Source: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV submitted to
NUTRIENT AND BY-PRODUCT UTILIZATION AND HEALTH OF TURKEYS AND BROILERS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0162690
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2011
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2016
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Project Director
Ferket, P.
Recipient Organization
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
RALEIGH,NC 27695
Performing Department
Poultry Science
Non Technical Summary
Broilers and turkeys selected for rapid and efficient growth are limited by early enteric development, and susceptible to the colonization of enteric pathogens that risk food safety. Consumer demand to limit the use of antibiotic growth promoters forces broiler and turkey producers to develop alternative feed additives that control enteric microflora and enhance growth performance and enteric health. The colonization enteric pathogens (eg salmonella, campylobacter, and clostridia spp) in broilers and turkeys, a significant risk to human health, is dependent upon poultry nutrition and management practices. The objectives of this project is to develop and evaluate various feed formulation and feed manufacturing treatments that will enhance the growth performance and health of turkeys and broilers, and improve their efficiency of nutrient utilization and reduce mineral emissions. This project will also investigate alternatives of pharmaceutical feed additives so as to improve animal welfare and increase consumer confidence in poultry meat products.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3023220101020%
3023230101020%
3053230105010%
3153230105010%
3153220101010%
3153230101010%
7123220101010%
7123230101010%
Knowledge Area
302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals; 305 - Animal Physiological Processes; 712 - Protect Food from Contamination by Pathogenic Microorganisms, Parasites, and Naturally Occurring Toxins; 315 - Animal Welfare/Well-Being and Protection;

