Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1. Integrating technological advances into poultry systems. This will include collaborative research on incorporating engineering and technology to enhance system efficiency and sustainability through infrastructure development of block chain production.

1a. Engineering and technology

University of Arkansas - Orlowski

The Orlowski lab has looked into improving technology in order to measure water intake on a small pen or individual bird basis. This technology will be of use to primary breeder and allied companies for small scale water intake research. Primary breeder companies will be able to gain individual and accurate data for use in selection indexes while allied companies can gather insight into how their product may impact water intake in broilers.

Significant Findings and Impact

A manual system has been established and is available for purchase. The manual system consists of a box, containing an internal processor unit, connected to 4 reservoir units. Each reservoir unit can be attached to a standard water line. Water reservoirs are detachable and easily weighed for measurement of water intake. Drip free connectors are used to detach the water reservoir so no water is wasted. A real-time system is still being tested. The model uses water displacement and records to an SD card for accurate and real time water intake system. This would be the most useful to the industry as it is the most time efficient and accurate system for measuring water intake.

University of Georgia - Chai

Activities:

Innovated deep learning-based methods for monitoring poultry welfare indicators.

Funded projects:

[1] 2023-2026: Precision farming practices for sustainable egg productions. USDA-NIFA AFRI (PI).

[2] 2022-2024: Imaging systems for tracking individual poultry and welfare evaluation. Georgia Research Alliance (PI).

Significant Findings and Impact

We are the first team to optimize and apply the BP and YOLOv5 network models for poultry floor distribution monitoring and pecking behavior analysis. The new method will promote the animal welfare evaluation with artificial intelligence technologies by providing a new solution.

Michigan State University - Siegford

Activities and Projects

PI Siegford and PI Morris are working with colleagues at Clemson University (Ahmed Ali and Bulent Koc) to combine computer vision and robotics to help reduce floor laying in cage-free hens.

Work continues related to developing a computer vision approach to detecting eggs (both brown and white) laid in the litter.

A robot prototype has been developed to run in the litter area of aviary housing systems.

Automated interventions are being developed to be deployed when a hen is detected performing pre-lay behaviors.

Significant Findings and Impact

The egg detector software is performing well.

12 robot prototypes have been deployed at the MSU Laying Hen Facility. Hens do not panic when presented with robots and initial fear of the robots has turned into habituation—or even positive acclimation. Many hens approach the robots and some perch on them while moving and still. Work is needed to perfect the tracks/wheels moving the robot as well as strategies to encourage hens to move from the robot’s path without causing panic.

1b. Nutritional Management of Poultry

Auburn University - Pacheo

Activities and Projects

1. Evaluate the dose response effect of an exogenous xylanase on performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers from 1 to 42 days of age.
2. Evaluate the effects of phytase, butyric acid, and their combination as AGP alternatives on broiler intestinal health and physiology.
3. Evaluate the effect of corn origin on broiler performance, processing yield, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 days of age.

