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 – Dr. Sara Orlowski

Activities and Projects

Available technology to measure minute amounts of water intake or water flow necessary for a primary breeder company for selection has been limited. Current technology designed in,   collaboration with Alternative Design and tested by the Orlowski lab for both manual and automatic water intake measurements are being, evaluated for the efficacy and use in broiler and broiler breeder systems.

Significant Findings and Impact

After several trials of testing, an automatic water intake system is now available for commercial use through Alternative Design. This system can record water intake on an individually caged bird and record the data to an SD card. Information generated from the data can show drinking behavior, water intake, timing and volume of drinking episodes on a single bird. This technology can be of benefit to primary breeders to help generate better breeding values from direct and accurate water intake measurements.

Purdue University – Dr. Marisa Erasmus

Activities and Projects

The Erasmus lab is conducting research to track the location and behavior of laying hens in two types of cage free housing systems to evaluate how housing system influences the behavior of hens.

Significant Findings and Impact

Based on analysis of hen behavior, feeding, preening and environmental pecking behavior differed among birds in the two housing systems but effects of housing system depended on whether birds were marked for individual recognition or unmarked.

Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez

Activities and Projects

Created and evaluated a mobile platform to classify potential disease via images of poultry feces.

Significant Findings and Impact

The system achieved over 90% accuracy for identifying diseases, and the whole operational procedure took less than one second. This proof-of-concept demonstrates the feasibility of a potential framework for mobile poultry health assessment based on fecal images. Rapid and accurate chicken health assessment can assist producers in making timely decisions, reducing disease transmission, improving animal welfare, and decreasing economic loss.

Michigan State University – Dr. Janice Siegford, Dr. Janice Swanson, Dr. Daniel Morris

Activities and Projects

PI Siegford and PI Morris continue 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.

• A robot prototype was used in the litter area of 2 styles of aviary housing systems with brown hens for a flock cycle. Video and live data from the project are being, analyzed.
• Automated detections and interventions were developed to prevent piling behavior on the litter area of cage-free laying hen systems.
• Work on the detector will be, presented at two conferences by PI Morris’ MSU-based PhD student Yunfei Long.

Significant Findings and Impact

• 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.
• The piling detector software performed well at detecting piles of >10 hens. LED light interventions were effective at disrupting piles and continued being effective for up to 2 weeks though hens did show habituation.

North Carolina State University – Dr. Lin Walker

Activities and Projects

In the past year, my team studied novel water treatments, including ultrafine bubble water and electrolyzed water, on the antimicrobial intervention to reduce Salmonella in poultry products. We have also studied the invasion of Campylobacter in hen’s ovum to evaluate the risk of vertical transmission.

Enhanced Technology in Poultry Processing and Poultry Products

North Carolina State University – Dr. Yan Campbell

Activities and Projects

Problem focused on 3-4 issues have driven my program for protein quality, process improvement, packaging technologies and shelf-life.  First, broiler meat quality with breast myopathies, such as woody breast, spaghetti meat, feathered meat, white striping.  The major component for my contribution in this area is starting a trial to look at CO2 concentration during the incubation period and how that impacts the woody breast, white striping and spaghetti meat (the trial just ended, currently analyzing data). Second, meat quality for turkeys with different genetic strains, nutrition or management practices. Third, is the lack of technology to extend liquid egg shelf life and maintain protein functionality and quality over-storage time, with regarding packaging sustainability, and automated systems for foreign materials protection and shelf-life extension.

Woody breast myopathy leads to over $200 million loss annually Last year was the first year that I started some trials with evaluating technologies for broiler meat quality, to investigate their impact on woody breast incidence as well as white striping and spaghetti meat. These data are currently being analyzed. Another trial was to evaluate the meat quality of different genetic strains of turkeys. This research will help identify technologies that can help enhance protein quality for meat or advise the industry on their development of genetic lines on how the quality of meat is related to the products. An egg functionality study was also performed to evaluate the egg functionality differences between cage and cage-free eggs under different housing systems, which resulted an abstract at IPSF for a poster presentation. An extension effort is that I was able to develop a processing and products Academy short-course for 3-days to train industry professionals on poultry processing and products.

Significant Findings and Impact

The NCPPA workshop has benefited the stakeholders on workforce training for their new or recent hires or employees that need more background and science information with their day-to-day job. The applied research helped stakeholders to move their product development forward and enhance production efficiency in their processing plant. Allied industry are getting involved with workshop and classroom engagement, and students are learning first hand developments from industry professionals without having to travel far to pay for a professional conference.

1b. Environmental Control and Management

University of Arkansas – Dr. Yi Liang

Activities and Projects

Ventilation electricity represents a significant portion of the overall power consumption from poultry houses. Variable frequency drive can be, used to vary fan speed because speed adjustment is an energy efficient method of airflow control. In partnering with an equipment manufacturer, 16 exhaust and tunnel fans in one house on a 12-house farm were retrofitted with new 57” VFD direct drive fans. RMS current and voltage transducers were, installed on all fan circuits in the test house and an adjacent baseline house to monitor the dynamics of operation of fans. The electricity consumption of fans during different seasons and flock ages will be, calculated. Annual power and operating costs saving will be determined. 