Subject Of Investigation
3220 - Meat-type chicken, live animal; 3230 - Turkey, live animal;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1050 - Developmental biology;
Goals / Objectives
The general objective of this project is to study the effect of nutritional applications on nutrient utilization and health of turkeys and broilers. Specific objectives of this project include: 1) to enhance the early development and nutrigenomic programming of broilers and turkeys by in ovo feeding (the administration of nutrients into the amnion of late-term embryos) and early feeding (from hatch to 10 days of age; 2) to improve nutrient utilization from feeds and feedstuffs by the use of feed additives (i.e. enzymes, fatty acids, enteric conditioners, and other digestive aids) and feed manufacturing technology (i.e. grinding, heat conditioning, pelleting, and post-pellet applications); and 3) to enhance enteric health and pathogen colonization resistance by nutritional manipulation. These three objectives will be accomplished simultaneously throughout the proposed project period. Although proof of concept for objective 1 has been demonstrated, research on commercial applications of this technology will be done to demonstrate economic value of the improvements in efficiency of nutrient utilization and production efficiency. Objective 2 will focus mainly on improving the digestibility feeds for poultry, especially among feeds that have a high content of grain and animal by-products as replacements for corn and soybeans. Because early enteric development and feed digestibility affect the enteric microbial ecosystem resistance to enteric disease, objective 3 will be accomplished concurrently for all studies that address objectives 1 and 2.
Project Methods
A series of experiments will be conducted to satisfy each of the objectives stated above. For objective 1, experiments will be conducted to evaluate various in ovo feeding solution formulations on early development of broilers and turkeys. As described in Uni et al. (2004), the in-ovo feed solutions will be prepared and administered to broiler and turkey embryos during the last quarter of incubation (E17-18 days and E22-24 day of incubation for broilers and turkey, respectively). We will evaluate morphology of enteric and lymphatic tissue, activity and gene expression of brush-border enzymes and nutrient transporters, and expression of genes related to metabolism, hormones, and immune function using gene array molecular biology techniques. In ovo feeding treatments that show the greatest positive response will be further evaluated in growth performance and meat yield trials using floor-pen or battery cage facilities. For objective 2, short-term growth or nutrient balance trials will be conducted in battery cages or small floor pens, and longer-term growth trials to market age at the field research laboratory. The nutrient balance and nutrient utilization (digestibility or bioavailability) trials will require the use of an indigestible dietary marker. The long-term trials to determine dietary treatment effects on growth performance and health characteristics will require 4 to 8 replicate floor pens containing about 15 turkeys or 30 broilers. For objective 3, nutritional regimens or dietary treatments will be tested for their ability to improve gut health and stabilize gut microflora so as to reduce colonization and shedding of food-borne pathogens from poultry. Four different nutritional applications will be evaluated: 1) oligosaccharides and non-starch polysaccharides that are fermented by symbiotic enteric microflora; 2) supplemental enzymes; 3) supplementation dietary compounds (immunoglobulins, prebiotic oligosaccharides, probiotic microorganismas, fatty acids, essential oils, and other "natural" antimicrobial compounds) to promote a symbiotic enteric microbial ecosystem and enhance gut associated lymphatic tissue (gut immunity); and 4) feed form and feed manufacturing processes (particle size, whole grains, heat processing, pelleting, and post-pellet applications). Growth performance characteristics enteric health (subjective enteric lesion scores, brush-boarder morphology or histology) will be evaluated in all studies. Depending on the experimental hypothesis tested in each experiment, the microflora profile of the jejunum, ileum, and ceca will be evaluated by a) indicators of microbial fermentation (VFA, NH4+, etc.), colonization level of pathogens, or phylogenetic profile using one of the molecular biological techniques (PCR and DGGE). All the animal experimentation will be conducted with the approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Poultry and animal scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel;Animal Agriculture affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA; Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel; feed ingredient suppliers; animal nutritionists; animal health professionals; food safety professionals; environmental sustainability interest groups; animal welfare interest groups; international agriculturalists with interest in USA agriculture relations; Extension specialists and agents. Governmental policy makers, agriculture and food regulators;students of North Carolina State University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided training and professional development of 5 undergraduates students, 8 graduate students (3 MS and 5 PhD), and one post-doctoral research associate. These students have advanced in their professional skills, experience, and knowledge proficiency in the field of animal and poultry nutrition, feed formulation, feed manufacturing, experimental design, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, data management, oral presentation, technical writing, project leadership, and teaching and mentoring. The training activities included assisting the project director or associate mentors in the designed and conducting of experiments, sample and data collection, laboratory and information analysis, courses related to nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, feed manufacturing and quality assurance, and poultry production management. Professional development and communication skills were also encouraged by participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, case studies, and industry meetings and extension demonstrations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project has been disseminated by a variety of means to academic and industry scientists, university students, poultry industry stakeholders, federal and state government employees, extension specialist, poultry allied industry representatives, and general public consumers of poultry products. The means of information dissemination included peer-reviewed journal publications, popular press releases, presentation at scientific and industry conferences, extension education print and electronic releases, webinars and seminars, and short-courses. High-impact information dissemination vehicles included the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, The Carolina Feed Industry Annual Convention, The International Poultry Production Short Course, the International Symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production, the International Poultry Exposition, The Latin American Poultry Conference, The Asian Poultry Summit, The Alltech Idea Symposium, the Poultry Science Association Meeting, and the Southern Poultry Society Meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Poultry meat and eggs is among the most wholesome, nutritious, and affordable protein sources of the human diet; and it is produced more resource efficiently with less negative environmental impact than other food animals. Consequently, consumption of poultry meat has increased by over 5% per year world-wide during the past 3 decades and will continue into the future as advancements in genetic selection and meat and egg production efficiency continue. North Carolina ranks among the leading states in poultry production. As the leading agricultural commodity group, the poultry industry's economic impact for NC exceeds $36.6 billion annually. This project is focused on maintaining the sustainability and global competitiveness of this robust poultry industry by advancing and distributing knowledge related to the efficient use of dietary nutrients in feed and food by-products used in feeds, while enhancing animal welfare to product safe and wholesome poultry food products. This goal is accomplished as faculty scientists and students conducted research and field demonstrations that addressed at least one of three objectives: 1) enhance the early development and nutrigenomic programming of broilers and turkeys by in ovo feeding (the administration of nutrients and other GRAS compounds into the amnion of late-term embryos) and post-hatch feed (from hatch to 10 days of age); 2) use of feed additives and feedstuffs or feed manufacturing methods to improve nutrient utilization and reduce nutrient emissions; and 3) use of non-pharmaceutical methods to enhance enteric health and pathogen colonization resistance. The positive outcomes of this work included research knowledge advancements in each of the objectives areas, training of future scientists, and technology knowledge distribution and extension outreach to the poultry and food industries. Some of the technologies were rapidly adopted, while others are being considered for commercialization. To address objective 1, techniques were developed to enhance the nutrition of perinatal poultry by in ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and post-hatch supplements. Automated delivery techniques for IOF were developed to advance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys by 2 to 3 days and increase growth rate and the efficiency of nutrient utilization by up to 4% through to market age. These results were confirmed by students and scientists who were able to determine favorable changes morphological development of the gut and the expression of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. A nutritionally-enhanced supplement containing over 90% water was developed as a non-wetting gel for post-hatch chicks and poults to help them overcome dehydration and transportation distress, and improve subsequent welfare and growth. Students learned the methodology of product development and field demonstrations. A commercial gel hatchling supplement product is now available and is being used by several commercial turkey and chicken hatcheries for delivery of cocci vaccines, probiotics, and nutrients. If adopted by the global poultry industry, perinatal nutrition technology would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on the transfer of in ovo feeding and hatchery gel supplement technology for commercial applications. This research has inspired many young scientists to pursue the budding new field of how early nutrition can program metabolic and physiological responses later in life, as evidenced by a rise in similar published works at other institutions. Several commercial companies are developing applications of perinatal nutrition and early nutritional programming. To address objectives 2 and 3, several experiments evaluated the dietary inclusion of feed additives and feed manufacturing techniques that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Dietary supplementation of enzymes (carbohydrases, proteases, and phytases), direct-fed microbials, organic acids, functional oils, mannanoligosaccharides, and organic trace minerals have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of enzymes was demonstrated to significantly improve caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $10 to $20/tonne. Use of highly bioavailable organic trace minerals in place of inorganic forms was found to reduce dietary mineral inclusion or mineral emissions by 75% without adversely affecting growth performance yet still improve meat quality. Finally, several research trials conducted by students demonstrated that increasing particle grind size of a portion of the dietary corn or other ingredients, significantly improved nutrient utilization and enteric health, reduced ammonia emission, and reduce feed manufacturing costs. After aggressively distributing our knowledge about the importance of particle size in pelleted poultry feeds through scientific publication, presentations at scientific and industry conferences, and conducting of national and international short-courses, all poultry producers in NC and many in other parts of the world have made changes in their poultry feed manufacturing to capture the value of research efforts.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Akbari Moghaddam Kakki, R., R. Bakhshalinejad, A. Hassanabadi, and P. Ferket, 2016. Effects of dietary organic zinc and ?-tocopheryl acetate supplements on growth performance, meat quality, tissues minerals, and alfa-tocopherol deposition in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 96(5):1257-1267. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew386
