USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project, aimed at developing six vaccines for reovirus in turkeys, by researchers in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Made possible by an endowing Foundation gift from West Liberty Foods, the research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all poultry and egg production and processing phases. A summary of the completed project is below.
Project #734: Development of Live Attenuated Vaccine for Reoviruses Causing Arthritis and Hepatitis in Turkeys
(Dr. Sagar Goyal, Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.)
Turkey arthritis reovirus (TARV) causes lameness and hepatitis in turkeys resulting in huge economic losses and can also lead to welfare concerns. Dr. Goyal and colleagues aimed to develop live attenuated vaccines that could provide broad protection against TARVs and turkey hepatitis reoviruses. The six vaccines developed in the study indicated they were safe to use in turkey poults. However, a single dose of the developed vaccines in 10-day-old poults was insufficient to protect against the disease.
The research summary can be found on the USPOULTRY website. Information on other Association research may also be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY website, uspoultry.org.
The deadline for submitting comments was originally scheduled for Oct. 7, but was initially extended until Nov. 7.
Consumer advocates from Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP), Consumer Reports, the Consumer Federation of America, and the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health joined the Poultry Safety Coalition in asking for the extension.
Representatives Steve Womack, R-AR, and Jim Costa, D-CA, co-chairs of the Congressional Chicken Caucus, fairly quickly asked USDA Secretary Vilsack for an additional 180 days for comments on the proposed Salmonella rule.
The National Chicken Council (NCC) followed and wants at least a 90-day extension of the comment period for the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s proposal. The new extension is for 72 days.
“We joined in requesting an extension of the comment period because we are concerned that the proposed rule is not sufficiently comprehensive and may by itself foreclose important reforms that we believe USDA should consider for inclusion in the final rule,” according to the consumer groups. “Additional time is required for USDA to notify stakeholders regarding these alternatives and to solicit written comment and genuine public dialogue to produce the best possible rule.”
The FSIS said that after the initial extension, stakeholders, including consumer groups, industry associations, and academia, submitted requests for FSIS to extend the comment period further to allow sufficient time to consider the proposal and supporting documentation and formulate comments on these documents.
Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal, available at www.regulations.gov; by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, DC 20250-3700, or by hand or courier delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 350-E, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2023-0028.
With colder weather approaching, it’s time for maintenance checks to keep birds cozy and ensure that poultry houses run as efficiently as possible throughout the fall and winter.
Kyle Burns, Cumberland district manager, recommends six maintenance checks to promote bird health and productivity during cold weather.
Building integrity – Walk around the poultry house exterior to check for any holes, damage or other openings that will allow cold air to enter the building. A sealed exterior is important in maintaining proper ventilation flow inside.
Static pressure controllers – Make sure static pressure controllers read zero when fans are off. If the pressure gauge within your barn does not measure barn static pressure accurately, inlets may open too much or too little, leading to drafts, excessive fuel usage or poor air quality.
Cool cells – Drain cool cell reservoirs and lines inside and outside the building to prevent freezing. Remove and store pumps so they are not affected by the winter elements.
Fans – Clean dust and debris from fans, shutters and other covers. Check and replace any worn belts and bearings. An underperforming fan will need to run longer, exposing the birds to cold air and poor ventilation.
Heaters – Blow off dust and dirt that may have accumulated on the top of heaters and inspect them. Clean furnace/brooder burner orifices, inspect rubber gas lines for cracks or nicks, and check gas pressure, as heaters and furnaces don’t work as efficiently with inconsistent or low pressure. You can also have your gas company check the pressure.
Air inlets – Make sure that sidewall inlets open uniformly. Clean the screens over sidewall inlet openings. Dirty screens reduce the distance that air can be drawn across the barn by 20% or more, reducing the amount of heat the incoming air receives before it drops to the floor.
“Performing these important maintenance steps will ensure that poultry houses are ready when cold weather arrives, providing an ideal environment for your birds,” Burns says.
For additional information, producers can contact their Cumberland dealer or visit CumberlandPoultry.com.
Poultry industry experts at the 2025 Latin American Poultry Summit will present information on factors that affect the efficient marketing of poultry farming. The program is organized into five sessions – grain management, food safety, genetics, breeding and health – and will take place on Monday, Jan. 27. The Summit is presented by the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), and the Latin American Poultry Association.