Objective 2. Establishing and adopting husbandry practices to a changing industry landscape. This collaborative 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 – Dr. Rajesh Jha

Activities and Projects

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 – Dr. Tim Boltz

Activities and Projects

The Boltz lab's main activity is improving feed hygiene, both in mash and pelleted feed. The lab also investigated how feed additives can reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler chickens raised to 42 days of age. The lab also investigated novel feed ingredients and their impact on broiler performance. The lab is doing this by:

1. Feeding novel feed additives to broilers and inoculating them with Salmonella at 21 days to investigate how these products reduce colonization in the bird's gastrointestinal tract until 42 days of age.
2. Determine the efficacy of various chemicals (monoglyceride and organic acid-based) in controlling Salmonella serotypes in complete mash feed.
3. Investigated the impact of varying conditioning times and temperatures on reducing a Salmonella surrogate, Enterococcus faecium, in a pilot-scale feed mill.
4. Feed a household food waste product to broilers until they are 21 days old to see how this novel ingredient can impact performance.

Significant Findings and Impact

The lab found that our Salmonella challenge was not strong and needs to be reevaluated for future studies. The lab demonstrated that various organic acid products can reduce the number of Salmonella in feed. Formaldehyde still has the most promise at pathogen reduction but is a concern for worker safety. The work from the pilot feed mill work is still being analyzed, but what has been observed so far supports work that increased conditioning temperatures and times reduce bacteria recovery and increase pellet quality. The lab showed that up to 10% of the novel household food waste product could be included in broiler diets without negatively impacting body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed intake.

Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez

Activities and Projects

Evaluated novel protein and lipid supplements on turkey performance, health, and stress.

Significant Findings and Impact

Alternative feed ingredients such as high protein distiller’s grains and corn fermented proteins, can be supplemented at rates of up to 15% up to 5 weeks of age in turkey diets without impacting weight gain, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, or mortality.  This study also provides baseline digestibility data that was previously missing in published literature for these products and other distiller grain products in turkeys.

In the turkey space, multiple products claim to reduce the need for the addition of lipids (costly feed component, but necessary to reach energy requirements of turkeys); however, few have impacts on growth performance, metabolic shifts, and carcass composition compared to full fat or energy reduced diets. We are exploring the impacts of some of these products and found that many do have limited detrimental effects, and may be method to reduce overall feed costs when lipid sources are elevated.

Poultry Feeding and Nutritional Enhancement

Virginia Tech University – Dr. Mike Persia

Activities and Projects

Virginia Tech will investigate dietary energy in response to challenges posed by renewable fuels' standards, exploring alternative energy sources and strategies to enhance energy utilization in broiler chickens and laying hens.

Aim 1: To use egg production, body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality, egg quality, and abdominal fat pad weights to determine the effects of dietary energy and fat emulsifier on late pullets and young hens.

Aim 2: To use weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality, energy digestibility, and fat digestibility to determine the effects of a fat emulsifier on growth broilers fed various soybean meals.

Significant Findings and Impact

The live animal phase of Aim 1 is currently underway and the live animal phase from Aim 2 has yet to start but is planned to start this fall.

Mississippi State University – Dr. Pratima Adhikari

Activities and Projects

1. Supplementation of phytase superdose in laying hens.
2. Evaluation of almond hulls in pullets and hens.
3. Evaluation of soybean meal in laying hens.
4. Evaluation of feed ingredients and additives for mitigation of Salmonella
5. Assessment of pathogenicity of avian pathogenic coli.

Mississippi State University – Dr. Kelley 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

A study from 0 to 17 d on male broilers fed 3 corn particle sizes (600, 900 or 1200 microns) and 3 crumble particle sizes (1600, 2400, 3200 microns) given a 10x dose of live coccidiosis vaccine (LCV) at d of hatch.  In general, 17 d BW and 0 to 17 d FCR were improved with chicks fed 900 micron corn and 3200 micron crumbles.  These data were utilized to conduct a follow up study wherein 900 micron corn and 3200 micron crumbles were fed as a pretest for a grower phase study this summer, determining the optimal combination of corn particle size and feed quality (percent pellets) for challenged (subclinical necrotic enteritis) and unchallenged birds from 14-28 d.  These data will be impactful in the long run for integrators to utilize to maximize bird performance for chicks with subclinical necrotic enteritis, as well as healthy chicks.  Also, feed manufacturing costs to produce the feed recommended for each phase will be considered.  Thus far, the corn particle size recommended for the starter (900 micron) will likely not increase feed manufacture costs for integrators, as it is similar to the particle size used for broilers fed by companies surveyed by Wamsley lab.  As for the crumble particle size, it is much larger than that typically fed by industry and could help throughput in the mill (by not having to slow production rate to further reduce crumble particle size in the starter phase). 

Auburn University – Dr. Wilmer Pacheco

Activities and Projects

1. Effect of feed form, conditioning temperature, and particle size on poultry performance.
2. Pre-harvest strategies to control Salmonella in poultry production.
3. Dietary strategies to improve gut health and improve broiler performance.