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Viguie, M., K.A. Livingston, R. Malheiros, and P.R. Ferket, 2016. Content and bioavailability of carotenoids in corn distillers solubles oil for skin pigmentation in broilers. Abstr. Pp 112 XXV World Poultry Congress, Beijing China.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Malheiros, R.D*. Ferket, P.R., Viguie, M., Livingston, K., Anderson, K.E., Crivellari, R., Santos, E.T., Cavalcante, D.T., Moreira Filho, A.L., Koiyama, N.T.G., and Aristimunha, P.C., 2016. Enhancement of Egg Quality and Yolk Color by Corn Distillers Solubles Oil and Other Commercial Pigment Sources. Abstr. Pp 123 XXV World Poultry Congress, Beijing China.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Pacheco, W. J., C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, J. Brake, and A. C. Fahrenholz. 2016. Effect of heat treatment on TMEn and AA digestibility of expeller-extracted soybean meal. Abstr. 1-0264. Pp 112 XXV World Poultry Congress, Beijing China.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Crivellari, R., R. Malheiros, P.R. Ferket, and K.E. Anderson, 2016. Comparison of egg production parameters and quality between molted and non-molted hens in enriched colony cages at two different densities from 73 to 109 weeks of age. Poultry Science 95(E-Suppl. 1):5.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Viguie, M., K.A. Livingston, R. Malheiros, and P.R. Ferket, 2016. Effect of corn distillers solubles oil on broiler chicken skin pigmentation and plasma carotenoid content. Poultry Science 95(E-Suppl. 1):13.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Viguie, M., K. Livingston, R. Malheiros, and P. Ferket, 2016. Variability of corn distillers solubles oil quality and carotenoid content bioavailability as determined by skin pigmentation in broiler chickens. Proc. 2016 International Poultry Scientific Forum, Geogia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, January 25-26, 2016, pp 38.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2016. Cultivating the enteric ecosystem to resist enteric pathogens: the poultry model. Proceedings 4th IHSIG Syposium; One World, One Health. Linked to intestinal health and poultry production. Pp 17-39. October 26-27, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2016. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. Feedstuffs Reference Issue & Buyers Guide. Vol. 87(35):42-49.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Poultry and animal scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel;Animal Agriculture affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA; Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel; feed ingredient suppliers; animal nutritionists; animal health professionals; food safety professionals; environmental sustainability interest groups; animal welfare interest groups; international agriculturalists with interest in USA agriculture relations; Extension specialists and agents. Governmental policy makers, agriculture and food regulators;students of North Carolina State University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided training and professional development of 5 undergraduates students, 8 graduate students (3 MS and 5 PhD), and one post-doctoral research associate. These students have advanced in their professional skills, experience, and knowledge proficiency in the field of animal and poultry nutrition, feed formulation, feed manufacturing, experimental design, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, data management, oral presentation, technical writing, project leadership, and teaching and mentoring. The training activities included assisting the project director or associate mentors in the designed and conducting of experiments, sample and data collection, laboratory and information analysis, courses related to nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, feed manufacturing and quality assurance, and poultry production management. Professional development and communication skills were also encouraged by participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, case studies, and industry meetings and extension demonstrations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project has been disseminated by a variety of means to academic and industry scientists, university students, poultry industry stakeholders, federal and state government employees, extension specialist, poultry allied industry representatives, and general public consumers of poultry products. The means of information dissemination included peer-reviewed journal publications, popular press releases, presentation at scientific and industry conferences, extension education print and electronic releases, webinars and seminars, and short-courses. High-impact information dissemination vehicles included the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, The Carolina Feed Industry Annual Convention, The International Poultry Production Short Course, the International Symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production, the International Poultry Exposition, The Latin American Poultry Conference, The Asian Poultry Summit, The Alltech Idea Symposium, the Poultry Science Association Meeting, and the Southern Poultry Society Meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This project will continue to conduct research and train young scientists and future poultry industry leaders to address the three major objectives towards enhancing nutrient utilization and health of turkeys and broilers. The perinatal nutrition work with poultry will focus on developing in ovo feeding solutions that are optimized for automated delivery in commercial broilers. We also plan evaluate the efficacy of administering prebiotic compounds (Mannanoligosaccharides, Galactooligosaccharides, and fructooligosaccharides) via in ovo feeding and post-hatch gel supplements, thus increasing the resistance of enteric pathogen colonization in poultry and thus reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens from poultry. Several studies will also investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of enzymes, organic acids, and organic trace minerals on nutrient utilization and enteric health of turkey and broilers. Finally, we plan to continue our work on the effect of feed manufacturing and particle grind size on the nutrient utilization of poorly-digested feed ingredients, particularly in combination with enzymes supplementation. These research activities will be conducted in conjunction with the training of undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scholars, and post-doctoral fellows, and the results will be disseminated as part of academic lectures, extension short-courses, scientific and industry meetings, and academic and popular press.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Poultry meat and eggs is among the most wholesome, nutritious, and affordable protein sources of the human diet; and it is produced more resource efficiently with less negative environmental impact than other food animals. Consequently, consumption of poultry meat has increased by over 5% per year world-wide during the past 3 decades and will continue into the future as advancements in genetic selection and meat and egg production efficiency continue. North Carolina ranks among the leading states in poultry production. As the leading agricultural commodity group, the poultry industry's economic impact for NC exceeds $34.4 billion annually. This project is focused on maintaining the sustainability and global competitiveness of this robust poultry industry by advancing and distributing knowledge related to the efficient use of dietary nutrients in feed and food by-products used in feeds, while enhancing animal welfare to product safe and wholesome poultry food products. This goal is accomplished as faculty scientists and students conducted research and field demonstrations that addressed at least one of three objectives: 1) enhance the early development and nutrigenomic programming of broilers and turkeys by in ovo feeding (the administration of nutrients and other GRAS compounds into the amnion of late-term embryos) and post-hatch feed (from hatch to 10 days of age); 2) use of feed additives and feedstuffs or feed manufacturing methods to improve nutrient utilization and reduce nutrient emissions; and 3) use of non-pharmaceutical methods to enhance enteric health and pathogen colonization resistance. The positive outcomes of this work included research knowledge advancements in each of the objectives areas, training of future scientists, and technology knowledge distribution and extension outreach to the poultry and food industries. Some of the technologies were rapidly adopted, while others are being considered for commercialization. To address objective 1, techniques were developed to enhance the nutrition of perinatal poultry by in ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and post-hatch supplements. Automated delivery techniques for IOF were developed to advance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys by 2 to 3 days and increase growth rate and the efficiency of nutrient utilization by up to 4% through to market age. These results were confirmed by students and scientists who were able to determine favorable changes morphological development of the gut and the expression of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. A nutritionally-enhanced supplement containing over 90% water was developed as a non-wetting gel for post-hatch chicks and poults to help them overcome dehydration and transportation distress, and improve subsequent welfare and growth. Students learned the methodology of product development and field demonstrations. A commercial gel hatchling supplement product is now available and is being used by several commercial turkey and chicken hatcheries for delivery of cocci vaccines, probiotics, and nutrients. If adopted by the global poultry industry, perinatal nutrition technology would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on the transfer of in ovo feeding and hatchery gel supplement technology for commercial applications. This research has inspired many young scientists to pursue the budding new field of how early nutrition can program metabolic and physiological responses later in life, as evidenced by a rise in similar published works at other institutions. Moreover, several commercial companies are now exploring the application of early nutritional programming. To address objectives 2 and 3, several experiments evaluated the dietary inclusion of feed additives and feed manufacturing techniques that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Dietary supplementation of enzymes (carbohydrases, proteases, and phytases), direct-fed microbials, organic acids, functional oils, mannanoligosaccharides have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of enzymes was demonstrated to significantly improve caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $10 to $20/tonne. Finally, several research trials conducted by students demonstrated that increasing particle grind size of a portion of the dietary corn or other ingredients, significantly improved nutrient utilization and enteric health, reduced ammonia emission, and reduce feed manufacturing costs. After aggressively distributing our knowledge about the importance of particle size in pelleted poultry feeds through scientific publication, presentations at scientific and industry conferences, and conducting of national and international short-courses, all poultry producers in NC and many in other parts of the world have made changes in their poultry feed manufacturing to capture the value of research efforts.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shen, Y.B., Ferket, P.R., Park, I., Malheiros, R.D., Kim, S.W., 2015. Effects of feed grade l-methionine on intestinal redox status, intestinal development, and growth performance of young chickens compared with conventional dl-methionine. J. Anim. Sci., 93:1-10.