 Significant Findings and Impact

1. A research trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of exogenous xylanase in wheat-soybean meal-based diets on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal viscosity of broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. Broilers exhibited gradual improvements in growth performance when incremental levels of xylanase were included in the NC up to the highest dose throughout the experiment. Broilers fed the NC + 4,800 U/kg had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) BW and lower (P ≤ 0.05) FCR than broilers fed the NC at 28 d of age, and a comparable performance than broilers fed the PC. Upon completion of the experiment at 42 d of age, improvements (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in FCR for broilers fed diets with xylanase in comparison to the NC. Broilers fed diets supplemented with xylanase regardless of the level, exhibited lower (P ≤ 0.05) ileal digesta viscosity in comparison to the broilers fed the NC without xylanase supplementation and PC. Although not statistically significant (P > 0.05), 111 and 95 kcal/kg improvements were observed for apparent ileal digestible energy with the inclusion of 2400 and 4800 U/kg of xylanase, respectively, compared to the NC.
2. Another study evaluated the effect of phytase level and inclusion of butyric acid (BA) on intestinal health and physiology. Broilers fed a diet with 500 FTU/kg of phytase had a higher d 28 villus length (VL) and crypt depth (CD) compared to 1,500 FTU/kg. Dietary inclusion of 0.5 g/kg of BA increased d 28 and d 42 villus length and lowered d 42 crypt depth compared to 0 g/kg. Broilers consuming a diet with BMD had a lower d 42 VL, CD, and VL:CD ratio compared to broilers fed a diet without BMD. Regardless of phytase inclusion, broilers fed a diet with BA had a higher d 42 VL and VL:CD ratio compared to BMD. Broilers fed a diet with BMD had a higher Pielou’s evenness of cecal microbiome compared to those consuming diets devoid of BMD on d 28. Day 28 tight junction genes (CL-1, CL-4, CL-5, and ZO-2) were upregulated when broilers were fed a diet with BA combined with 1,500 FTU/kg of phytase compared to 500 FTU/kg. The combination of BA and 1500 FTU/kg of phytase can increase evenness of the cecal microbiome and upregulate jejunum tight junction gene expression.
3. Another trial evaluated the effect of corn origin (US. Brazil, and Argentina) on performance and nutrients digestibility. Corn origin did not influence body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake from 1 to 35 d of age among the treatments. However, broilers fed diets with inclusion of corn from the USA and BRA had better FCR compared to broilers fed diets with corn from ARG from to 1 to 35 d of age (1.434 and 1.434 vs 1.452 g:g; P = 0.002). Broilers fed diets with inclusion of corn from BRA had a higher breast weight compared to broilers fed diets with inclusion of corn from ARG (575 vs 553 g; P = 0.036), but did not differ from the breast weight of broilers fed diets with corn from the USA (575 vs 556 g; P > 0.05). Corn origin did not influence (P > 0.05) crude protein and fat digestibility. However, broilers fed diets with corn from the USA and BRA had greater phosphorus (P) (63.37, 62.23 vs 55.26%; P = 0.0003), calcium (Ca) (41.59, 43.85 vs 30.23%; P = 0.0003), and potassium (K) (88.98, 87.97 vs 86.04%; P = 0.001) digestibility compared to broilers fed diets with corn from ARG. Overall, corn origin influenced FCR, breast weight, and P, Ca, and K digestibility of broilers from 1 to 35 d of age.

 Penn State University - Boney

We continue to investigate the impacts of feed quality to nutrient distribution throughout poultry houses. The original published work considered one point in time. We continue to investigate how time influences these changes. Our work highlights the importance of providing high pellet:fine feed in feed pans throughout the house. This supports uniform flock growth and performance. When feed quality worsens, nutrients segregate in various regions of the house. Bird movement and activity is reduced as feed intake and bird weight increase. Considering that most integrators use migration fences in barns, these data highlight the importance of on-farm feed quality.

Objective 2. Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaboratve research will encompass a multi-disciplinary approach to create a resilient poultry production system through optimal management of inputs and outputs in an ethically responsible manner. 

2a. Nutritional Strategies and Feed Manufacture

Alternative Ingredients and Feedstuffs.

University of Hawaii - Jha

Dr. Jha’s lab works are focused on “Nutrition programming to improve the performance and gut health of monogastric animals,” and “Evaluating novel feedstuffs and feed additives for their nutritional value and functional properties in pigs and poultry” using both in vivo and in vitro models. His particular interest is “Early nutrition programming in broiler chickens” using an in ovo inoculation model.

 Mississippi State University - Wamsley

Activities and Projects

Determination of optimal feed particle size for starter phase broilers; evaluating the relationship behind starter phase broiler feed particle size selection and performance as influenced by bird beak capacity; amino acid digestibility as influenced by feed form

Significant Findings and Impact

Chick size influenced beak capacity, but similar feed particle size consumed.  While chick performance was maximized feeding at least a crumble of at least 2800 microns, chicks fed ~3700 microns performed similar and performance was not hindered from 0-18 d of age.  In a preference study, chicks consumed crumbles of ~1600 microns from 0-6 d and up to ~2800 microns from 0-14 d.  Carryover performance of broilers throughout a 56 and 63 d growout and processing was not negatively impacted by feeding increased feed particle size in the starter phase. 