Significant Findings and Impact

1. Feeding broilers crumbled diets led to improved performance, reduced feed wastage, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 21 days of age.
2. Conditioned temperature did not influence broiler performance and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 21 days of age.
3. Broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pelleted diets had greater nutrient digestibility and improved broiler performance compared to broilers fed mash diets.
4. Broilers fed 3-mm pellets had higher incidence of breast myopathies compared to broilers fed mash diets.
5. Broilers fed diets containing 1,500 FTU/kg had showed digestibility of fat, phosphorus, and apparent ileal digestible energy compared to those fed diets with 500 FTU/kg.
6. Broilers fed a diet containing both calcium butyrate and BMD had higher BW than those fed a diet with only calcium butyrate, particularly at a phytase concentration of 500 FTU/kg.

University of Kentucky – Dr. Tony Pescatore and Dr. Sunday Adedokun

Activities and Projects

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

2. A study looking at the interactive effects of poor quality diet (naturally contaminated corn) and heat stress on broiler chickens performance, nutrient utilization and blood gas was recently completed.

2b. Disease Control and Microbiology

Bacterial Infections of Poultry During Growout and Processing.

University of Connecticut – Dr. Mary Anne Amalaradjou and Dr. Indu Upadhyaya

Activities and Projects

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 in the last year demonstrated that in-ovo probiotics application significantly reduce Salmonella populations in hatching eggs, developing embryos, hatchlings and grow-out birds. Further, in-feed probiotic supplementation was seen to improve layer performance with significant reduction in FCR. Results of these studies were presented to the poultry community at the Spring and summer Poultry outreach workshop, 2024 IPPE meeting and 2024 PSA annual meeting.

Dr. Upadhyay’s lab investigated the potential of phytochemical nanomulsions for controlling foodborne pathogens in poultry and on poultry products. Their results demonstrate that incorporation of trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol nanoemulsions significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in broiler chickens, biofilms on plastic and steel surfaces and survival on poultry products (eggs, meat). Results of aforementioned studies were presented to the scientific community at the 2024 PSA annual meeting and the 2024 IAFP annual meeting.

Additionally, with support from a new USDA-NIFA-OREI grant, Upadhyay’s lab will explore the potential of phytochemical nanoemulsions in reducing eggborne transmission of Salmona       in    layer   chickens.   You    can   read   more   about                     the  grant   via             this     link: https://today.uconn.edu/2024/08/3-34-million-usda-grant-supports-development-of-organic- poultry- industry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawExhJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWuISJDIQ3ZqDD0opvwlN3S7df6 mQSL2bxE5LjUsEjVBvca5AbcPU2RJWg_aem_ziQCkDwq3dB0eOIH550Kuw

Extension/Outreach Activities (Dr. Upadhyaya):

• Outreach provided to poultry producers in New England to establish current practices on broiler and egg
• 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
• Cooperative Extension activities with large- and small-scale poultry
• Training poultry processors in meat and poultry HACCP.
• Outreach for enhancing the safety of eggs by ultra-fine bubble

Mississippi State University – Dr. Ken Macklin

Activities and Projects

The main activities that my lab has been working on are: 1. Finalize a survey of an NAE broiler complex and initiate another survey of a conventional poultry complex (pullet, breeder, hatchery, broiler, processing and transportation between each step) to determine potential risk factors for Campylobacter and Salmonella and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. 2. The impact of nutrition on hatching egg’s shell quality and how it relates to hatchability. 3. Developing novel strategies to control litter beetles on poultry 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. In addition, we have been working on developing/refining common on farm management strategies to control Salmonella and Campylobacter on the farm. Unfortunately, none have proven to be effective by themselves; however combining several of them have shown some improvement in reducing those two bacteria in the poultry environment.

There is an effect of hen nutrition on the quality of eggshells, and this can be seen in the number of chicks that hatch from fertile eggs. With eggs having better eggshell characteristics having an improved hatch. Adding additional trace minerals to the hen’s diet does improve hatch of fertile which would help the industry by them being able to produce more chicks and in turn help the consumer.

Mississippi State University – Dr. Li Zhang

Activities and Projects

The main activities that my lab has been focusing on include:

1. Identifying potential vaccine candidates through host-pathogen interactions for major poultry pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.
2. Developing advanced techniques for detecting pathogens in poultry.
3. Evaluating the vertical transmission potential of Salmonella and analyzing the genomic characteristics of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
4. Investigating the biofilm formation capabilities of major foodborne pathogens, specifically Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella.

Significant Findings and Impact

We have identified several potential vaccine candidates for Campylobacter jejuni and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. These advancements have the potential to yield highly effective vaccines that could significantly reduce the prevalence of these pathogens in poultry populations. Additionally, our research on the vertical transmission of Salmonella Reading provides invaluable insights that could revolutionize current strategies for controlling the spread of this pathogen in poultry farms. Moreover, our studies on biofilm formation deepen our understanding of pathogen survival tactics, thus facilitating the development of more precise disinfection and control measures. These contributions play a vital role in advancing agricultural biosecurity and improving food safety protocols.

Mississippi State University – Dr. Xue Zhang

Activities and Projects and Significant Findings and Impact

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.