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Xu, Y., Stark, C.R., Ferket, P.R., Williams, C.M., and Brake, J., 2015. Effects of feed form and dietary coarse ground corn on broiler live performance, body weight uniformity, relative gizzard weight, excreta nitrogen, and particle size preference behaviors. Poultry Science 94(7):1549-1556.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Xu, Y., Stark, C.R., Ferket, P.R., Williams, C.M., Auttawong, S., and Brake, J., 2015. Effects of dietary coarsely ground corn and litter type on broiler live performance, litter characteristics, gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal digestibility of energy and nitrogen, and intestinal morphology. Poultry Science 94(3):353-361.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Xu, Y., Stark, C.R., Ferket, P.R., Williams, C.M., Nusairat, B., and Brake, J., 2015. Evaluation of litter type and dietary coarse ground corn inclusion on broiler live performance, gastrointestinal tract development, and litter characteristics. Poultry Science 94(3):362-370.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ayoola, A.A., Malheiros, R.D., Grimes, J.L., Ferket, P.R., 2015. Effect of dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation on enteric mucosal morphological development and adherent mucin thickness in turkeys. Front. Vet. Sci. 2:45-33.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Xu, Y., Stark, C.R., Ferket, P.R., Williams, C.M., Pacheco, W.J., and Brake, J., 2015. Effect of dietary coarsely ground corn on broiler live performance, gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal digestibility of energy and nitrogen, and digesta particle size distribution and retention time. Poultry Science 94:53-60.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. Finding alternatives to growth promotors. Poultry Nutrition and Milling Seminar, Guntersville, AL 4/15-16, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. Influences of feed manufacturing on animal performance. Alltech REBELation Symposium. Lexington KY. 5/16/2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. The role of feed and the feed mill in the transition to an antibiotic free production system. Novus Advantage Conference, Naples, FL 5/12-13/2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. The many faces of trace mineral nutrition. Trace Mineral symposium, Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY 7/30/2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. Prestage Department of Poultry Science Education, Extension, and Research Update. Carolina Feed Industry Association Annual Convension. Myrtle Beach, SC, 7/23/2015.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. In Feedstuffs Reference Issue, Vol 87, Number 35, pages 42-49. Publisher Sarah Muirhead, ed., Tim Linden.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., Korver, D., Leeson, S., Viera, S., and Salah, N., 2015. Moving towards the future rational use of antibiotics. III symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production. Raleigh, NC 8/13/2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2015. The great potential of perinatal nutrition. III symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production. Raleigh, NC 8/14/2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferket., P.R., 2015. Xylanase supplementation of feed to optimize the gut ecosystem for peak performance and profitability. BRI-Ilender Technical Training Seminar. Raleigh, NC 8/11/2015.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Poultry and animal scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel;Animal Agriculture affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA; Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel; feed ingredient suppliers; animal nutritionists; animal health professionals; food safety professionals; environmental sustainability interest groups; animal welfare interest groups; international agriculturalists with interest in USA agriculture relations; Extension specialists and agents. Governmental policy makers, agriculture and food regulators;students of North Carolina State University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project provided training and professional development of 6 undergraduates students, 7 graduate students (2 MS and 5 PhD), and one post-doctoral research associate. These students have advanced in their professional skills, experience, and knowledge proficiency in the field of animal and poultry nutrition, feed formulation, feed manufacturing, experimental design, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, data management, oral presentation, technical writing, project leadership, and teaching and mentoring. The training activities included assisting the project director or associate mentors in the designed and conducting of experiments, sample and data collection, laboratory and information analysis, courses related to nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, feed manufacturing and quality assurance, and poultry production management. Professional development and communication skills were also encouraged by participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, case studies, and industry meetings and extension demonstrations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results of this project has been disseminated by a variety of means to academic and industry scientists, university students, poultry industry stakeholders, federal and state government employees, extension specialist, poultry allied industry representatives, and general public consumers of poultry products. The means of information dissemination included peer-reviewed journal publications, popular press releases, presentation at scientific and industry conferences, extension education print and electronic releases, webinars and seminars, and short-courses. High-impact information dissemination vehicles included the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, The International Poultry Production Short Course, the International Symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production, the International Poultry Exposition, The Latin American Poultry Conference, The Asian Poultry Summit, The Alltech Symposium, the Poultry Science Association Meeting, and the Southern Poultry Society Meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This project will continue to conduct research and train young scientists and future poultry industry leaders to address the three major objectives towards enhancing nutrient utilization and health of turkeys and broilers. The perinatal nutrition work with poultry will focus on developing in ovo feeding solutions that are optimized for automated delivery in commercial broilers. We also plan evaluate the efficacy of administering direct-fed microbials via in ovo feeding and post-hatch gel supplements, thus increasing the resistance of enteric pathogen colonization in poultry and thus reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens from poultry. Several studies will also investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of enzymes, organic acids, and organic trace minerals on nutrient utilization and enteric health of turkey and broilers. Finally, we plan to continue our work on the effect of feed manufacturing and particle grind size on the nutrient utilization of poorly-digested feed ingredients, such as distiller's dried grains and soybean meal, particularly in combination with enzymes supplementation. These research activities will be conducted in conjunction with the training of undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scholars, and post-doctoral fellows, and the results will be disseminated as part of academic lectures, extension short-courses, scientific and industry meetings, and academic and popular press.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Poultry meat and eggs is among the most wholesome, nutritious, and affordable protein sources of the human diet; and it is produced more resource efficiently with less negative environmental impact than other food animals. Consequently, consumption of poultry meat has increased by over 5% per year world-wide during the past 3 decades and will continue into the future as advancements in genetic selection and meat and egg production efficiency continue. North Carolina ranks among the leading states in poultry production. As the leading agricultural commodity group, the poultry industry's economic impact for NC exceeds $13 billion. This project is focused on maintaining the sustainability and global competitiveness of this robust poultry industry by advancing and distributing knowledge related to the efficient use of dietary nutrients in feed and food by-products used in feeds, while enhancing animal welfare to product safe and wholesome poultry food products. This goal is accomplished as faculty scientists and students conducted research and field demonstrations that addressed at least one of three objectives: 1) use of nutrigenomic programming and adaptive conditioning during early perinatal development; 2) use of feed additives and feed manufacturing methods to improve nutrient utilization and reduce nutrient emissions; and 3) use of non-pharmaceutical methods to enhance enteric health and pathogen colonization resistance. The positive outcomes of this work included research knowledge advancements in each of the objectives areas, training of future scientists, and technology knowledge distribution and extension outreach to the poultry and food industries. Some of the technologies were rapidly adopted, while others are being considered for commercialization. To address objective 1, techniques were developed to enhance the nutrition of perinatal poultry by in ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and post-hatch supplements. Automated delivery techniques for IOF were developed to advance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys by 2 to 3 days and increase growth rate and the efficiency of nutrient utilization by up to 4% through to market age. These results were confirmed by students and scientists who were able to map metabolism using focused microarray of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. A nutritionally-enhanced supplement containing over 90% water was developed as a non-wetting gel for post-hatch chicks and poults to help them overcome dehydration and transportation distress, and improve subsequent welfare and growth. Students learned the methodology of product development and field demonstrations. A commercial gel hatchling supplement product is now available and is being used by several commercial turkey and chicken hatcheries for delivery of cocci vaccines, probiotics, and nutrients. If adopted by the global poultry industry, perinatal nutrition technology would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on the transfer of in ovo feeding technology for commercial applications. This research has inspired many young scientists to pursue the budding new field of how early nutrition can program metabolic and physiological responses later in life, as evidenced by a rise in similar published works at other institutions. Moreover, several commercial companies are now exploring the application of early nutritional programming. To address objectives 2 and 3, several experiments evaluated the dietary inclusion of feed additives and feed manufacturing techniques that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Dietary supplementation of enzymes (carbohydrases and phytases), direct-fed microbials, organic acids, and functional oils have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of enzymes were demonstrated to significantly improve caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $5 to $10/tonne. Finally, several research trials conducted by students demonstrated that increasing particle grind size of a portion of the dietary corn or other ingredients, significantly improved nutrient utilization and enteric health, reduced ammonia emission, and reduce feed manufacturing costs. After aggressively distributing our knowledge about the importance of particle size in pelleted poultry feeds through scientific publication, presentations at scientific and industry conferences, and conducting of national and international short-courses, all poultry producers in NC and many in other parts of the world have made changes in their poultry feed manufacturing to capture the value of research efforts.

