APPENDIX – Productivity of NE-127

REVIEW of CRITICAL accomplishments fROM NE127

Objective 1: Characterize physiological and behavioral responses of poultry to critical environmental factors

A. Thermal

Laying Hen Studies - Physiological mechanisms disrupted by heat stress (HS)

  1. In a collaborative study between NE and DE, liver samples were sent from NE to DE for analysis of cDeiodinase-I (cDI-I), responsible for converting T4 to T3; suppression of cDI-I by HS with resulting increases in prolactin is a key finding that suggests a mechanistic role for the thyroid in reducing egg production during HS (manuscript in review).
  2. In a series of studies comparing the responses to HS of different varieties of laying hens, NE determined distinct genetic differences in performance. Respective endocrine responses to HS in these hens were consistent, suggesting that future studies should focus on elucidating differences in gene expression among the different varieties. This research will lead to collaborative studies between NE and DE.
  3. Leghorns exposed to simulated high altitude conditions or to a cold environment exhibited vascular responses characteristic of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) (TX).
Laying Hen Studies – Management Strategies to Alleviate HS
  1. In a collaborative study between NE and IA, hens at IA were provided cool drinking water and surface (head) wetting, both of which improved hen well-being, as determined by production responses (IA); blood and tissue samples were sent to NE for analysis of H:L ratios (stress measurement) and reproductive hormones for which IA does not have capability (in progress).
  2. Studies at NE have shown that excessive amounts of Vitamin D fed two weeks before and during a HS episode alleviates some of the effects of HS on laying hen performance; this research suggests future collaborations with DE, IL, and MD.
Broiler Studies
  1. In a series of collaborative studies between IA and AR, the need for new assessments of heat and moisture production by modern strains of broilers was determined from a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis of extant data; subsequent studies documented heat and moisture production of modern broilers and molting laying hens. These studies revealed substantially higher metabolic rates of modern birds than the values documented in the literature. The studies also provide more realistic partitioning between sensible heat the moisture production at the house level. Furthermore, the studies filled certain gaps in the literature data (e.g., heat and moisture production of pullets and molting hens).
  2. In a collaborative study between NE, IL and MD, broiler chicks from MD were sent to NE, and scientists from IL and MD traveled to NE to conduct a study with growing broilers. Relative impact of temperature and humidity differed with age of bird, perhaps as a function of body weight.
  3. In a series of collaborative studies between MD and IL, cool perches were found to be quite efficacious in relieving HS effects on growth performance and in reducing mortality of broilers.
  4. Body growth rate is associated with and may predispose broilers to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) (TX). The pathogenesis of PHS may include deviations in the pathways, enzymes, and cofactors in synthesis of nitrous oxide (NO). Preliminary results suggest that NO donor imparts a protective effect to broilers by increasing plasma levels of NO.

Turkey Studies

  1. Studies at MN have shown that HS exacerbated diets with poor amino acid balance in depressing turkey breast meat yield; this research suggests future collaborations between MN and IA (that have just received funding from the US Poultry and Egg Association) and possibly between MN and NE.

B. Aerial

Ammonia – Effect and Control
  1. In studies conducted (Il and PA) to determine impact on broilers of NH3 and control of ammonia in houses, IL, using a model developed to study gas, volatile organic compounds and dust emissions from poultry manure found that spraying soybean oil had no impact on NH3 emission, but that concentration and frequency of application of other additives administered through the feed or sprayed onto the manure reduced its release. PA found that reuse of broiler litter increased exposure of young chicks to toxic (>25ppm) levels of NH3, which lowered performance and resulted in decreased financial returns.
  2. In a series of collaborative studies (MD and IL), doubling the ventilation rate had no impact on low NH3 levels, but airflow in excess of 60 ft/min was found to be important in maintaining dry litter conditions and controlling content and growth of Salmonella and E. coli in broiler litter. Controlling litter moisture and pH reduced NH3 release.
  3. During the past 3 years IA, KY, PA, and MS have been collaborating, in conjunction with broiler and egg industry partners, to quantify NH3 emissions from laying hen and broiler houses as influenced by housing types, manure/litter management practices, and diet manipulation. This collaboration resulted in a USDA-IFAFS award of $870,000. The collaboration will continue as the group further addresses the important issue of emission (particularly NH3) mitigation from poultry operations. The research findings have been broadly and promptly disseminated to the industry and academia alike through joint publications and presentations. The on-site fan airflow measurement device, designed and refined by this collaborative group, has been adopted by researchers nationwide in their studies of measuring air emissions from mechanically ventilated animal confinement buildings.