Mississippi State University - Boltz

Activities and Projects

The main activity my lab has been working on overall improving the hygiene of feed, both mash and pelleted. We are doing this by:

1. investigating and modeling the thermal inactivation of three strains of Escherichia coli (a non-pathogenic, an APEC strain, and a strain of O157:H7) in mash broiler feed.
2. Determine the efficacy of various chemicals in controlling Salmonella serotypes in complete mash feed.

Significant Findings and Impact

Limited work has been conducted investigating the thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli in broiler feed, so we hope to add to the overall body of knowledge with this work. Both listed above projects are currently ongoing. The results of these studies should be reported by the end of 2023, if not in the early months of 2024.

2b. Disease Control and Microbiology

Bactrerial Infections of Poultry During Processing.

Auburn University - Bourassa

Activities and Projects

1. Use of prebiotic feed additives on the reduction of Campylobacter during broiler production
2. Survey of Salmonella and Campylobacter present across the poultry production chain from breeders through processing
3. Cleaning and sanitation of poultry transport containers for the reduction of Salmonella and Campylobacter
4. Isolation of Salmonella Infantis bacteriophage from poultry production and processing sources
5. Relationship of Campylobacter levels between cecal and gall bladder samples
6. Impact of carton type on the transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis between eggs and cartons

Significant Findings and Impact

1. Mannan oligosaccharides and yeast cell wall feed additives did not significantly influence the levels or prevalence of Campylobacter contamination in broiler ceca or processed carcasses.
2. Salmonella and Campylobacter were most frequently detected within the poultry production and processing chain beginning at the hatchery and proceeding through broiler growout and processing. Isolated pathogens will be sequenced to determine the relationships between pathogens isolated from different sample types at each sampling location.
3. Cleaning and sanitation of broiler transport flooring using steam and hot air was just as effective at reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter as pressure washing and sanitizer application. However, neither washing system could eliminate the transfer of Salmonella from transport flooring to broiler carcasses.
4. Bacteriophage specific for Salmonella Infantis were best isolated from liquid samples including scalder water and dissolved air flotation water. Litter, ceca, and dissolved air flotation solids yielded some phage isolation success while no bacteriophage were isolated from carcass rinses.
5. Higher levels of Campylobacter in broiler ceca are related to higher prevalence of bile positive samples. Additionally, Campylobacter positive bile exhibited a color difference compared to negative samples during the Campylobacter isolation process.
6. Foam and polystyrene egg cartons are more likely to harbor Salmonella for extended periods of time when compared to plastic cartons.

 Mississippi State University - Macklin

Activities and Projects

The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. Feed additives to control/reduce Campylobacter during poultry production as well as how this impacts the final processed product. 2. The impact of nutrition on hatching egg shell quality and if it relates to hatchability. 3. Perform a survey of on farm potential risk factors for Campylobacter and Salmonella and what can be performed to mitigate these risks. 4. The role litter beetles have in transporting poultry pathogens from flock to flock as well as to other neighboring farms.

Significant Findings and Impact

By helping to provide a safe and nutritious food we can help ensure the health of the public. Our activities in pre- and post-harvest food safety have helped in identifying possible reservoirs of Campylobacter and Salmonella on and around commercial poultry live operations and to help identify possible methods to combat these pathogens.

There is an effect of egg shell quality and hatch, with less translucent eggs having a better percent hatch then less translucent eggs. This can impact poultry operations that if there is a method to improve translucency this may improve hatch which would help the industry and in turn help the consumer.

Litter beetles have been shown to carry Salmonella for over 2 months as well as spores and parasite eggs for several years. With this knowledge it should spur the poultry producers to better manage these pests.

Significant Findings and Impact

By helping to provide a safe and nutritious food we can help ensure the health of the public. Our activities in pre- and post-harvest food safety have helped in identifying possible reservoirs of Campylobacter and Salmonella on and around commercial poultry live operations and to help identify possible methods to combat these pathogens.

There is an effect of egg shell quality and hatch, with less translucent eggs having a better percent hatch then less translucent eggs. This can impact poultry operations that if there is a method to improve translucency this may improve hatch which would help the industry and in turn help the consumer.

Litter beetles have been shown to carry Salmonella for over 2 months as well as spores and parasite eggs for several years. With this knowledge it should spur the poultry producers to better manage these pests.