Publications

  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ayuub Ayodele Ayoola, 2014. Impact of dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation on endogenous secretion, gastrointestinal health, nutrients digestibility and growth performance of poultry. (Under the direction of Dr. Peter R. Ferket). PhD Dissertation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: XU, YI, 2014. Interaction of Dietary Coarse Corn with Litter Conditions on Broiler Live Performance and Gastrointestinal Tract Function. (Under the direction of Dr. Charles R. Stark and Dr. Peter R. Ferket.). PhD Dissertation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Zhang, L., G.T. Cao, X.F. Zeng, L. Zhou, P.R. Ferket, Y.P. Xiao, A.G. Chen, and C.M. Yang, 2014. Effects of Clostricium butyricum on growth performance, immune function, and cecal microflora in broiler chicks challenged with Escherichia coli K88. Poultry Science 93(1):46-65.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Vieira, R. A., R. D. Malheiros, L. F. T. Albino, M. I. Hannas, R. Crivellari, L. L. Borges, and P. R Ferket, 2014. Evaluation of inorganic (sulfates) and chelated trace min- erals zinc, copper, manganese, and iron in low levels for broiler. Poultry Science 93(E-Suppl. 1):84.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Yi Xu, Lingjuan Wang Li, Charles Stark, Peter Ferket, Mike Williams, John Brake, 2014. The Effects of Coarsely Ground Corn Inclusion on Female Broiler Live Performance, Gizzard and Proventriculus Weight, Litter Characteristics and Ammonia Emission. Poultry Science 93(E-Suppl. 1):197.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Pacheco, W., A. Fahrenholz, C. Stark, P. Ferket, J.T. Brake., 2014. Effect of inclusion level and metabolizable energy values of DDGS on pellet quality, nutrient digestibility, incidence of footpad lesions, and broiler live performance. Poultry Science 93(E-Suppl. 1):200.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Malheiros, R., P. Ferket, J. Torrent, , 2014. The Effects of Functional Oils in Finisher Turkey Diets. Poultry Science 93(E-Suppl. 1):262.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Pacheco, W.J. , A.C. Fahrenholz, C.R., Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2014. Effect of particle size of distillers dried grains with solubles and soybean meal on pellet quality, nutrient digestibility, and broiler live performance. Poultry Science 93(E-Suppl. 1):24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2014. The Potential of in ovo feeding and perinatal nutrition. Proceedings of 2014 Eastern Nutrition Conference, pp. 1-7. Animal Nutrition Association of Canada.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2014. Practical considerations of influencing and measuring impacts of fetal and early nutrition programming in poultry. Proceedings of the 35th Western Nutrition Conference, pp. 15-21. University of Alberta, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Edmonton, AB Volume & Issue: ISBN: 1-896110-33-9.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Havenstein, G.B. and Ferket, P. R., 2014. Genetics and Nutrition during the Last 50 Years in Poultry Science and Production. Avian Nutrigenomics Course. FACTA - WPSA Brizilian Branch, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: PACHECO DOMINGUEZ, WILMER JAVIER. Effect of particle size and inclusion level of DDGS, and pellet quality on nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal development, and live performance of broilers and swine (Under the direction of Drs. John Brake and Peter Ferket). PhD Dissertation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Pacheco, W.J., C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J.T. Brake, 2014. Effects of trypsin inhibitor and particle size of expeller-extracted soybean meal on broiler live performance and weight of gizzard and pancreas. Poultry Science 93(9):2245-2252.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2014. Early Nutrition for Gut Development and Health. International Symposium on Poultry Nutrition and Gut Health, pp. 157-183. State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Bejing, China. Editors: Yumming Guo and Peter R. Ferket.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2014. Gut Physiology and Health: The Key for Meat Productivity. Proceedings 41 Poultry Nutrition Conference, pp. 64. Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferket, P. R., 2014. NCSU Nutrition Update. Proceedings 37th Annual North Carolina Turkey Industry Days, pp 1-20. Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Poultry and animal scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel;Animal Agriculture affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA; Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel; feed ingredient suppliers; animal nutritionists; animal health professionals; food safety professionals; environmental sustainability interest groups; animal welfare interest groups; international agriculturalists with interest in USA agriculture relations; Extension specialists and agents. Governmental policy makers, agriculture and food regulators; students of North Carolina State University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project provided training and professional development of 5 undergraduates students, 7 graduate students (2 MS and 5 PhD), and one post-doctoral research associate. These students have advanced in their professional skills, experience, and knowledge proficiency in the field of animal and poultry nutrition, feed formulation, feed manufacturing, experimental design, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, data management, oral presentation, technical writing, project leadership, and teaching and mentoring. The training activities included assisting the project director or associate mentors in the designed and conducting of experiments, sample and data collection, laboratory and information analysis, courses related to nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, feed manufacturing and quality assurance, and poultry production management. Professional development and communication skills were also encouraged by participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, case studies, and industry meetings and extension demonstrations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results of this project has been disseminated by a variety of means to academic and industry scientists, university students, poultry industry stakeholders, federal and state government employees, extension specialist, poultry allied industry representatives, and general public consumers of poultry products. The means of information dissemination included peer-reviewed journal publications, popular press releases, presentation at scientific and industry conferences, extension education print and electronic releases, webinars and seminars, and short-courses. High-impact information dissemination vehicles included the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, The International Poultry Production Short Course, the International Symposium on Emerging Issues in Poultry Nutrition and Meat Production, the International Poultry Exposition, The Latin American Poultry Conference, The Asian Poultry Summit, The Alltech Symposium, the Poultry Science Association Meeting, and the Southern Poultry Society Meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This project will continue to conduct research and train young scientists and future poultry industry leaders to address the three major objectives towards enhancing nutrient utilization and health of turkeys and broilers. The perinatal nutrition work with poultry will focus on developing in ovo feeding solutions that are optimized for automated delivery in commercial broilers. We also plan evaluate the efficacy of administering direct-fed microbials via in ovo feeding and post-hatch gel supplements, thus increasing the resistance of enteric pathogen colonization in poultry and thus reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens from poultry. Several studies will also investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of enzymes, organic acids, and organic trace minerals on nutrient utilization and enteric health of turkey and broilers. Finally, we plan to continue our work on the effect of feed manufacturing and particle grind size on the nutrient utilization of poorly-digested feed ingredients, such as distiller’s dried grains and soybean meal, particularly in combination with enzymes supplementation. These research activities will be conducted in conjunction with the training of undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scholars, and post-doctoral fellows, and the results will be disseminated as part of academic lectures, extension short-courses, scientific and industry meetings, and academic and popular press.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Poultry meat and eggs is among the most wholesome, nutritious, and affordable protein sources of the human diet; and it is produced more resource efficiently with less negative environmental impact than other food animals. Consequently, consumption of poultry meat has increased by over 5% per year world-wide during the past 3 decades and will continue into the future as advancements in genetic selection and meat and egg production efficiency continue. North Carolina ranks among the leading states in poultry production. As the leading agricultural commodity group, the poultry industry’s economic impact for NC exceeds $12.8 billion. This project is focused on maintaining the sustainability and global competitiveness of this robust poultry industry by advancing and distributing knowledge related to the efficient use of dietary nutrients in feed and food by-products used in feeds, while enhancing animal welfare to product safe and wholesome poultry food products. This goal is accomplished as faculty scientists and students conducted research and field demonstrations that addressed at least one of three objectives: 1) use of nutrigenomic programming and adaptive conditioning during early perinatal development; 2) use of feed additives and feed manufacturing methods to improve nutrient utilization and reduce nutrient emissions; and 3) use of non-pharmaceutical methods to enhance enteric health and pathogen colonization resistance. The positive outcomes of this work included research knowledge advancements in each of the objectives areas, training of future scientists, and technology knowledge distribution and extension outreach to the poultry and food industries. Some of the technologies were rapidly adopted, while others are being considered for commercialization. To address objective 1, techniques were developed to enhance the nutrition of perinatal poultry by in ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and post-hatch supplements. Automated delivery techniques for IOF were developed to advance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys by 2 to 3 days and increase growth rate and the efficiency of nutrient utilization by up to 4% through to market age. These results were confirmed by students and scientists who were able to map metabolism using focused microarray of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. A nutritionally-enhanced supplement containing over 90% water was developed as a non-wetting gel for post-hatch chicks and poults to help them overcome dehydration and transportation distress, and improve subsequent welfare and growth. Students learned the methodology of product development and field demonstrations. A commercial gel hatchling supplement product is now available and is being used by several commercial turkey and chicken hatcheries. If the perinatal nutrition technology is adopted by the global poultry industry, would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on the transfer of in ovo feeding technology for commercial applications. This research has inspired many young scientists to pursue the budding new field of how early nutrition can program metabolic and physiological responses later in life, as evidenced by a rise in similar published works at other institutions. Moreover, several commercial companies are now exploring the application of early nutritional programming. To address objectives 2 and 3, several experiments evaluated the dietary inclusion of feed additives and feed manufacturing techniques that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Dietary supplementation of enzymes (carbohydrases and phytases), direct-fed microbials, organic acids, and functional oils have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of enzymes were demonstrated to significantly improve caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $5 to $10/tonne. Finally, several research trials conducted by students demonstrated that increasing particle grind size of a portion of the dietary corn or other ingredients, significantly improved nutrient utilization and enteric health, reduced ammonia emission, and reduce feed manufacturing costs. After aggressively distributing our knowledge about the importance of particle size in pelleted poultry feeds through scientific publication, presentations at scientific and industry conferences, and conducting of national and international short-courses, all poultry producers in NC and many in other parts of the world have made changes in their poultry feed manufacturing to capture the value of research efforts.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: De Oliveira, J.E., S. Druyan, Z. Uni, C.M. Ashwell, and P.R. Ferket, 2013. Metabolic profiling of late-term turkey embryos by microarrays. Poultry Science 92(4):1011-1028.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Zhang, L., G.T. Cao, X.F. Zeng, L. Zhou, P.R. Ferket, Y.P. Xiao, A.G. Chen, and C.M. Yang, 2014. Effects of Clostricium butyricum on growth performance, immune function, and cecal microflora in broiler chickes challenged with Escherichia coli K88. Poultry Science 93(1):46-65.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rungcharoen, P., S. Attamangkune, Y. Raugpanit, N. Therdthai, P. Dhamvithee, P.R. Ferket, and N. Amornthewaphat, 2013. By-product of tropical vermicelli waste as a novel alternative feedstuff in broiler diets. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Science 26:1732-1741.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pacheco, W.J., C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Evaluation of soybean meal source and particle size on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and gizzard development. Poultry Science 92(11):2914-2922.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ferket, P., T. Ao, R. Samuel, R. Malheiros, M. Ford, A. Pescatore, and A. Cantor, 2013. Effect of in ovo feeding and programmed nutrition strategy on the growth performance and meat yield of Ross 708 Broilers. Poultry Science 92(E-Suppl. 1):79.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Xu, Y., C. Stark, P. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Effect of roller mill ground corn inclusion and floor types on gastric development, live performance, and litter moisture in broilers, 2013. Poultry Science 92(E-Suppl.1):65.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ayoola, A.A., R.D. Malheiros, L.V.F.M. Carvalho, S. Indrakumar, L.F. Romero, and P.R. Ferket, 2013. The effect of supplementing corn-DDGS diet with exogenous enzymes and direct-fed microbials on nutrient digestibility in turkey poults. Poultry Science 92(E-Suppl. 1):36.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Malheiros, R.D., A.A. Ayoola, L.V.F.M Carvalho, and P.R. Ferket, 2013. Evaluation of a hydrocolloid hatchery supplement on consumption rate and weight loss of turkey poults. Poultry Science 92(E-Suppl. 1):32.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pacheco, W.J., A.C. Fahrenholz, C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Effect of particle size and inclusion level of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and pellet quality on growth performance and gastro-intestinal (GIT) development of broilers. Poultry Science 92(E-Suppl. 1):14
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Auttawong, S., J.T. Brake, P.R. Ferket, C.R. Stark, S. Yahav, 2013. The effect of corn particle size, dietary energy level, post pellet liquid fat application, and time-limited feeding on broiler live performance to 28 days of age. Poultry Sci. 92(Supplement. 1):195.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Xu, Y., C. Stark, P. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Evaluation of roller mill ground corn inclusions on broiler growth performance, digesta retention time, and gastrointestinal tract characteristics. Poultry Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):196.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ayoola, A., P. Ferket, R. Malheiros, and J. Grimes, 2013. Effect of beta-mannanase supplementation of high and low fat diets on energy and protein utilization, gut morphology, and mucin secretion of turkey poults. Poultry Science 92(Suppl. 1):196.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Malheiros, R., A. Ayoola, P. Ferket, and J. Grimes, 2013. The effect of enzymes and direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation of diets containing 6 and 18% DDGS on the growth performance, gut morphology, and mucin secretion in turkey hens. Poultry Science 92(Suppl. 1):227.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Xu, Y., C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Impact of particle grind size of corn on broilers. Proceedings 40th Annual Poultry Nutrition Conference, pp 44. November 13, 2013, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pacheco, W., C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2013. Effect of particle grind size of DDGS and SBM on feed manufacturing and broiler performance. Proceedings 40th Annual Poultry Nutrition Conference, pp 55. November 13, 2013, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ayoola, A.A., P.R. Ferket, R.D. Maleiros, and J. Grimes, 2013. Effect of beta-mannanase on nutrients digestibility, gut morphology, and ileal mucin secretion. Proceedings 40th Annual Poultry Nutrition Conference, pp 70. November 13, 2013, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Raleigh, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2013. Novel applications to optimize feed efficiency in turkeys. Turkey Science Proceedings, pp 1-9. Turkey Times, Woodbank, John Street, Utkinton, Cheschire, CW6 0LU.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ferket, P.R., 2013. The potential of feeding the perinatal chick in the hatchery: programming for efficiency and meat quality by in ovo and early feeding. Proceedings 6a reunion Annual AECACEM, February 20-22, Queretaro, Mexico.