Activity 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.

Activity 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. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of Nanopore sequencing in determining the spoilage associated bacteria in chicken meat. Future research may focus on developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of these spoilage bacteria and extend the shelf life of chicken meat.

Activity 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. The significance of these findings lies within the potential for gluten-free alternatives to meet consumer expectations and dietary needs without compromising sensory quality. The use of rice and chickpea flours in gluten-free chicken nuggets not only provides a solution for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity but also caters to the growing demand for diverse dietary options in the food industry.

Auburn University – Dr. Dianna Bourassa

Activities and Projects

1. Role of darkling beetles in the transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry litter.
2. Activity of photoactive compounds curcumin and chlorophyllin against Salmonella and
3. Sanitation of broiler transport containers for the reduction of Salmonella and
4. Reduction of microbial load on broiler carcasses using a surfactant and organic acid during scalding.
5. Genomic analyses of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolated from environmental samples across a No Antibiotics Ever broiler complex.

Significant Findings and Impact

1. Both Salmonella and Campylobacter can survive in litter for up to 127 days following bird removal. Darkling beetles can harbor and transfer Salmonella, but Campylobacter was not detected in beetles.
2. Neither curcumin nor chlorophyllin were found to result in significant reductions in Salmonella or Campylobacter when applied in vitro.
3. Pressurized steam coupled with forced hot air is as effective at broiler transport container sanitation as pressure washing and chemical sanitation. However, neither of these methods were able to completely prevent the transmission of Salmonella from transport containers to broiler chickens.
4. Using a scald water surfactant and organic acid carcass dip slightly reduced the microbial load on carcasses following scalding.
5. Within an NAE broiler complex, some Salmonella isolates detected at the processing plant were genetically related to some isolates found at broiler breeder houses and the hatchery. However, multiple isolates were also detected that were not genetically related between locations across the broiler complex.

2c. Physiological Responses to Environment and Welfare

Management of Cage-Free Aviaries.

Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez

Activities and Projects

Evaluated novel approaches to improve indoor air quality inside cage-free barns.

Significant Findings and Impact

The upgraded indoor air cleaning prototype was subjected to a challenging environment. Filters with UV treatment improved indoor air quality for 25 days (∼50% ON/OFF). Total suspended PM concentrations were reduced by 55% between ON and OFF days. Airborne bacteria concentrations were mitigated by 47% between ON and OFF days. Indoor air, especially with suspended particulate matter (PM), can be a carrier of airborne infectious pathogens.

Michigan State University – Dr. Janice Siegford, Dr. Janice Swanson, Dr. Daniel Morris

Activities and Projects

PI Siegford worked with Ahmed Ali (Clemson) and Tina Widowski (Guelph) to examine impact of cage-free aviary style and management practices on reducing floor eggs while not negatively impacting welfare. At MSU, MS student Katie Baugh is examining impacts on productivity, egg quality, physical welfare and fear while MS student Xioawen Ma is examining impacts on hen activity (ie movement in the systems) and play behavior. MSU Postdoc Valentina Bongiorno is evaluating dust bathing, piling, and foraging behavior in the litter area using video footage. Work concluded on a series of projects PI Siegford collaborated on with Tina Widowski (Guelph) and her PhD student Ana Renstch examining impacts of rearing environment complexity on laying hens. PIs Siegford and Swanson also continued as members of the United Egg Producer’s Scientific Advisory Council and assisted with updates to the UEP Certified Guidelines.

Significant Findings and Impact

• Preliminary results suggest that aviary style did not impact egg quality, but a higher percentage of floor eggs and mortality rate were observed in the more enclosed aviary style. Minimal effects on productivity were found with hens in the more enclosed aviary style coming into lay faster than hens in the more open style. Keel and feather scores worsened with age but were not affected by aviary style.
• Hens in a more open aviary design showed more overall and vertical activity, and this activity decreased less over time compared to findings from hens housed in a more enclosed aviary design.

Laying Hen, Broiler, and Turkey Management Welfare

University of Arkansas – Dr. Shawna Weimer

Activities and Projects

The Weimer lab has worked on several broiler chicken welfare projects. Results and impact are reported on 2 projects.

1) To examine the effects of four different lighting wavelength treatments on the stress responses of broilers during grow-out. Chicks (N=274) hatched from 16 incubators with four continuous incubator wavelength lighting treatments (blue [450nm], green [560nm], white [462nm], and no lights [control]) were randomly assigned to 16 pens (N= about 17 birds/pen). On D15 and D34, 80 birds (37 males, 43 females) were subjected to the Inversion Test (IT). During the IT, birds were inverted for 30 seconds and the frequency of wing flapping (WF), vocalizations (V), righting (R), and head movements (HM) were analyzed through video observations. Two holding methods were used based on coverage of the bird’s legs, the shank method (SHM) versus the feet method (FTM), to test if the holding method impacted behaviors. Blood was collected from 64 birds on D21 and D42 for cell population concentrations (10^3/µL) and plasma corticosterone levels (CORT, ng/mL), and on D42 the Bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted for relative weight (%).