C. Visual – Lighting Manipulations

Studies conducted at MI found that UV light decreased the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia and increased phytate phosphorus retention in chicks but only with inadequate diet Vitamin D.

In a collaborative study between CT and PA, red compact fluorescent lamps improved egg quality of White Leghorn hens compared to white lamps.

D. Acoustic – Sound Levels

In a preliminary monitoring study, CT recorded a mean (?) noise level of 92dB at standard pressure levels (SPL) in a high-rise cage layer facility over a 6h time period and from a variety of locations within the house, including front, back, and middle cage rows, and outside of the rows.

E. Spatial

  1. In studies at MD, barriers added to broiler breeder houses to break up the open space so that birds could use these “protected areas” to get away from aggressive individuals. This environmental change results in reduced aggression among males and attracts females to these areas where most matings occur.
  2. At MD, perches made of PVC pipe were constructed and added to broiler barns in various slope angles and configurations to determine broiler preference for perch design and to determine whether use of perches improved bird health and welfare. Addition of perches, if not used enough by broilers, increased stress as assessed by bursa weights.
  3. The addition of environmental barriers between the feeders and drinkers resulted in a significant increase in tibia width. The use of moving spotlights in the pens resulted in higher foraging behavior of birds (MD).
  4. MI assessed behavior of different strains of turkeys and found that the majority of time was spent sitting or standing during the last 3 wks of the trial with only a small amount of time spent eating and drinking.

Objective 2: To develop dynamic models of these responses for optimizing technical and economic aspects of poultry production systems

Modeling/Economic Analyses

Data from the preceding research summaries were used to construct the following models:

  1. Temperature-humidity (TH)-velocity (THV) Index – THV Indices for modern broilers 5-8 wk of age were developed collaboratively by NE, IL and MD, from data collected under Objective 1, Broiler Studies, #2. The index changes as birds’ age. IA further quantified the THVI threshold as a function of acute exposure duration for the thermoregulatory state of safe, alert, danger, or emergency.
  2. A thermal discomfort index was derived for laying hens based on physiological responses to acute heat exposures. The results provide new information for the design of ventilation systems
  3. MI conducted an economic analysis for egg laying operations adopting new guidelines directed toward improving animal well-being. Potential costs of meeting the guidelines were identified. The analyses predicted that for each penny per dozen increase in average commercial egg prices, consumer expenditures for eggs will increase by $60 million in the U.S.
  4. In a collaborative effort, PA and AR used artificial neural networks to develop regressions to predict the susceptibility of broilers to PHS; to predict metabolizable energy and amino acid profiles of feed ingredients; and, to predict feed consumption and body weight gain of broilers at different environmental temperatures. Regressions were more accurate than those from traditional analytical methods.

JOINT PUBLICATION

The committee completed the handbook "Biomeasurements and Experimental Techniques for Avian Species," which is posted at: NE127 was the first, and is still the only, regional research project to develop a website presentation of project-derived standards for conducting (physiological) research.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS RESULTING FROM NE127 (1999-2004)

Beck, MM and KK Hansen, 2004. Role of estrogen in avian osteoporosis. Poultry Sci. 83:200- 2006.

Bell, DD, PH Patterson, KW Koelkebeck, KE Anderson, MJ Darre, JB Carey and G Zeidler, 2001. Egg Marketing in National Supermarkets: Egg Quality – Part I. Poultry Sci. 80:383-390.