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several experiments were conducted and the data analyzed to test hypothesis and draw scientific conclusions. These studies provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring, as well as contributing to M.S. thesis' and Ph.D. dissertations. Events: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including, The Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the World's Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (1) Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC (2) Project Workers (>160 hours) B. Baurhoo, Ph.D. Student, McGill University, Quebec J. Grimes, Professor, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC J.T. Brake, Professor, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC S. Stark, Associate Professor, Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC V.M.B. Moraes, Professor, University Sao Paulo, Brazil. I.B. Barasch, M.S. student, Prestage Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC R.D. Malhieros, Ph.D. Research Associate, Prestage Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, NC S. Auttawong, Ph.D. student, Prestage Depart. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC. Y. Xu, Ph.D. student, Prestage Depart. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC. W. Pacheco, Ph.D. student, Prestage Depart. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC. F.M. Goncalves, Ph.D. student, Federal University of Pelomas, Brazil. Partner Organizations Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Oligobasics USA LLC, Excelsior, MN Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC N.C. Soy Processors Association, NC. N.C. Agricultural Foundation TARGET AUDIENCES: Poultry Scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel; Affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed ingredient suppliers, animal nutritionists, animal health professionals. Extension specialists and agents. Governmental regulators. Students of North Carolina State University. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Techniques were developed to enhance the nutrition of perinatal poultry by in ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and post-hatch supplements. Automated delivery techniques for IOF were developed to enhance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys. Enteric development was advanced by 2 to 3 days by IOF as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and focused microarray of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. This benefit of IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 - 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. Post-hatch supplements were developed to further enhance early growth. If the perinatal nutrition technology is adopted by the global poultry industry, would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on technology transfer for commercial applications. Another set experiments evaluated dietary inclusion of feed additives and feed manufacturing techniques that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Yeast fermentation products and functional oils have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of enzymes were demonstrated to significantly improve caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $5 to $10/tonne. Finally, increasing particle grind size, especially of poorly digested ingredients, can significance improve nutrient utilization and reduce feed manufacturing costs. Application of these technologies will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry.

Publications

  • Yang, C.M., G.T. Cao, P.R. Ferket, T.T. Liu, L. Zhou, L. Zhang, Y.P. Xiao, and A.G. Chen, 2012. Effects of probiotic, chlostridium butyricum, on growth performance, immune function, and cecal microflora in broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 91(9):2121-2129.
  • Yang, C.M., P.R. Ferket, Q.H. Hong, J. Zhou, G.T. Cao, L. Zhou, and A.G. Chen, 2012. Effect of chito-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, intestinal morphology and cecal microflora in weaned pigs. J. Animal Sci. 90(8):2671-2676.
  • Auttawong, S., C.R. Stark, P.R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2012. Effect of coarse corn and DDGS inclusion in pelleted diets on broiler performance. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):45.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2012. Epigenetic programming by parent stock and progeny perinatal nutrition: The Poultry Model. Proc. California Animal Nutrition Conference, p , May 16-17, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Fresno, CA.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2012. Embryo epigenomic response to breeder management and nutrition. Proc. XXIV Worlds Poultry Congress, pg 144, 5-9 August, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
  • Malheiros, R.D., P.R. Ferket, and F.M. Goncalves, 2012. Oxidative stress protection of embryos by in ovo supplementation. Proc. XXIV Worlds Poultry Congress, pg 121, 5-9 August, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
  • Xu, Y., C. Stark, P. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2012. Effect of roller mill ground corn inclusion and litter type on broiler performance, gastrointestinal and litter characteristics, and nutrient apparent ileal digestibility. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):46.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2012. Feed enzymes to optimize the gut ecosystem for peak performance and profitability. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):62.
  • Smith, D.P., J.K. Northcutt, J.L. Grimes, and P.R. Ferket, 2012. Feed withdrawal effects on turkey live shrink and gastro-intestinal contents. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):76.
  • Goncalves, F.M., V.L. Santos, J.K. Nunes, L.Novelini, M.A. Anciuti, F. Rutz, and P.R. Ferket, 2012. Total dietary replacement of sodium selenite by selenium yeast (Sel-Plex) improves carcass yield characteristics of male broilers. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):145.
  • Xu, Y., C. Stark, P. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2012. Effect of roller mill ground corn inclusion and litter type on broiler performance and fecal characteristics. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):188.
  • Pacheco, W., C. Stark, J. Brake, and P.R. Ferket, 2012. Evaluation of ESBM and corn particle size on broiler performance. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):189.
  • Ferket, P., R. Malhieros, V. Moraes, A. Ayoola, I. Barasch, and J. Torrent, 2012. Functional oils are an alternative to pharmaceutical growth promoters in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):212.


Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several experiments were conducted and the data analyzed to test hypothesis and draw scientific conclusions. These studies provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring, as well as contributing to M.S. thesis' and Ph.D. dissertations. Events: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including, The Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the World's Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC Project Workers (>160 hours: B. Baurhoo, Ph.D. Student, McGill University, Quebec C.M. Ashwell, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC J. de Oliviera, Scientist, Cargill, USA D. Sauvant, Professor, Agriparitech, Paris, France. J. Grimes, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC J.T. Brake, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M.J. Wineland, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC S. Stark, Associate Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC S.W. Kim, Professor, Department of Animal Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC V.M.B. Moraes, Professor, University Sao Paulo, Brazil. I.B. Barasch, M.S. student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC R.D. Malhieros, Ph.D. Research Associate, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, NC D.V. Bohorquez, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC V. Rivera-Torres, Ph.D. Student, Animal Science, Agroparitech, Paris, France. Partner Organizations: Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Oligobasics USA LLC, Excelsior, MN Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC N.C. Soy Processors Association, NC. N.C. Agricultural Foundation Cooperators: Zehava Uni, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, Ast. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC TARGET AUDIENCES: Poultry Scientists; Poultry Industry Personnel; Affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed ingredient suppliers, animal nutritionists, animal health professionals. Extension specialists and agents. Governmental regulators. Students of North Carolina State University. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
In ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and automated delivery techniques were developed to enhance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys. Enteric development was advanced by 2 to 3 days by IOF as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and focused microarray of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. This benefit of IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 - 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. This technology, if adopted by the global poultry industry, would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on technology transfer for commercial applications. Another set experiments evaluated dietary inclusion of feed additives that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Yeast fermentation products and functional oils have been shown to improve enteric health, significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of a heat-stable beta-mananase was demonstrated to provide at least 100 kcal ME/kg energy uplift and significantly improved caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $5 to $10/tonne. Finally, increasing particle grind size, especially of poorly digested ingredients, can significance improve nutrient utilization and reduce feed manufacturing costs. Application of these technologies will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry.

Publications

  • Barasch, I. B., P. R. Ferket, J. L. Grimes, C. R. Stark, and R. D. Malheiros, 2011. Effect of dietary inclusion of Actigen on ileal villi morphology of turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 90(E-suppl. 1):146.
  • Bohorquez, N. E., D. V. Bohorquez, R. D. Malhieros, M. J. Wineland, and P. R. Ferket, 2011. Effect of genetic cross, broiler breeder weight management, and incubation profile on jejunum mucosa development and growth performance of broiler progeny. Abstracts, 2011 International Poultry Scientific forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, January 24-25, 2011, p 149.
  • Ferket, P. R., R. D. Malheiros, I. Barasch, M. J. Wineland, and D. Moore, 2011. The effect of feeding Original XPC to turkey breeder hens and progeny on the growth performance of turkey toms. Abstracts, 2011 International Poultry Scientific forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, January 24-25, 2011, p 230.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2011. Nutrition-disease interactions regarding gut health in chickens. Proceedings 18th European Symposium of Poultry Nutrition, Working Group 2 of WPSA, October 31-November 4, 2011, Cesme, Ismier, Turkey. P 180-192.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2011. Strategies for finding alternatives to growth promoters. Proc. XXII Congreso Latinoamericano de aviculture.
  • Ferket, P.R., and Z. Uni, 2011. The egg comes first: in ovo feeding and the promise of perinatal nutrition. Proc. Alltech Symposium.
  • Malheiros, R. D., .P. R. Ferket, J. L. Grimes, and S. W. Kim, 2011. Effect of dietary supplementation of beta-mananase (CTCzyme) on the growth performance of turkey hens. Abstracts, 2011 International Poultry Scientific forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, January 24-25, 2011, p 230.
  • Malheiros1, R. D., P. R. Ferket, J. L. Grimes, V. M. B. Moraes, I. B. Barasch, and J. Torrent, 2011. Effects of feeding functional oils on performance and jejunum morphology in turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 90(E-suppl. 1):13.
  • Pacheco, W. J., C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2011. Evaluation of different levels of trypsin inhibitor and particle size of expeller-extracted SBM on broiler performance. Poultry Sci. 90(E-suppl. 1):103.
  • Rivera-Torres, V., P.R. Ferket, and D. Sauvant, 2011. Mechanistic modeling of turkey growth response to genotype and nutrition. J. of. J. Anim. Sci. 89:3170-3188.
  • van Rooij, J. C. A., P. R. Ferket, R. D. Malheiros, K. Latour1, M. J. Wineland, O. J. Fletcher, and H. vanden Brand, 2011. Effect of reduced egg shell conductance during late-term incubation on the morphological development of lymphoid tissues in turkey embryos and poults. Abstracts, 2011 International Poultry Scientific forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, January 24-25, 2011, p 284.
  • Bohorquez, D.V., N.E. Bohorquez, and P.R. Ferket, 2011. Ultrastructural development of the small intestine mucosa in the embryo and turkey poult: A light and electron microscopy study. Poultry Science 90:842-855.
  • Barasch, I. B., P. R..Ferket, J. L. Grimes, C. R. Stark, and R. D. Malheiros, 2011. Effect of dietary inclusion of Actigen and virginiamycin on the growth performance of turkey toms. Abstracts, 2011 International Poultry Scientific forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, January 24-25, 2011, p 229.
  • Baurhoo, B., P. Ferket, C.M. Ashwell, J. de Oliviera, and X. Zhao, 2012. Cell walls of saccharomyces cervisiae differentially modulated innate immunity and glucose metabolism during late systemic inflammation. PLoS ONE7(1): e30323. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030323.
  • Bohorquez, D.V. and P.R. Ferket, 2011. Feeding the maturing gut for lifetime performance. Proceedings 5th Turkey Science and Production Symposium conference, Shrigley Hall Hotel, Macclesfield, UK, March 31-April 1, 2011.


Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several experiments were conducted and the data analyzed to test hypothesis and draw scientific conclusions. These studies provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring, as well as contributing to M.S. thesis and Ph.D. dissertations. Events: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including, The Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the Worlds Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (1) Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC (2) Project Workers (>160 hours) R.D. Malhieros, Ph.D. Research Associate, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, NC D.V. Bohorquez, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M.H. Schwartz, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC V. Rivera-Torres, Ph.D. Student, Animal Science, Agroparitech, Paris, France. A. Israel, Lab Manager, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC Partner Organizations Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Nutriaid, Brussels Belgium. Aginomoto, Tokyo, Japan. Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC N.C. Soy Processors Association, NC. N.C. Agricultural Foundation Cooperators: Zehava Uni, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, Ast. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M. Wineland, Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC TARGET AUDIENCES: Poultry Scientists and Poultry Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA Students of North Carolina State University PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In ovo feeding (IOF) formulations and automated delivery techniques were developed to enhance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys. Enteric development was advanced by 2 to 3 days by IOF as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and focused microarray of genes regulating digestion, nutrient transport, immunity, and metabolism. This benefit of IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 to 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. This technology, if adopted by the global poultry industry, would result in savings of several million dollars per year based on an estimated cost savings of $0.05 to $0.10 per bird. Efforts are now focused on technology transfer for commercial applications. Another set experiments evaluated dietary inclusion of feed additives that improve nutrient utilization by enhancing gut health without the use of pharmaceutical feed additives. Yeast fermentation products have been shown to improve enteric health conditions and significantly improve growth performance and/or feed nutrient efficiency and serve as a cost-effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Dietary supplementation of phytase and xylanases was demonstrated to provide at least 150 kcal ME/kg energy uplift and significantly improved caloric efficiency, thus allowing for lower energy diets without compromising growth performance. Depending on the cost of dietary energy (determined by the commodity price of corn), dietary enzyme supplementation can result in feed costs savings of $5 to $20/tonne. Application of these technologies will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry.

Publications

  • Pacheco, W. J., C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2010. Evaluation of expeller-produced and solvent-extracted soybean meal at two particle sizes on broiler performance. ABSTRACTS 2010 International Poultry Scientific Forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, January 25-26:8.
  • Schwartz, M. H., N. E. Ward, P. R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2010. Enzyme supplementation of corn-based diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for broilers. ABSTRACTS 2010 International Poultry Scientific Forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, January 25-26:8.
  • Rivera-Torres, V., P. Ferket, and D. Sauvant, 2010. Modeling the response of growing turkeys to nutrition: from experimental to commercial data. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):563.
  • Zhao, Y., P. R. Ferket, G. Wu, K. Nakagawa, and S. W. Kim, 2010. Dietary supplementation of L-glutamine and L-glutamate to newly hatched broiler chickens. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):209.
  • Oviedo-Rondon, E. O., M. J. Wineland, C. M. Ashwell, and P. R. Ferket, 2010. Bone development of three breed crosses of broilers is affected by incubation profiles. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):543.
  • Pacheco, W. J., R. D. Malheiros, C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, and J. Brake, 2010. Effect of percentage pellet fines and house-walking schedule on broiler growth performance. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1): 562.
  • Malheiros, R. D., and P. R. Ferket, 2010. Starter feed supplementation level effects of coated sodium butyrate (ADIMIX) on growth performance of broilers. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):813.
  • Ferket, P. R., R. D. Malheiros, M. J. Wineland, J. L. Grimes, and D. T. Moore, 2010. The effect of feeding Original XPC to turkey breeder hens and progeny on starter poult performance and early breast muscle development. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1)/Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):815.
  • Bohorquez, D. V., N. E. Bohorquez, and P. R. Ferket, 2010. Gut microbiota in the avian embryo. ABSTRACTS 2010 International Poultry Scientific Forum, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, January 25-26:53.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several experiments were conducted and the data analyzed to test hypothesis and draw scientific conclusions. These studies provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring, as well as contributing to M.S. thesis and dissertations. Events: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including several feed industry conferences, Watt Webinar series, the Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the Worlds Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (1) Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC (2) Project Workers (>160 hours) D.V. Bohorquez, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M.H. Schwartz, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC A. Israel, Lab Manager, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC Partner Organizations Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Novus International, St. Charles, MO Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Prestige Farms, Clinton, NC Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC Cooperators: Zehava Uni, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, Ast. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M. Wineland, Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC C.M. Ashwell, Asoc. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC B. Baurhoo, Ph.D. Research Assistant, McGill University, Montreal, QB, Canada. X. Zhao, Associate Professor, McGill University, Montreal, QB, Canada. S. Freeman, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Dept. Animal Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M.H. Poore, Professor, Dept. Animal Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC G.B. Huntington, Professor, Dept. Animal Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC. T.M. Middelton, Scientist, Agprovsion, Inc., Warsaw, NC C.R. Stark, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC J.L. Grimes, Professor, Dept. of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC O.T. Foye, Post-doctoral Fellow, Biotechnology and Germplasm Lab, BARC, USDA, Beltsville, MD V.C. Rivera-Torres, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Agroparitech, Paris, France D. Sauvant, Professor, Agroparitech, Paris, France. TARGET AUDIENCES: Poultry Scientists and Poultry Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Students of North Carolina State University PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Several studies were conducted to survey the enteric development of perinatal (10 days before to 10 days after hatch) turkeys to further understand how management and nutrition during the incubation and brooding phases affect growth performance and welfare of poultry. We observed that amnion consumption by the embryo is critical for enteric development; thus nutrient composition of the amnion is highly influential. In ovo feeding was observed to increase the digestive capacity of broiler and turkey hatchlings, as measured by significantly greater absorptive surface area of gut, increased the gene expression and activities of brush boarder enzyme activities, and greater nutrient absorption. Enteric villi development was advanced by 2 to 3 days by IOF as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. This enhanced enteric development by IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 to 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. Using a focused gene array technique, IOF was found to accelerate the development of energy metabolism that favors survival during and after hatch, and it enhanced innate immunity. Moreover, IOF promoted skeletal and muscular development during the first few days post-hatch. A mechanistic turkey growth model was developed to predict energy and amino acid requirements of turkeys by simulating the dynamic metabolism of protein and energy from hatching to the age at slaughter. This model was validated using actual growth data from commercial turkeys and thus could be used to as a decision-making tool to optimize feeding programs for production efficiency, environmental sustainability and product quality. Another set experiments evaluated feed additives and feed ingredients that may improve the welfare, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of commercial poultry production. Dietary inclusion of organic trace minerals (40 ppm Zinc-MHA, 40 ppm manganese-MHA, 20 pm copper-MHA and 0.3 ppm Se-yeast) for male turkeys improved feed conversion, reduced the incidence of leg abnormalities, and increased resistance to bone fracture. Use of organic trace minerals, which have a greater bioavailability than conventional trace mineral salts, will reduce mineral emissions and also enhance animal welfare and turkey the economic and environmental sustainability of the turkey industry. Dietary inclusion of phytase and carbohydrases was also found to significantly decrease phosphorus emission and increase dietary energy efficiency in commercial turkeys, regardless of dietary inclusion of by-product ingredients such as distillers dried grains with solubles. Finally, a novel method of disposing spent laying hens was developed by mechanically removing feathers and bone from soft-tissues and converting them into value-added protein feed products. By-product meals from the soft tissue fraction can be used in pet and fish feeds, while those from the hard tissues can be converted into high-value protein meals for ruminants.