Mississippi State University - Adhikari

Activities and Projects:

1. Interaction between phytase superdosing and limestone particle ratio types in early and late lay of hens
2. Evaluation of almond hulls and exogenous enzymes in pullets and hens.
3. Use of precision – biotics in laying hens on Salmonella Enteritidis challenge model.

University of Connecticut - Amalaradjou and Upadhyay

Research initiatives:

Dr. Amalaradjou’s lab is focused on developing a probiotic and postbiotic based approach to i) promote performance in broilers and layer and ii) reduce Salmonella on table and fertile eggs. Multiple trials were conducted in the last year that demonstrated that early and sustained supplementation of probiotics significantly improved muscle growth and overall productivity in broilers. Similarly, spray application of probiotics was found to significantly reduce Salmonella population sin hatching eggs and embryos. Further, these treatments did not affect the viability and growth of the embryos. Results of these studies were presented to the poultry community at the Spring Poultry outreach workshop and 2023 PSA annual meeting.

Dr. Upadhyay’s lab investigated the potential of phytochemical nano emulsions for controlling foodborne pathogens in poultry and on poultry products. Their initial results demonstrate that incorporation of trans-cinnamaldehyde nano emulsions significantly reduced Salmonella populations and biofilms in poultry drinking water. Further, it was also effective in reducing Salmonella survival and trans-cell migrations on eggs without any negative impacts to egg color or embryo development. Results of aforementioned studies were presented to the scientific community at the 2023 PSA annual meeting.

Extension/Outreach Activities (Dr. Upadhyaya):

• Outreach provided to poultry producers in New England to establish current practices on broiler and egg safety.
• Stakeholder discussion on alternative methods to improve broiler and layer production, including use of fish meal, natural antimicrobials.
• Workshop conducted for farmers to learn more about sustainable poultry production and use of alternative approaches to improve food safety.
• Cooperative Extension activities with large- and small-scale poultry farmers.
• Training poultry processors in meat and poultry HACCP
• Outreach for enhancing the safety of eggs by ultra-fine bubble technology

Bacterial Infections of Poultry and Control.

Mississippi State University -- Zhang

Activities and Projects

The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity by comparative genomics analysis. 2. To control bacterial pathogen colonization through a sustainable, proactive vaccination strategy. 3. To evaluate the bactericidal effects of 405 nm visible light on the survival of different foodborne pathogens.

Significant Findings and Impact

The 405 nm light can effectively reduce C. jejuni growth by approximately 2 log10 CFU without affecting meat quality. This knowledge enables us to use light as a control method for lowering C. jejuni levels in chicken meat.

Utilizing short- and long-read sequencing techniques, we obtained high-quality genome sequences of four diverse C. jejuni strains from poultry sources, providing valuable insights into unique gene characteristics.

Chicken macrophage cells show immune response and interaction with C. jejuni during infection, suggesting the potential for a successful vaccine against C. jejuni colonization in poultry.

Through reverse vaccinology and host-pathogen interaction assays, we identified three potential vaccine candidates that may reduce C. jejuni and C. coli colonization in the poultry gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to decreased infections in humans.

Avian E. coli isolated from clinical samples demonstrated greater adhesion to the avian macrophage cell line, indicating its potential role in colibacillosis, a respiratory and systemic disease in chickens.

Mississippi State University - Sukumaran

Activities and Projects

Conducted 2 studies to characterize the biofilm formation of Salmonella on processing surfaces. Another study was conducted to characterize the impact of freezing and refrigeration on Campylobacter present in broiler drumsticks.

Significant Findings and Impact

We found significant downregulation of certain genes during Salmonella biofilm formation and an upregulation of those genes when deprived of nutrients. Also, we noted that refrigeration and freezing significantly decreased the Campylobacter counts on broiler meat.

Mississippi State University - Xue Zhang

Activities and Projects

The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. investigating the causes of woody breast development and mitigating incidence. 2. studying spoilage bacteria in chicken breast during processing and storage. 3. chicken product evaluation and advancement.

Significant Findings and Impact

Section 1: Impact of genetic selection on broiler growth and muscle myopathies

Genetic selection for enhanced broiler growth has led to an increased incidence of breast muscle myopathies, particularly woody breast (WB). To evaluate the potential role of dietary amino acids in this phenomenon, we investigate the interaction between a reduced amino acid diet and its impact on muscle gene expression. Our findings reveal that breast myopathy has a more significant effect on differentially expressed genes and gene co-expression patterns than the diet itself. The observed co-expression patterns and differentially expressed genes are largely associated with changes in muscle composition and immune system activity.