Biggs, P.E., M.W. Douglas, K.W. Koelkebeck, and C.M. Parsons. 2003. Evaluation of non-feed removal methods for molting programs. Poult. Sci. 82:749-753.

Carpenter ,A.R., L. A., Martinez-Lemus, J., Thomas, and T.W., Odom, 2001. Thrombocyte Aggregation Does Not Correspond with Nitric Oxide and Cardiovascular Parameters in Broiler Chickens with Pulmonary Hypertension. Vol. 80, Supplement 1:392 Annual Poultry Science Meeting in Indianapolis.

Casey, K.D., R.S. Gates, E.F. Wheeler, H. Xin, J. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and Y. Liang. Ammonia emissions from broiler houses in Kentucky during cold weather. Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003

Chepete, HJ and H Xin, 2002. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Literature review. Trans. ASHRAE 108(2):448-466.

Chepete, HJ, H. Xin, MC Puma and RS Gates, 2004. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Pullets and layers. Trans. ASHRAE 110(2): in press.

Chepete, HJ and X Xin, 2004. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Molting layers. Trans. ASHRAE 110(2):in press.

Elston, JJ, MM Beck, SD Kachman and SE Scheideler, 2000. Laying hen behavior: 1. Effects of cage type and startle stimulus. Poultry Sci. 79:471-476.

Elston, JJ, MM Beck, MA Alodan, and V Vega-Murillo, 2000 Laying hen behavior: 2. Cage type preference and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. Poultry Sci. 79:477-482.

Erf, GF, S Noll, TK Bersi, X Wang, J Kalbfleisch and WG Bottje, 2000. Effects of dietary Vitamin E supplementation in young male turkey poults. 2. Tissue levels of Vitamin E, proportions and concentrations of immune cells. Poultry Sci. 79(suppl):117.

Gates, R. S., J. D. Simmons, K. D. Casey, T. Greis, H. Xin, E. F. Wheeler, C. King, and J. Barnett. 2004. Fan assessment numeration system (FANS) design and calibration specifications. Transactions of the ASAE (accepted for publication).

Hansen, KK, RJ Kittok, G. Sarath, and MM Beck, 2004. Western immunoblotting in avian tissue samples. Poultry Sci. 83:230-233.

Hansen, KK, RJ Kittok, G. Sarath, CF Toombs, N. Caceres, and MM Beck, 2003. Estrogen receptor- populations change with age in commercial laying hens. Poultry Sci. 82:1624- 1629.

Hansen, KK, MM Beck, SE Scheideler and EE Blankenship, 2004. Exogenous estrogen boosts circulating estradiol concentrations and calcium uptake by duodenal tissue in heat- stressed hens. Poultry Science. Accepted for publication; in press.

Harrison, P.C., and K.W. Koelkebeck. 2001. Influence of concentration of a topically applied manure inhibitor solution Al+Clear® on mass ammonia generation rate. Northeast Regional Project NE-127, Biophysical Models for Poultry Production Systems.

Harrison, P.C., and K.W. Koelkebeck. 2002. Influence of application frequency of a topically applied manure ammonia inhibitor solution (Al+Clear®) on mass ammonia generation rate. Northeast Regional Project NE-127, Biophysical Models for Poultry Production Systems.

Jeffrey, J.S., Martinez, L. A., Lessard, C. S., Reddy, A. K., and Odom, T. W. Phonocardiographic Evaluation of Fast and Slow-growing Chickens for Detection of Ascites Syndrome. Avian Dis. 43:359-366, 1999.

Koelkebeck, KW, DD Bell, JB Carey, KE Anderson and MJ Darre, 2001. Egg Marketing in National Supermarkets: Products, packaging and prices – Part 3. Poultry Sci. 80:396- 400.

Koelkebeck, K.W., P.C. Harrison, and G.L. Riskowski. 2001. Effect of a feed additive or manure treatment application on the mass generation rate of ammonia produced from laying hen manure. Poultry Sci. 80(Suppl. 1):89.