The Summit will kick off with an opening session featuring two distinguished speakers, followed by an engaging panel discussion. Dr. Carlos Campadabal, professor of grain science and industry, Kansas State University, will launch the event with his presentation titled, “Grain Characteristics Required for Intensification and Efficiency of Feed Mills,” setting the stage for an insightful day. He will be followed by Dr. Wilmer Pacheco, associate professor and extension specialist, Auburn University, who will discuss “Particle Size Management in Concentrated Feeds.”
Attendees will then dive into the food safety section, led by Dr. Juanfra DeVillena, senior vice president, Wayne-Sanderson Farms. He will present on the topic, “Salmonella Regulations in the U.S. and Their Impact on the National Chicken Supply.” Following this, Dr. Jorge Amado, regional technical manager, Aviagen; Dr. Alberto Torres, veterinary export manager, Cobb-Vantress; and Mr. Thomas Dixon, global product manager, Hy-Line International, will guide listeners through the genetics session with their discussion titled, “How is Declining Fertility in Breeders Being Managed? What’s New in Layer and Broiler Genetics and How Will it Impact Production in the Next 3-5 Years?” This segment will conclude with a panel discussion further exploring the topics.
The Summit will wrap up with two final sessions focused on breeding and health. Mike Czarick, agricultural extension specialist at the University of Georgia, will open the breeding session with his talk on “Improvements in Ventilation Management,” followed by Dr. Yari Lucerna, consulting veterinarian, presenting on the “Key to the Rearing of Laying Poultry within the Framework of Cage and Cage-Free Production.” The session will also conclude with a panel discussion.
In the health session, Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, professor, faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Montreal in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, will start with a discussion titled, “Practical Biosecurity for All Poultry Sectors.” He will be followed by Dr. James Karkashian Cordoba, professor at the School of Biology and researcher in Molecular Biology and Animal Nutrition, University of Costa Rica, who will present on, “Identification and Molecular Analysis of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Implementation of Aerobiological Methodologies for the Detection and Characterization of Respiratory Viruses in Poultry Farming.” Like the previous sessions, the health segment will end with a panel discussion.
Registration for IPPE and the Latin American Poultry Summit opened on Oct. 7. The registration rate for the Summit is $300.
The 2025 IPPE show dates are Jan. 28 – 30, and the event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. More information on the 2025 IPPE can be found at ippexpo.org, and information about the LAPS can be found at lacumbreavicolalatinoamericana.org.
Regulations surrounding the care and handling of hatching eggs, breeders, chickens and turkeys will be reviewed.The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) said Turkey Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, and Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors have initiated an update to the Code of Practice.
NFACC Chair Hans Kristensen said the process includes a survey designed to capture top-of-mind welfare concerns and will help the committee understand the kinds of issues people want to see considered in the update.
“The Code development process helps diverse groups work together to improve the lives of farmed animals,” Kristensen said. “Codes of Practice provide farmers with a recognized framework to demonstrate their commitment to welfare standards that are informed by science, support public trust, and are practical to implement on-farm.
The Codes provide the foundation of the poultry sectors’ on-farm animal care programs. Canadian hatching egg farmers, hatcheries, chicken farmers, and turkey farmers all follow national, mandatory animal care programs that are based on the Code requirements.
Five Codes – beef cattle, equine, pig, sheep, and poultry – are being updated. The pullet and layer Code is being amended.
The council has details and a timeline outlining the steps. The survey dealing specifically with poultry and eggs will be open until Oct. 25.
While the South prepares for Hurricane Milton, the devastation from Hurricane Helene is still being calculated. Chad Smith tells us the impact of Helene will be felt for years in farm country.
USPOULTRY’s 2024 Environmental Management Seminar focused on regulatory updates and showcased new innovations in sustainability. The seminar emphasized key areas that environmental managers should prioritize in their environmental programs.
Dr. Brian Kiepper, associate professor, Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, presented on wastewater pretreatment programs, specifically focusing on the basics of dissolved air flotation (DAF) operation, chemical treatment and residual management options. Kiepper emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all chemical addition protocol for poultry wastewater treatment facilities, and the most effective protocol is likely to evolve.