Section 2: Identifying and controlling spoilage bacteria using nanopore sequencing

Microbial growth is a primary cause of spoilage in refrigerated fresh chicken breast meat. In our pursuit of combating spoilage, we employ Nanopore sequencing, a rapid and cost-effective long-read sequencing technique. This approach enables us to identify species-level spoilage bacteria, including elusive unculturable species that are often overlooked using conventional methods. To do this, we collected bacterial samples from chicken breasts at various processing steps and during storage. The gDNA samples of bacteria were sequenced in fall, 2023. Armed with knowledge of the composition and abundance of species-level spoilage bacteria, we aim to develop strategies to inhibit or slow the growth of specific spoilage bacteria. Ultimately, our efforts seek to extend the shelf-life of chicken breast meat and reduce food waste.

Section 3: Gluten-free product development for health-conscious consumers

The market demand for gluten-free products has surged in response to rising rates of celiac disease in western nations and increasing consumer preference for health-conscious choices. As part of our commitment to food innovation, we examine the effect of xanthan gum (XG) on the rheological and sensory properties of various gluten-free chicken nugget batters. Our investigation includes a comparison with gluten-containing batters. The gluten-free recipes, particularly those using rice flour and chickpea flour, present promising alternatives to the traditional all-purpose flour batter.

2c. Physiological Responses to Environment and Welfare

Management of Cage-Free Aviaries.

University of Georgia - Chai

Activities:

Investigated sensing system and advanced sensors for enhancing indoor air quality and animal welfare in broiler and cage-free layer houses.

Funded projects:

[1] 2022-2024: A novel lightweight ammonia sensor. USDA-NIFA (Co-PI).

[2] 2020-2023: An Integrated Method for Improving Air Quality in Cage-Free Henhouses. Egg Industry Center. (PI).

Significant Findings and Impact

A new method was develped for monitoring airborne E. coli concentration and a new low-cost sensor is under innovation for monitoring ammonia.

The optimal mitigation strategies will be identified to enhance air quality and animal health/welfare in confined poultry facilities such as layer and broiler houses. Meanwhile, we aim to mitigate greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from poultry houses to environment and ecosystem.

Laying Hen, Broiler, and Turkey Management Welfare

University of Arkansas - Weimer

Activities and Projects

The Weimer lab has worked on several projects on broiler, turkey, and laying hen welfare projects. Results and impact will be reported on 3 projects. 1) To determine the effects of late-stage incubation humidity on broiler chick quality. On ED 18, eggs were candled, and viable eggs were distributed between 3 commercial hatchers set to a constant temperature of 36.7°C and one of 3 relative humidity settings: 1) low relative humidity (LRH = 45%), 2) high relative humidity (HRH = 80%) and 3) Control (CRH=65 %). The hatch window, starting from first chick pull (472 hours) to last chick pull, was recorded every 4 hours. Temperature (°C) and RH (%) were recorded from ED 0-21. Hatchability (%) was recorded and chicks were weighed (g) and scored for feathering, navel, and leg issues. 2) To determine poult foraging activity and preference for a novel hydration product, AquaBeads®, when supplemented in the diet. A total of 360 poults were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups in 12 pens containing two feed flats: 1) non-treated control with no AquaBeads®, 2) AquaBeads® on both feed flats, and 3) AquaBeads® preference with AquaBeads® on one feed flat but not the other. Video recordings were collected during the first hour after placement and behavior was determined using instantaneous scan sampling. Behavior was calculated as the percentage (%) of active (foraging, moving, or standing on feed flats), passive (sitting or sleeping on feed flats), and total poults on each feed flat. 3) To evaluate if 24h of thermal conditioning early in life can build resilience in broilers to potential heat stress environments later in life. On D4-5, broiler chicks were and randomly assigned to 12 pens. Half of the pens were not thermally conditioned (thermal neutral, TN) and maintained at 28°C or subjected to 37.8°C for 24h (thermal conditioned heat stress, TC). Following TC, all groups were maintained at age appropriate temperatures until the beginning of the heat stress (HS) treatments at D28. From D28-D35, birds were exposed to cyclic heat stress (HS) conditions (35°C) from 0800-1600 each day. Behavior was observed using 30-minute instantaneous scan sampling at 1000 (2h into HS), and 1400 (6h into HS) on D28 and D35. The behavior of all birds in each pen were categorized as either standing, walking, sitting, drinking, panting, or wing spreading.

