meat Production. Springer.

Amalaradjou M.A. (2019) Pre-harvest Approaches to Improve Poultry Meat Safety. In: Venkitanarayanan K., Thakur S., Ricke S. (eds) Food Safety in Poultry Meat Production. Food Microbiology and Food Safety. Springer, Cham.

Arsi K., Donoghue D.J., Venkitanarayanan K., Donoghue A.M. (2019) Reducing Foodborne Pathogens in Organic Poultry: Challenges and Opportunities. In: Venkitanarayanan K., Thakur S., Ricke S. (eds) Food Safety in Poultry Meat Production. Food Microbiology and Food Safety. Springer, Cham.

Nair, D., Venkitanarayanan, K., Kollanoor Johny, A. 201). Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in the food supply and the potential role of antibiotic alternatives for control. Foods, 7(10), 167.

Muyyarikkandy, M.S., Alqahtani, F.H., Mandoiu, I., Amalaradjou. M.A. 2018. Draft genome sequence of Lactobacillus paracasei DUP 13076, which exhibits potent antipathogenic effects against Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg. Genome announc. 6, e00065-18.

Muyyarikkandy, M.S., Alqahtani, F.H., Mandoiu, I., Amalaradjou, M.A. 2018. Draft genome sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL B-442, a potential probiotic strain. Genome announc. 6, e00046-18.

Muyyarikandy, M.S., Amalaradjou, M.A. 2017. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei attenuate Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Heidelberg and Salmonella Typhimurium colonization and virulence gene expression in vitro. Int J Mol Sci. 18, 2381.

Yin, H.B., Kollanoor Johny, A., Venkitanarayanan, K. (2017). Natural approaches for controlling aflatoxins in agriculture. In Focus on Aflatoxins Research (pp. 91-129). Nova Science Publishers, Inc..

Darre, M. (2018, June). Lighting for Broiler Breeders. Presentation for the Aviagen International Poultry Management School, Huntsville, AL. Participants learned about energy efficient LED lighting for broiler breeders and broiler growers. How to select the proper lamp based on wavelength, intensity and duration.

Darre, M. (2018, May). Salmonella in Poultry – Current Control Methods. Presentation for the National Egg Quality School, Indianapolis, IN. Participants learned about the different methods to reduce and control Salmonella in laying hens. This includes vaccination and use of plant derived antimicrobials.

VA - Persia 

Foltz, K., N. Evans and M.E. Persia.  2019. Effects of FortiShell® on performance and egg shell quality of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens under late egg production (46 to 70 weeks of age). Abstract M82 presented at International Poultry Scientific Forum, Feb 11-12, 2019.

Persia, M.E., N. Siman-Tov, H. Yakout. 2019. Effects of butyrate and botanical feed additives on the performance of broilers raised on used pine shaving litter. Abstract M128 presented at International Poultry Scientific Forum, Feb 11-12, 2019.

HI – Jha

Jha, A. K. Singh, S. Yadav, J. F. D. Berrocoso, and B. Mishra. 2019. Early nutrition programming (in ovo and post-hatch feeding) as a strategy to modulate gut health of poultry. In: S. W. Kim and R. Jha (Eds.), Nutritional Intervention for the Intestinal Health of Young Monogastric Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6:82.

Jha, J. M. Fouhse, U. P. Tiwari, L. Li, and B. P. Willing. 2019. Dietary fiber and intestinal health of monogastric animals. In: S. W. Kim and R. Jha (Eds.), Nutritional Intervention for the Intestinal Health of Young Monogastric Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6:48.

K. Singh, U. P. Tiwari, J. D. Berrocoso, Y. Dersjant-Li, A. Awati, and R. Jha. 2019. Effect of a combination of xylanase, amylase, and protease and probiotics on major nutrients including amino acids and non-starch polysaccharides utilization in broilers fed different level of fibers. Poultry Science (doi: 10.3382/ps/pez310).

Yadav, B. Mishra, and R. Jha. 2019. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) root chips inclusion in the diets of broiler chickens: effects on growth performance, ileal histomorphology, and cecal volatile fatty acid production. Poultry Science (doi: 10.3382/ps/pez143).

Yadav, B., and R. Jha. 2019. Strategies to modulate the intestinal microbiota and their effects on nutrient utilization, performance, and health of poultry. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 10:2.

Stevens, M.W. DuPonte, and R. Jha. 2019. Nutritional value of agricultural by- products of the Hawaiian Islands to be used as animal feeds. UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service, LM-34:1-9.

Yang, R. Jha, W. L. Zhang and I. H. Kim. 2018. Effects of chitooligosaccharide supplementation on egg production, egg quality and blood profiles in laying hens. Indian Journal of Animal Research (doi: 10.18805/ijar.B-881).

K. Singh, B. Mishra, and R. Jha. Effects of early feeding with resistant starch during post-hatch on growth performance and gut health parameters of broilers (Poster). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada.

K. Singh, U.P. Tiwari, B. Mishra, and R. Jha. Comparative effects of in ovo injection of oligosaccharides (xylotriose, xylotetraose, mannotriose, and mannotetraose) on growth performance and gut health parameters of broilers (Poster). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada.

Caliboso, J. Nanquil, S. Yadav, H. Kae, K Neupane, B. Mishra, and R. Jha. Cecal microbiota profile of Hawaiian feral chickens and pasture-raised broiler chickens (Poster). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada.

HI – Mishra

Mishra and R. Jha. 2019. Oxidative stress in the poultry gut: Potential challenges and interventions. In: S. W. Kim and R. Jha (Eds.), Nutritional Intervention for the Intestinal Health of Young Monogastric Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6:60.

Mishra, Sah N and Wasti S. 2019. Genetic and hormonal regulation of egg formation in the oviduct. Poultry, ISBN 978-1-78923-820-4. (Accepted).

Sah, D. L. Kuehu, V. S. Khadka, Y. Deng, K. Peplowska, R. Jha, and B. Mishra. 2018. RNA sequencing-based analysis of the laying hens’ uterus revealed the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the eggshell biomineralization. Scientific Reports, 8:16853.

Wasti, D. L. Kuehu, N. Sah, A. K. Singh, R. Jha, and B. Mishra. Dietary supplementation of dried plum: A novel strategy to mitigate heat stress in poultry (Poster). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada. (Received "Certificate of Excellence for Best Project in Metabolism and Nutrition Section").

Sah, D. L. Kuehu, S. Wasti, R. Jha, and B. Mishra. New transcriptomic insights into processes associated with formation of egg-white in the magnum of laying hens (Poster). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada.

Mishra, N. Sah, D. L. Kuehu, S. Wasti, and R. Jha. Transcriptional regulation of albumen biosynthesis and eggshell biomineralization in the oviduct of laying hens (Oral). PSA Annual Meeting (July 15-18, 2019), Montreal, QC, Canada.