An update regarding the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) sustainability framework was provided to attendees by Paul Bredwell, executive vice president, regulatory programs, for USPOULTRY. The sustainability framework is the first-ever sustainability reporting framework for the entire U.S. supply chain, from producer to final customer. It is a comprehensive reporting structure that measures and voluntarily verifies sustainability in areas that are important to the poultry and egg supply chain in a way that allows organizations to provide transparency to stakeholders and drive continuous improvement. US-RSPE is undergoing a four-step strategy process to become the poultry and egg sustainability industry leader along with its partner, the International Poultry Welfare Alliance.
Bonani Langan, senior environmental engineer at GSI Environmental Inc., gave an update on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing and treatment options. She commented that PFAS currently used for food packaging were initially determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be “safe for their intended use,” but the FDA is re-evaluating. There has been an increase in regulations, as well as litigation, but also an increase in science and social awareness regarding PFAS. Langan remarked that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently developing analytical methods to identify novel PFAS and implementing PFAS testing in public water systems.
In a case study on odor abatement at a feed mill, Stephen James, southeast director of environmental engineering at Pilgrim’s, highlighted the significance of effectively managing odor complaints. He noted that odor perception is highly subjective, with individuals having varying opinions. To address these issues, he noted that it is essential to establish a local point of contact who can swiftly engage with complaints and resolve concerns. Furthermore, James reiterated how incorporating diverse perspectives by utilizing multiple opinions or “noses” can lead to a more thorough understanding of odor-related problems, facilitating resolutions before they escalate.
USPOULTRY’s annual Clean Water Award winners were also announced during the seminar. The award is presented annually to poultry facilities that excel in their commitment to treat wastewater to standards that meet and often exceed their permit requirements, identify water reuse opportunities and implement initiatives to advance the overall sustainability of the facility. Awards are given in two categories, full treatment and pretreatment. This year, John Soules Foods in Valley, Ala. was selected the winner in the pretreatment category and Keystone Foods in Albany, Ky. was selected the winner in the full treatment category. An honorable mention with distinction award in the full treatment category was presented to Pilgrim’s in Russellville, Ala.
NOVUS is remembering a founding member of its research team – and a pillar in the animal agriculture industry.
Julia J. Dibner, Ph.D., passed away the week of September 30, 2024. She dedicated nearly 30 years to poultry research, many of those spent at NOVUS where she served as director of biology research and then senior research consultant and Distinguished Science Fellow before retiring from the industry in 2014.
She earned her doctorate in cellular and development biology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1980. She was first employed by the Monsanto Company and moved to work for NOVUS when the company was created in 1991.
Authoring over 140 research papers and having presented at conferences and seminars around the world, Dibner’s cutting-edge work touched nearly every part of the animal nutrition additive and health industry. Her research included 2-hydroxy-4 (methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBa), organic acids, antibiotic growth promoters, trace minerals, bone and tissue development, gut health, oxidative balance, early nutrition, nutrient formulation, and pathogen challenge trials. While primarily focused on poultry, her studies also included swine and ruminants.
Dibner collaborated with universities and institutions, many in the United States, including The Ohio State University, University of Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at the University of Aberdeen, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research, North Carolina State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her findings are still used by the research and industry communities globally.
Her dedication to animal research resulted in many patents, as well as the development of groundbreaking products ALIMET® Feed Additive, MHA® Feed Additive, MFP® Feed Supplement, MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Mineral, ACTIVATE® DA Nutritional Feed Acid, and former NOVUS products OASIS hatchling supplement and SANTOQUIN®. She also helped develop the coccidiosis vaccine ADVENT®.
She received numerous awards and recognition for her scientific achievements. She was repeatedly recognized with nominations to Monsanto’s Science Fellow program and served as NOVUS’ first Distinguished Fellow. In May 2003, a jury of scientists and technology experts from Washington University and St. Louis University in the United States awarded her the St. Louis Technology Award for her contributions to coccidiosis control.
She also served as an associate editor for the international journal Poultry Science.