Significant Findings and Impact

1) The average temperature and RH during the treatment period (ED 18 to 21) for each treatment were as follows: LRH (39.5°C; 41.6%), HRH (36.9°C; 79.0%) and CRH (37.5°C; 62.8%). Peak hatch for all treatments was between hatch hours 480 and 484, when hatchability for LRH was 67.1%, HRH was 58.7%, and CRH was 70.9% of total hatched. Chick body weight at-hatch was lower for LRH (38.02g) compared to HRH (39.26g) and CRH (39.13g; P<0.05). Leg issues (red or swollen hocks and protruding veins) were higher for LRH (47.6%) and HRH (40.32%) compared to CRH (25.5%; P<0.05). These results suggest that relative humidity during late-stage incubation could influence chick quality traits, hatch weight and uniformity, which may have a cascade effect on welfare and performance later in the growing stages. 2) Our study suggests that a greater percentage of poults were observed on the feed flats for both AquaBeads® (27%) and AquaBeads® preference (28%) groups compared to the non-treated control group (21%; P<0.0001). Further, a greater percentage of active poults was observed for the AquaBeads® group (25%) and AquaBeads® preference group (23%) than the control (15%; P<0.0001). Similarly, the percentage of passive poults on feed flats was greater for the non-treated control group (6%) compared to the AquaBeads® (2%) and AquaBeads® preference groups (5%; P<0.0001). Interestingly, within the AquaBeads® preference group, a greater percentage of total poults was observed on the AquaBeads® treated feed flat (16%) than the non-treated flat (12%; P<0.0001). Compared to the non-treated flats within the Aquabeads® preference group, the percentage of active poults was greater when they were on the AquaBeads® flats (9% vs. 14%, respectively; P<0.0001) and this was reflected in the percentage of passive poults being greater for the non-control treated groups (3%) than for the flats with AquaBeads® (2%; P=0.01). These results suggest that the presence of AquaBeads® stimulated poult foraging activity and exploration and could stimulate feeding behavior and improve poult health and welfare. 3) At D28, compared to TN, fewer TC birds were panting 2h into HS (67% vs 64%, respectively) but the opposite was found 6h into HS, where more TC birds were panting than TN (71% vs. 63%, respectively; P<0.0001). Drinking behavior of TC birds did not change from 2h and 6h into HS (5.4%), while TN drinking increased from 2h (4.9%) to 6h (5.8%) into HS on D28 (P=0.03); however, on D35, drinking behavior of TC birds increased from 1.7% to 4.6% and TN increased from 3.2% to 6.2% from 2h to 6h into HS, respectively (P<0.0001). These results suggest that 24h of thermal conditioning may be limited and inconsistent in its effectiveness to reduce broiler’s HS behaviors during HS events later in life.

University of Hawaii - Misra

Dr. Mishra’s lab is focused on 1) Genetic and hormonal regulation of egg production in the hens, and 2) Mitigation of heat stress in poultry. His research identified the novel genes and biological pathways involved in egg production in the oviduct of laying hens. Further, he evaluated the mitigating effects of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds in the birds under environmental heat stress.

2d. Housing Systems and Economics

Iowa State University - Ramirez and Gates

Activities and Projects

Evaluated draft EPA emission models for laying hen and broiler facilities.

Significant Findings and Impact

In general, EPA’s models are too complicated for most producers to use and large extrapolative effects in emission factors for inventories outside of the NAEMS data. Cannot and should not be used for cage-free systems. For broilers, of the five criteria air pollutant models presented, only ammonia is found to be potentially limiting in terms of exceeding the EPA 100 US ton yr^-1 threshold.

University of Maryland - Moyle

Activities and Projects

Continued on farm demonstration of high capacity circulation fans to improve bird welfare.