Keshavarz, K., and F.W. Quimby. 2002. An investigation of different molting techniques with an emphasis on animal welfare. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 11:54-67.

Koelkebeck, K.W., C.M. Parsons, R.W. Leeper, S. Jin, and M.W. Douglas. 1999. Early postmolt performance of laying hens fed a low-protein corn molt diet supplemented with corn gluten meal, feather meal, methionine, and lysine. Poult. Sci. 78:1132-1137.

Koelkebeck, K.W., C.M. Parsons, M. Douglas, R.W. Leeper, S. Jin, X. Wang, Y. Zhang, and S. Fernandez. 2001. Early postmolt performance of laying hens fed a low-protein corn molt diet supplemented with spent hen meal. Poult. Sci. 79:80:353-357.

Li, H., H. Xin, Y. Liang, R. S. Gates and E. F. Wheeler. 2004. Evaluation of CO2 balance-based determination of building ventilation rate for laying hen houses using manure belt. Trans. of the ASAE (in review)

Liang, Y., H. Xin, A. Tanaka, S. H. Lee, H. Li, E. F. Wheeler, R. S. Gates, J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and K. D. Casey. 2003. Ammonia emissions from layer houses in Iowa. Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003.

Liang, Y., H. Xin, A. Tanaka, S. H. Lee, H. Li, E. F. Wheeler, R. S. Gates, J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and K. D. Casey. 2003. Ammonia Emissions from U.S. Poultry Houses: Part II – Layer Houses. In Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.

Martinez-Lemus, L. A., Hester, R. K., Becker, E. J., Jeffrey, J. S., and Odom, T. W. Pulmonary artery endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in a chicken model of pulmonary hypertension. Am. J. Physiol. 277 (Regulation Integrative Comp. Physiol. 46): R190- R197, 1999.

Martinez-Lemus, L.A., M.W. Miller, J.S. Jeffrey, and T.W. Odom. 2000. Echocardiographic study of pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broiler chickens. Avian Dis. 44:74-84.

Lemus-Lemus, L. A., Hester, R. K., Becker, E. J., Jeffrey, J. S., and Odom, T. W. Pulmonary artery endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in a chicken model of pulmonary hypertension. Am. J. Physiol. 277 (Regulation Integrative Comp. Physiol. 46): R190- R197, 1999.

Noll, SL., 2001. Turkey Husbandry Practices. Symposium Paper: The Science Behind Poultry Husbandry. Proc. 520th North Central Avian Disease Conference. Pages 2-6.

Okelo, PO, LE Carr, PC Harrison, LW Douglass, VE Byrd, CW Wabeck, PD Schreuders, RW Wheaton, NG Zimmerman, 2003. Effectiveness of novel methods to reduce heat stress in broilers: chilled and carbonated drinking water. Trans. ASAE 46(2):453-460.

Okelo, PO, LE Carr, PC Harrison, LW Douglass, VE Byrd, CW Wabeck, PD Schreuders, FW Wheaton and N Zimmerman, 2001. Effectiveness of novel methods to reduce heat stress in broilers: Cool roosts. Trans. ASAE (in review).

Odom, T. W., M.A. Thompson, K.P. Floren, G.A. Ramirez, N. Puebla-Osorio , L.A. Martinez- Lemus, and J. S. Thomas, 2001. Cardiopulmonary and Blood Gas Responses to Cold Exposure in Broiler Chickens. Vol. 80, Supplement 1:392,

Odom, T.W., L. A. Martinez-Lemus, R. K. Hester, E. J. Becker, J. S. Jeffrey, G. A. Meininger, G. A. Ramirez, 2004. In vitro hypoxia differentially affects constriction and relaxation responses of isolated pulmonary arteries from broiler and Leghorn chickens. Poultry Sci. 83:835-841.

Patterson, P. H. and M. J. Darre. 2002. Light parameters and hen performance ofcommercial Leghorns illuminated with red and white fluorescent lamps. Poultry Sci. 80(supplement 1) 139.