2) To determine how blue-green lighting influences broiler the physiological stress response under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks (N=600) were randomly distributed among 12 environmental chambers (N=50 chicks/chamber). The experiment was a 2x2 split plot design. Each chamber contained either a white LED light (C, N=6) or a blue-green spectrum LED light (T, N=6). From D35-41, birds were subjected to either cyclic heat stress (HS) conditions (31°C, N=6 chambers, 3 per light treatment) for 8h/D or thermoneutral (TN, 20°C, N= 6 chambers, 3 per light treatment) conditions. Water intake (L/bird) was recorded throughout HS. On D42, pen body weight (BW, kg) was recorded, blood was drawn for flow cytometry, right and left tibiotarsus (tibia) bones were collected for morphology (mm, °) and water displacement (ml) measures, and the Bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted and weighed to calculate relative bursa weight (RBW, %) from 36 birds (N=3 birds/chamber).

Significant Findings and Impact

1) There was no effect of incubation lighting (P=0.77) on relative bursa weights or H:L ratios at D21 (0.34, P=0.25) or D42 (0.36, P=0.53). A tendency (P=0.06) was found for CORT levels at D42 with controls being lower (1.96 ng/mL) compared to white (2.35 ng/mL) and blue (2.27 ng/mL) treatments. There was no treatment effect on IT behaviors, but there were holding method and age effects. Independent of holding method, younger birds had a greater frequency (P<0.0001) of V (33.1) and HM (7.7) than older birds (13.7 and 4.8, respectively). Independent of age, birds inverted with the TFM had greater (P<0.04) frequency of WF (20.1) and R (0.9) than SHM (4.2 and 0.3, respectively). The IT holding method influenced the frequency of behaviors, suggesting that IT test results can depend on the inversion holding method. The results of this research indicate that effects of certain incubation light wavelength treatments on broiler behavior and stress physiology are limited, but further research is warranted.

2) While there was no difference in water consumption during the hours between cyclic HS, THS birds consumed less water (1.3L/bird, P=0.04) during HS than CHS birds (1.6L/bird), with TTN and CTN intermediates. There was a tendency (P=0.07) for a greater D42 BW in TN birds (3.60kg) than HS birds (3.44kg). There was no difference in blood plasma corticosterone levels or heterophil: lymphocyte ratios (P>0.05); however, HS birds had lower RBW (0.13%, P<0.01) than TN (0.16%). The T:B cell ratio was greater (P<0.03) for TTN (4.18) birds than THS (3.24), with CTN and CHS intermediate. For the right tibia, HS birds had reduced (P<0.04) tibial head, 90% and 75% widths (27.8, 22.4 and 14.0mm respectively) and tibia lengths (105.1mm) than TN (28.9, 25.8 and 14.8 and 108.9mm respectively). TN birds tended to have a greater (P=0.09) right tibia angle (49.2o) than HS (46.4o). Similar patterns were seen for the left tibia, with HS birds having reduced (P<0.04) 75% widths and tibia lengths (14.0 and 104.9mm, respectively) than TN birds (14.9 and 108.9mm, respectively). Additionally, left tibia water displacement was greater (P=0.007) for TTN (18.6ml) than THS (14.9ml) and CTN (16.2ml), with CHS intermediate (16.9ml). The results suggest that blue-green lighting may provide a cooling effect during heat stress, but further research is needed to determine the effect on broiler stress physiology.

University of Arkansas – Dr. Yi Liang

Activities and Projects

Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors to poultry production. Studies have demonstrated that sprinkler technology can mitigate heat stress using up to 60% less water for broiler cooling. However, flock performance was difficult to compare and evaluate in the previous studies where broiler houses are used as experimental units.

To compare production performance of sprinkler and evaporative cooling-pad, the present study was conducted using floor pens in two commercial broiler houses (40 × 400 ft). One house was cooled by a combined sprinkler/cool cell system while the other house by a cool pad system only. The combination-cooling house was cooled by the sprinkler system as the first stage of cooling with assistance from the cool cell system once house temperature reached 32°C (90°F). Approximately 17,000 chicks (Ross 708, Aviagen) were placed in each house on 24 July 2023 and raised till age 28 d.  Migration fences divided each house into four quarters, with equivalent cooling using tunnel ventilation and cooling pads as needed. Sixteen pens (4 × 4 ft each) made of PVC frames and 1ʺ diameter wire grid were installed per house, four in each quarter. Sixteen birds of 29 days were placed into one of the pens on 22 August 2023 and raised till 42-d-old. In each quarter, two pens held males while the other two held females. Birds inside the pens had access to nipples of the water lines.

Significant Findings and Impact

During the two-week period, average daily weight gains were insignificantly different, e.g. 0.056 kg and 0.058 kg per bird in the cool cell house and combination houses, respectively. The adjusted feed conversion ratios in the 2-wk period weren’t significantly different in the cool cell house and combination houses (1.48 vs. 1.49, respectively). The average daily maximum temperature in the cool cell house, the combination house and outside were 29.9°C, 31.9°C and 34.2°C.  The average corresponding relative humidity (when daily max T was recorded) in the cool cell house, the combination house and outside were 63.1%, 57% and 45.3%.