Michigan State University - Siegford

Activities and Projects

PhD student Tessa Grebey and PIs Siegford and Swanson with help from Rob Tempelman (MSU) and Tina Widowski (Guelph) have finished a series of projects related to strain differences in the behavior of hens housed in aviary systems with a focus on two of the most space intensive behaviors occurring in the litter area, dust bathing and wing flapping.

Significant Findings and Impact

• Fewer brown hens were found in the litter area after they first gained access compared to white hens, suggesting brown hens acclimated to litter access more slowly.
• Hens of all strains dust bathed most often soon after gaining access to litter, and counts of white hens dust bathing were overall higher than counts of brown hens dust bathing.
• Brown-feathered hens flapped their wings more than white-feathered hens in the open litter area.
• More wing flapping events were observed when hens first gained litter access compared to any other time of day, suggesting hens’ daily confinement within wire enclosures may have influenced their motivation to wing flap once they had room to do so.

Activities and Projects

PI Siegford assisted PhD student Ana Rentsch and her advisor Widowski (both Guelph) to examine influence of rearing environment complexity and laying hen strain on pullet’s spatial cognitive and physical abilities. Three styles of rearing aviaries with varying degrees of rearing complexity (A1 = least; A3 = most) were compared to conventional rearing cages (CC).

Significant Findings and Impact

• Pullets reared in the most spacious and complex rearing housing (A3) were best at moving upwards in a complex vertical spatial task, and both A3 and A2 pullets were quicker to learn a location in a horizontal spatial task than CC pullets. A1 and A2 pullets were flightier in a novel object test than CC or A3 pullets, though all aviary-reared pullets were more likely to approach the novel object than CC. A3 birds showed the lowest motivation for social reinstatement and a less reactive involuntary fear response than A1 or A2.
• Strain differences were found in all traits at all ages, with white chicks and pullets performing better in vertical and horizontal spatial tasks. White birds, but not browns, had improved vertical navigation skills when reared with higher early life complexity and performed more wing-involved behaviour post-brooding in aviaries A2 and A3 than in A1.

University of Kentucky - Pescatore and Sunday

Our Dept. will be having a need Chair starting July1, 2023. Dr. Scott Radcliffe, from Purdue University has accepted our offer to become the next Chair of our Dept. He will be taking over from Dr. Anthony Pescatore, who has been serving in an acting capacity since 2022.

Construction work on our new poultry research facility has been completed. However, work is ongoing on the floor pen. Our new facility has the capacity for floor pen and cage study (broiler and laying hen). Furthermore, we have 5 rooms that are dedicated to heat stress related studies.

 Completed Studies

1. One heat stress-related study was conducted with broiler chickens. This was done to evaluate the effect of dietary supplements performance, gut health, immune function of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress

2. Effects of dietary postbiotic on the performance, immunity (cytokine concentrations) and intestinal tissue injury of broiler chickens challenged with LPS

      3. Evaluation of the effects of naturally contaminated corn (DON) on performance, intestinal health, and blood chemistry in            21-day-old broiler chickens.

University of Arkansas - Liang

The Liang lab has monitored electric energy consumption for the major load types in a commercial broiler house in Arkansas raising heavy broilers during 11-month growout period that included four, 8-week flocks in order to characterize the diurnal and seasonal electric energy use and demand in a commercial broiler house. The loads included ventilation, lighting, feed motors, and well-water pumping and are partitioned by bird age, season, and electric load type and data were recorded at 5-minute interval.

Liang. Ventilation electricity is the most variable component of electricity use owing to the bird age, hence bird heat production, and growing season. Electric consumption for ventilation fans was the greatest load, accounting for over 88% of the annual total, while lighting contributed approximately 3%. The endwall fans for tunnel ventilation cooling contributed to the peak electric demand (VA) in nine of the 11 months. Energy efficiency improvement to the fans will reduce overall electricity consumption and lower peak demand, a saving to both poultry growers and power suppliers. Electricity cost of raising 1,000 kg live weight of heavier weight broiler chickens is higher in the summer ($20) than in the winter ($11). Results of this study can provide engineers with insight for designing energy conservation practices and on-site renewable energy production sub-systems (e.g., photovoltaic arrays).