As one of the few women in the industry in the 1980s, Dibner was a mentor to future industry leaders and advocated for women to pursue a career in science.
NOVUS President and CEO Dan Meagher, who worked with Dibner when he was president of global animal nutrition solutions at NOVUS, says Julia was an invaluable member of the NOVUS family and the entire animal agriculture industry.
“Julia is a prime example of an intelligent, innovative, enterprising, dedicated scientist whose ingenuity sparked new areas of study,” he says. “She worked with partners around the world who held her in the highest esteem and her legacy is with us today in her research and our intelligent nutrition solutions. On behalf of the NOVUS team, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to her family and those who knew her.”
NOVUS is the intelligent nutrition company providing solutions for the global animal agriculture industry. The company’s portfolio includes bis-chelated organic trace minerals and methionine feed additives, along with a network of experts worldwide to provide guidance on management best practices.
NC State University is celebrating a century of poultry research and collaboration with an eye on the next 100 years of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science.
Ongoing work to establish a future-proof food supply, prepare graduates for in-demand jobs and advance research on sustainable production took center stage at a recent gathering at the Park Alumni Center to mark the milestone anniversary.
When NC State opened a poultry department in 1924, small farm flocks flourished statewide. Today North Carolina is the nation’s top poultry state, driving exports and job growth. The state houses both operations from large companies and small producers that are a staple of many communities. More than 32,000 small egg producers, located in almost every county, collectively produce over 500,000 eggs daily, helping support local communities
“The department has never been afraid to experiment with new technologies and to push boundaries,” said Frank Siewerdt, Prestage department head. “We’ve needed a lot of help from our industry partners, sister universities and public agencies.
Siewerdt said the department’s record of relevant research grows out of partnerships with industry and support from farm families such as the Prestages, whose $10 million naming gift in 2012 supports the next generation of poultry research at NC State.
“This department has worldwide brand recognition,” Siewerdt said. “That’s due to our faculty, our staff and our students.”
The department’s diaspora has spread to every continent, elevating the level of poultry production around the world. And NC State will stay current — and relevant — as it continues the work of preparing students and helping feed families statewide, he said.
“Our most invested stakeholders are the citizens of North Carolina,” Siewerdt said. “We want to allow them to put nutritious, safe and affordable chicken, eggs and turkey on the table.”
Garey Fox, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, listens during a conversation at the 100 Years of Poultry Science event.
Future Focused
NC State has a distinctive advantage as one of only a half-dozen universities with dedicated poultry science departments, said Garey Fox, dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He led rounds of applause for Prestage department faculty, staff and students at the event.
“This department, this program, has absolutely had an impact on North Carolina poultry production and has allowed the industry to grow and thrive,” Fox said.
In addition to the direct effects of a successful poultry sector, Fox said that North Carolina benefits from indirect effects such as growth in local communities, businesses and economies.
He thanked the Prestage family for making a transformational gift to NC State that will continue to advance poultry research and workforce development.
“We’re also about looking at the next 100 years,” Fox said.
4-H Flock to Poultry Innovation
Scott Prestage, whose parents, Bill and Marsha Prestage, made the naming gift for the department, said Wolfpack pride runs in the family. Two of Scott’s three kids are NC State grads. Seven family members are Wolfpack alumni.
“We’re an NC State family, and we’re very proud of that,” he said.
He’s also proud of his late father’s record of innovations in poultry and pork production. In 1960 his father opted to leave the family’s beer wholesaling business in Michigan, moving with his wife and three toddlers to South Carolina to sell feed, then to North Carolina for a larger territory. Bill, along with his wife Marsha, started Prestage Farms in 1983.
Though he had no direct agricultural experience, his dad had a memorable poultry experience through 4-H. As a junior high student, Bill took on a project to raise a small flock, and he was recognized for doing a great job.
“He absolutely loved the whole experience,” Scott said.
NC State’s first-class education, transformational research and Extension outreach have been essential to his family’s success over the last 63 years, Scott said.
“NC State’s support has never waned,” he said, adding, “I’m immensely proud to be associated with this great department.”
He sees the need for more research and Extension work to meet the challenges of feeding a growing world population while using fewer resources.
“This department and this land-grant university are ready to take on the challenge.”
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