Purdue University – Dr. Greg Fraley

Activities and Projects

Photoreceptors Welfare and Fertility in Poultry. Poultry are seasonal breeders and require long daylengths to maintain fertility. Unlike mammals, birds have photoreceptors both in their retinas and in their brains. Photoreceptors involved in regulation the onset of puberty and seasonal reproduction are referred to as Deep Brain Photoreceptors (DBPs). Dr. Fraley’s lab evaluates the impact of different colors of light on DBP responses and has demonstrated that blue light is necessary to maintain fertility. His lab has further demonstrated the expression pattern of these DBPs during development and the lack of effects of incubator lights on the expression of photoreceptors in ducks. He has further showed a similar lack of effects of incubator lights in broiler chicks through a collaboration with Tyson Foods and a visiting scholar from Pakistan. Dr. Fraley collaborates with Drs. Esteban Fernandez-Juricic (Biological Sciences, Purdue) and Darrin Karcher (Animal Sciences, Purdue) to characterize photoreceptor type and distribution in duck and chicken retinas to develop mathematical models of how these species perceive objects in their environment under different lighting conditions. These efforts have led to a funded NIFA- IDEAS Grant (2022; PI: D. Karcher) and a NIFA Foundational Grant (2023; PI: G. Fraley) to design commercial barn lighting systems for layer chickens and ducks, respectively.

Avian Welfare and a Re-evaluation of the Avian Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPA). Improving the welfare status of all poultry is both a consumer and poultry industry priority. For decades, poultry scientists have assessed the HPA (stress) axis with the understanding that the avian HPA functions similarly to that of mammals. Dr. Fraley’s team, however, has demonstrated that there are long-term changes in the brain following transportation stress in poultry, and that there are sex-dependent differences in HPA responses to stress and to the downstream effects of glucocorticoids on immune response. Dr. Fraley’s team has further demonstrated that heat stress has adverse effects on fertility and welfare in Pekin breeder ducks (also in a sex-dependent manner) and that heat stress elicits epigenetic changes in the progeny of the stressed Pekin breeders.

Currently, Dr. Fraley’s team leads efforts to better understand the physiological basis of welfare in poultry. While poultry scientists have long considered corticosterone to be the sole glucocorticoid in birds. Dr. Fraley has demonstrated that cortisol also plays an important role in the stress response of birds and immune regulation (Manuscripts #14,20). Further, his team has shown that cortisol, not corticosterone, is deposited into eggs from hens experiencing long-term stress. Further, the Fraley lab has determined how stress impacts the brain and changes brain chemistry associated with different affective states, and therefore welfare status. This re- evaluation the avian HPA has allowed poultry scientists and stakeholders to better assess both the stress and welfare status of their birds.

Additionally, his team evaluates the physiological and neurobiological bases of welfare of birds housed with or without environmental enrichment, such as preening cups (Manuscripts #5,12). More recently, Dr. Fraley’s lab in collaboration with Dr. Jeff Lucas (Biological Sciences, Purdue University, has evaluated how duck and chicken vocalizations can be understood and utilized as a determinant of bird welfare. His team has demonstrated that ducks have 19 distinct types “quacks” (Manuscript #3, Abstracts 2,7,9,12), that are dependent upon social and environmental factors. The Fraley lab has also demonstrated that specific vocalizations can activate or deactivate sympathetic nervous and HPA systems. Thus, vocalizations relay specific information to conspecifics (Abstract #6). The Fraley lab intends to develop poultry vocalizations as another tool for the modern, digital farm to utilize develop real-time and ongoing assessment of flock health and welfare. His efforts towards better understanding poultry vision and vocalizations earned him an invited talk at the Annual PEAK conference in 2024, and an interview with FeedStuffs365 at that meeting (https://www.feedstuffs.com/poultry/sweet-sound-of-duck-song-to-their-view-of-the- world).

Stakeholder-initiated Research. Dr. Fraley works directly with a wide assortment of stakeholders in an effort to facilitate the translation of his research towards industry practices. His decades long relationship with Maple Leaf Farms (Indiana) has led to more optimized use of water systems in commercial duck barns, and the introduction of different flooring types to increase bird welfare. These efforts continue to determine the effectiveness of preening cups as environmental enrichment with Culver Duck (Indiana); the Fraley lab demonstrated the efficacy of preening cups as environmental enrichment for ducks. Along with Drs. Darrin Karcher and Luiz Brito (Purdue), Dr. Fraley is evaluating the interaction of welfare, physiology, and genetics underlying “flip-over” ducks (young ducks cannot right themselves, leading to death in many cases) in collaboration with Maple Leaf Farms, Culver Duck, Cherry Valley Duck (UK), and Eco Duck (China). Dr. Fraley’s team has also defined a series of blood parameters found in healthy ducks to compare and contrast with ducks that underperform in commercial operations. This new knowledge has revealed that fatigue in ducks, a well-recognized animal welfare concern, alters sodium/potassium and calcium/phosphate levels. Finally, Dr. Fraley is collaborating with Tyson Foods, Inc. to evaluate the effects of incubator lighting on bird growth and production.