Patterson, PH, KW Koelkebeck, DD Bell, JB Carey, KE Anderson and MJ Darre, 2001. Egg marketing in national supermarkets: Speciality eggs – Part 2. Poultry Sci. 80: 390-395.

Persyn, K. E., H. Xin, D Nettleton, A. Ikeguchi, and R. S. Gates, 2004. Feeding behaviors of laying hens with or without beak trimming. Trans. ASAE 47(2):591-596

Rahn, Allan P, 2001. Cages laying hen well-being: An economic perspective. Proc. 52nd North Central Avian Disease Conference and Symposium on the Science Behind Poultry Husbandry. Pp 19-32. Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, September 30.

Roush, WB and RF Wideman, 2000. Evaluation of broiler growth velocity and acceleration in relation to pulmonary hypertension syndrome. Poultry Sci. 79:180-191.

Tao, X and H Xin, 2003. Surface wetting and its optimization to cool broiler chickens. Trans. ASAE 46(2):483-490.

Tao, X and H Xin, 2003. Acute, synergistic effects of air temperature, humidity and velocity on homeostasis of market-size broilers. Trans. ASAE 46(2):491-497.

Teruyama, R. and M.M. Beck, 2000. Changes associated with photoperiod and sexual status in chicken gonadotropin releasing hormones I and II (cGnRH I and II) in the brains of male quail. Cell and Tissue Research. 300:412-426.

Teruyama, R. and M.M. Beck, 2001. Double immunocytochemistry of VIP and cGnRH-I in quail brain: photoperiodic effects Cell and Tissue Research. 303:403-414.

Thompson , M.A., K. P. Floren, G. A. Ramirez, L. A. Martinez-Lemus, N. Puebla-Osorio, J. S. Thomas, and T. W. Odom, 2002. Supplementation of DETA/NO Attenuates Cold Exposure-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome in Broilers. Annual Poultry Science Meeting in Delaware.

Vandegrift, K.J., T.L. Cravener, R.M. Hulet and W. B. Roush. 2003. Analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of daily broiler growth and feed intake. Poultry Sci. 28:1091-1099.

Waibel, PE, CW Carlson, JA Brannon and SL Noll, 2000. Limiting amino acids after methionine and lysine with growing turkeys fed low-protein diets. Poultry Sci. 78:1290- 1298.

Waibel, PE, CW Carlson, JA Brannon and SL Noll, 2000. Identification of limiting amino acids in methionine- and lysine-supplemented low-protein diets for turkeys. Poultry Sci. 78:1299-1305.

Wheeler, E. F., J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. A. Topper, R. S. Gates, H. Xin, K. D. Casey, and Y. Liang. Ammonia emissions from broiler houses in Pennsylvania during cold weather. Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003.

Wheeler, E. F., K.D. Casey, J.S. Zajaczkowski, P.A. Topper, R.S. Gates, H. Xin, Y. Liang, and A. Tanaka. 2003. Ammonia Emissions from U.S. Poultry Houses: Part III – Broiler Houses. In Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.

Xin, H., Y. Liang, A. Tanaka, R.S. Gates, E.F. Wheeler, K.D. Casey, A.J. Heber, J. Ni and H. Li. 2003. Ammonia emissions from U.S. poultry houses: Part I – Measurement system and techniques. In Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.

Xin, H., Y. Liang, R.S. Gates, and E.F. Wheeler. 2004. Ammonia emissions from U.S. poultry houses. Proc of 2004 Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, March 16-18, 2004, St Paul, MN.

Xin, H, MC Puma, RS Gates and DU Ahn, 2002. Effects of drinking water temperature on laying hens subjected to warm cyclic environments. Poultry Sci. 81:608-617.

Xin, H., A. Tanaka, T. Wang, R. S. Gates, E. F. Wheeler, K. D. Casey, A. J. Heber, J. Ni and T, Lin. 2002. A portable system for continuous ammonia measurement in the field. Paper No. 024168. American Society of Agriculture Engineers, St Joseph, MI: ASAE.