Auburn University faculty members Charles and Jessica Starkey, of the Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agriculture, are joining forces with ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, to conduct groundbreaking research with poultry feed enzymes.
Through the agreement with ADM Animal Nutrition, poultry science students will conduct experiments in feed mill enzyme processing stability and live broiler chicken growth and digestibility at Auburn’s new, state-of-the-art Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center.
The research, which began in July, is further enhanced by an $80,000 gift from ADM Cares to support the Starkeys’ multispecies research and teaching program and will support undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting research scholar stipends.
“Working with ADM will not only help accelerate our research, but it will directly benefit our students through diverse, hands-on educational experiences in our lab and through internship and networking opportunities,” said Charles Starkey, assistant professor of poultry science.
“We see this as the beginning of a productive collaboration and look forward to working closely with some of the best enzyme scientists in the world at ADM.”
Students in the Starkeys’ research lab on Auburn’s campus will work with ADM’s other research and development facilities around the globe to help develop poultry enzyme products, improving animal health and nutrition. Enzymes in poultry diets can increase the efficiency of digestion, allow feed producers greater flexibility in the types of raw materials that can be used in feed formulation and help improve overall sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“We’re excited about our partnership with Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science and proud to support their mission to develop future innovators in the field of animal nutrition,” said ADM Chief Science Officer Todd Werpy.
“We’re proud to partner with the Starkeys, accomplished researchers who will be working alongside our own research and development team to create cutting-edge solutions in animal nutrition.”