Dr. Fraley’s efforts in duck research specifically have led to his adjunct faculty position at Sichuan Agricultural University (China) and other international collaborations, including most recently with Dr. Francois Crots (NUTRAfeed and Country Bird Holdings) in South Africa to investigate the effects of broiler housing lights on brain melatonin production. Dr. Fraley demonstrates how basic neuroendocrine and physiological science can be translational to directly impact our poultry stakeholders. These projects are still in data collection mode.

Purdue University – Dr. Marisa Erasmus

Activities and Projects

Current projects in the Erasmus lab are aimed at 1) assessing the impact of environmental enrichment and forced locomotion using a robot on the behavior, welfare and walking ability of turkey toms and identifying traits associated with improved walking ability, 2) identifying individual factors associated with resistance to northern fowl mites in egg laying hens, and 3) evaluating the influence of space on the walking ability and reliability of fear tests in broiler chickens.

Significant Findings and Impact

Walking ability of turkey toms was influenced more by age-related weight gain than by environmental enrichment. Turkeys provided with a pecking block had better footpad condition at 18-19 weeks compared to turkeys provided with platforms, straw bales, a tunnel to shelter from conspecifics, no enrichment and turkeys subjected to forced locomotion using a robot.

Provision of enrichment influenced body weight such that turkeys provided with a straw bale had lower body weights at 18 weeks than turkeys provided with robots, pecking blocks or tunnels.

For the second project, preliminary results indicated that high mite infestation levels were associated with worse belly feather condition in laying hens and further research will assess differences in behavior of hens with high and low levels of mites, as well as traits associated with resistance to mite infestation.

Results from studies assessing the confounding effects of space and walking ability on fear responses of broiler chickens indicated that the amount of space available did not influence whether or not broiler chickens approached a stationary person, and broiler chickens’ responses in fear tests is influenced by age and their walking ability.

University of Hawaii – Dr. Birendra Misra

Activities and Projects

Dr. Mishra’s lab is focused on 1) Genetic and hormonal regulation of egg production in the          broiler breeder and laying 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.

University of Kentucky – Dr. Tony Pescatore and Dr. Sunday Adedokun

Activities and Projects

Three heat stress-related studies were conducted with broiler chickens. These were done to evaluate the effect of different dietary supplements on performance, gut health, immune function of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress

North Carolina State University – Dr. Ramon Malheiros

Activities and Projects

During this past year, my work was associated with the development of broiler breeders and the factors that may have influenced the decrease in the fertility of broiler breeder males. In 2022, USDA reported that since the 2012, the percent fertility in the eggs from broiler breeder parent flocks has decreased by 5%.  Associated with this huge reduction of in the percent of fertile eggs and the resulting lower number of the broiler day-old chicks per hen housed is a serious issue. Reproduction fertility depends heavily on the roosters as a major importance in this, due the mating ratio of one rooster for every 10 hens housed. Therefore, my research focus has been on the fertility of the roosters, from the approach of testis development and subsequent sperm quality of these males, as they sexually matured and aged during the production cycle.

2d. Housing Systems and Economics

Iowa State University – Dr. Brett Ramirez

Activities and Projects

Evaluated impacts of hen housing on microbial communities and markers of stress.

Significant Findings and Impact

Recent work was published examining the impact of different housing systems on microbial communities, glucocorticoid, and intestinal permeability. An initial study in commercial facilities yielded limited changes in microbial communities and intestinal permeability.  To determine if these changes were a result of housing system or other factors, like age or diet, that we were unable to control for, a follow up study was conducted at a research facility.  This study indicates that age and not housing system has the greatest impact on microbial communities, glucocorticoid, and intestinal permeability.

North Carolina State University – Dr. Ken Anderson

Activities and Projects

Thirty-four percent of the laying hens in the egg industry are in extensive production systems approximately 106 million hens in cage free commercial systems. Along with this the Non-commercial hen population (Backyard Flocks) are estimated to be at least 212.5 million hens. Related to this shift is working to understand the nutritional needs for the extensive systems.  In both groups where partitioning of nutritional resources are focused on animal activity versus production formulations to address these issues benefits all hens.  Sustainability is inherent in how we address this issue.  This can be done through nutrient formulations, alternative feed ingredients to mitigate squandering natural resources yet maintain the performance, health and welfare of our flocks and the quality of the products they produce.  The second issue is the maintenance of laying flocks in excess of 100 weeks of age and how the industry can maintain egg quality for the consumer market.

Extensive production systems remain an industry objective and they continue to move in this direction. Retail consumers are driving the push however, individual family consumer demand stymies’ the issue due to the increased egg prices.  HPAI Outbreaks from 2022 that continue currently combined with the associated shift is resulting in record egg prices.  The current estimate of backyard flocks in this country based on a USDA Survey and published report out of CA indicates a national backyard flock of 212.5 million hens but could be as high as 300 million.  These changes to cage free though deemed more “humane” do not improve the welfare of the hens or the safety of the food produce in these systems.  Along with this the backyard flock push increases the distribution of unwashed and un-regulated shell eggs. Problem is that the consumers are more than 8 generations removed from production agriculture and don’t understand the inherent issues associated with poultry production and the risks to the bird in more extensive systems and the inherent safety compromises in the products they produce.

Our work has been focusing on three issues confronting the egg industry today.  First, is the shift of egg production from primarily intensive to extensive production (cages to cage-free). We beginning to understand what these shifts in production systems are having on egg production and quality. Increasing the understanding of these impacts on egg production and quality will help the primary breeders evaluate their selection strategies and the producers how to enhance or modify their management to improve production and subsequent egg quality.  Second, is the utilization of alternative feed ingredients recapturing nutrients which would be destined for the landfill we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of production.  Replacing conventional protein and energy sources such as Soybean meal or Corn can lower costs and improve sustainability.  Third, with the continuing HPAI in the poultry industry the research we have done related to depopulation of laying hens, broilers, broiler breeders, and turkeys has provided the industry and USDA-APHIS a set of tools that can be used in the depopulation of diseased flocks.  The Hyperthermic (VSD+) processes developed have been used extensively in 2022-23 by VMOs from APHIS.

Significant Findings and Impact

Production research is results in improved egg production and quality which translates to the public domain as a food commodity, which is more affordable, higher quality and is safer when consumed.  My program is always associated with extension education making the public aware of where their food comes from and how safe it is.  Translation of the research helps the producers whether they are backyard flocks, or larger up to the FDA exempt flock status of 2,999 hens or commercial producers with 5 million hens on a facility.  The goal with exempt producers is to ensure the eggs they sell are a high a quality as possible and safe by providing trainings on flock health, egg storage cleaning and sanitation. This helps them to provide a high quality product, mitigates potential food borne pathogen transfer to consumers and ultimately improves the image of all egg producers.

North Carolina State University – Dr. Aaron Kiess

Activities and Projects

As we aim for 66% cage-free production by 2026 it is important to identify which genetic strains of laying hens are best suited for cage-free production. Due to genetic selection, white strains of laying hens have historically been housed in conventional cages, while brown strains have occupied alternative systems. Transitioning strains that were originally selected for caged production may present challenges in their adaptation to alternative systems. Because cage-free environments are more complex than traditional cages, laying hens may encounter various unpredictable stressors that can impact their performance and ability to cope. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of genetic strain on egg production, egg quality, stress responses, and fearfulness responses amongst white and brown commercial strains of laying hens in a cage-free environment.

Significant Findings and Impact

Strain differences were found amongst egg production and quality metrics. H&N White (HN) hens produced the fewest number of eggs, eggs per hen, and grade A eggs, had the lowest hen-day egg production %, and produced the highest amount of check eggs. The Bovan Brown (BB) strain consumed the most feed yet had the lowest feed conversion ratio. It is evident that HN hens were the lowest producing strain, while BB were the least efficient strain. Hy-Line W36 White (W36) hens had the lowest albumen height, Haugh unit scores, yolk color, and yolk weight, while HN hens had the lowest vitelline membrane strength, shell weight, and shell thickness. Both Hy-Line Brown (HB) and BB strains had higher vitelline membrane elasticity compared to both white strains, concluding that both white strains demonstrated poorer egg quality.

There were no differences found attributable to genetic strain for plasma corticosterone, heterophil lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, or heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression parameters. However, strains exhibited higher levels of HSP70 at the end of lay, HSP90a at the start of lay, and HSP90b at peak lay. Additionally, H:L ratios were highest at peak lay. Therefore, all strains demonstrated similar stress responses at critical time points throughout the lay cycle.

This research found that genetic strain influenced laying hen performance in a cage-free environment. HN hens were the lowest producers, while BB hens were the least efficient strain. Additionally, HN and W36 strains exhibited poorer egg quality. Consequently, the HB strain may be the most efficient and therefore best suited strain for cage-free production. Furthermore, the variability in stress responses over time offers insights into factors affecting laying hen welfare throughout egg production.

North Carolina State University – Dr. Tomislav Vukina

Activities and Projects

• Mergers and acquisitions in the broiler industry: the case of Wayne Poultry and Sanderson Farms Ph.D. dissertation.

(b)       The investigation of alleged collusion and price fixing in the broiler industry -Ph.D. dissertation.

(c)        Poultry grower capital investment recoupment and alternative poultry growing tournament

contract types – cooperative agreement with USDA-AMS.

(d)       Driving Transformational Change: The Effects of Pastured Broiler Production on Animal Welfare and Food Production Quality and Safety.” Grant from General Mills (with Pullin, Walker and Campbell)

Significant Findings and Impact

Found empirical confirmation for some degree of price fixing and collusion in the broiler industry during 2008 and 2019.

Found economically limited negative welfare effect on consumers from the Wayne Poultry and Sanderson Farm merger.

The poultry industry within the past decade and even more so in the past 5 years been undergoing major shifts in production systems, consumer demands, product offerings, foreign animal disease outbreaks, and welfare and how these impact the products safety.  Staying abreast of these aspects and those growing consumer concerns on production practices pushes the egg producers to continuously explore for answers to questions that will not impact poultry production or the sustainability of their operations. Another concern the other aspect of sustainability that of carbon footprint and the impact the industry has on the environment.

University of Maryland – Dr. Jonathon Moyle

Activities and Projects

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