Publications

  • Bohorquez, D.V., J.E. de Oliveira, C.M Ashwell, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. In ovo feeding effects on post-hatch development of the small intestinal epithelium of turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):151.
  • Bohorquez, D.V., N.E. Bohorquez, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. In-ovo feeding and dietary NUPRO enhances triiodothyronine activity and morphological maturation of the small intestinal epithelium of turkey embryos and poults. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):42.
  • deOliveira, J.E., S. Druyan, Z. Uni, C.M. Ashwell, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Prehatch intestinal maturation of turkey embryos demonstrated through gene expression patterns. Poultry Sci. 88(12):2600-2609.
  • Baurhoo, B., P.R. Ferket, and X. Zhao. 2009. Effects of diets containing different concentrations of mannanoligosaccharide or antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal development, cecal and litter microbial populations, and carcass parameters of broilers. Poultry Sci (11):2262-2272.
  • Bohorquez, D.V., A.A. Santos, Jr., and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Evaluation of mucosal development of the small intestine in perinatal turkeys by light and electron microscopy. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):189.
  • Foye, O.T., C. Ashwell, Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. The effects of intra-amnionic feeding of arginine and/or β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on jejunal gene expression in the turkey embryo and hatchling. Int. J. of Poultry Sci 88(5):437-445.
  • Schwartz, M.H., D.V. Bohorquez, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Effects of water and feed supplementation of oregano essential oil (Regano), of coccidian-challenged turkey poults on growth performance and gut morphology. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):188.
  • Freeman, S.R., M.H. Poore, G.B. Huntington, T.F. Middleton, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Determination of nitrogen balance in goats fed a meal produced from hydrolyzed spent hen hard tissues. J. Animal Sci, 87(3):1068-1076.
  • Freeman, S.R., M.H. Poore, T.F. Middleton, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Alternative methods for disposal of spent laying hens: evaluation of the efficacy of grinding, mechanical deboning, and of keratinase in the rendering process. Bioresour Technol. 100(19):4515-4520.
  • Rivera-Torres, V.C., P.R. Ferket, and D. Sauvant. 2009. Characterization of turkey growth profiles through mechanistic modeling. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):43.
  • Shwartz, M.H., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and C.R. Stark. 2009. Effect of phytase and carbohydrase supplementation of corn-soy diets with or without the inclusion of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):67.
  • Upton, J.R., F.W. Edens, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. The effects of dietary oxidized fat and selenium source on performance, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity in broiler chickens. J. of Applied Poultry Research 18(2):193-202.
  • Wineland, M.J., H.R.C. Evans, E.O. Oviedo, C.M. Ashwell, and P.R. Ferket. 2009. Effects of two incubation profiles upon embryo and chick characteristics of 3 breed crosses. Poultry Sci. 88(Supplement 1):48.
  • Ferket, P.R. Epigenetic adaptations in poultry: A case for in ovo feeding strategies. 2009. Proceedings 70th Minnesota Nutrition Conference, pp 60-76. September 15-16, 2009. Owatonna, MN.
  • Ferket, P.R., E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, P. L. Mente, D. V. Bohorquez, A. A. Santos, Jr., J. L. Grimes, J. D. Richards, J. J. Dibner, and V. Felts. 2009. Organic trace minerals and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol affect performance characteristics, leg abnormalities, and biomechanical properties of leg bones of turkeys. Poult Sci. 88(5): 118-131.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several experiments were conducted and the data analyzed to test hypothesis and draw scientific conclusions. These studies provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring, as well as contributing to M.S. thesis' and dissertations. Events: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including the Alltech Symposium, The Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the World's Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (1)Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC (2)Project Workers (>160 hours) D.V. Bohorquez, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M.H. Schwartz, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC A. Israel, Lab Manager, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC Partner Organizations Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Novus International, St. Charles, MO Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Prestige Farms, Clinton, NC Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC Cooperators: Zehava Uni, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, Ast. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M. Wineland, Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC C.M. Ashwell, Asoc. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC TARGET AUDIENCES: Poultry Scientists and Poultry Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA Students of North Carolina State University PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
IOF formulations and automated delivery techniques were developed to enhance the development of perinatal broilers and turkeys. Under commercial-like conditions, an Inovoject (Pfizer-Embrex, Durham, NC) was modified to deliver the IOF solutions into the amnion of 200 eggs or more every 10 seconds with an accuracy exceeding 95%. Based on several experiments, in ovo feeding was observed to increase the digestive capacity of broiler and turkey hatchlings, as measured by significantly greater absorptive surface area of gut, increased the gene expression and activities of brush boarder enzyme activities, and greater amino acid and glucose cross-membrane transport activities. Enteric villi development was advanced by 2 to 3 days by IOF as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. This enhanced enteric development by IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 - 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. Using a focused gene array technique, in ovo feeding was found to accelerate the development of energy metabolism that favors survival during and after hatch, and it enhanced innate immunity. Moreover, IOF promoted skeletal and muscular development during the first few days post-hatch. Another set experiments evaluated dietary inclusion of yeast extracts rich in nucleotides or organic trace minerals for turkey poults. Dietary inclusion of the yeast extract up to 15% enhanced morphological development of the gut in 7 d poults, which was associated with increased 21 d body weights and reduced mortality rate. Dietary inclusion of organic trace minerals (40 ppm Zinc-MHA, 40 ppm manganese-MHA, 20 pm copper-MHA and 0.3 ppm Se-yeast) for male turkeys improved feed conversion, reduced the incidence of leg abnormalities, and increased resistance to bone fracture. Early nutrition and feed formulation indeed impacts the development and health of commercial broilers and turkeys. In ovo feeding (IOF) has the potential to enhance the early survival, health, and productivity of commercial meat poultry, which is a primary concern of the poultry industry. In ovo feeding accelerates metabolic and physiological development of parinatal poultry, and enhances intestinal development and function that facilitates the utilization of dietary nutrients and energy more efficiently for rapid growth. Better early nutrition will also improve early skeletal and muscular development, which potentially increases flock meat yield by over 3%. The automated IOF delivery system that has been developed was successfully field tested in commercial turkey and broiler hatcheries. Using IOF technology together with dietary supplementation of yeast extract and organic trace minerals to enhance early enteric development has great potential to improve the welfare and productivity of commercial meat poultry. Application of this technology will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry.

Publications

  • 12.Bohorquez, D.V., A.A. Santos, Jr., R.L. Nanney, and P.R. Ferket, 2008. Nutrient digestibility value of Nupro yeast extract for broilers. Proceedings XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress 2008, pp 1261. Worlds Poultry Science Association, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queens.
  • 13.Bohorquez, D.V., A.A. Santos, Jr., R.L. Nanney, and P.R. Ferket, 2008. Small intestine development and growth performance of turkey poults is enhanced by dietary supplementation of Nupro yeast extract. Proceedings XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress 2008, pp 1258. Worlds Poultry Science Association, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queens.
  • 14.Ferket, P.R., E. O. Oviedo, and K.E. Powel. Solving leg problems in turkeys. Proceedings XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress 2008, pp 1255. Worlds Poultry Science Association, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queens.
  • 1.De Oliveivra, J.E., Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2008. Important metabolic pathways in poultry embryos prior to hatch. Worlds Poultry Sci. J. 64(4):488-499.
  • 2.Ferket, P.R., E.O. Oviedo-Rondon, P.L. Mente, D.V. Bohorquez, A.A. Santos, Jr., J.L. Grimes, J.D. Richards, J.J. Dibner, and V. Felts, 2008. Organic Trace Minerals and 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Affect Performance Characteristics, Leg Abnormalities and Biomechanical Properties of Leg Bones of Turkey. Poult. Sci. 87(In press).
  • 3.Santos, F. B. O., B. W. Sheldon, A. A. Santos, Jr., and P. R. Ferket, 2008. Influence of Housing System, Grain Type, and Particle Size on Salmonella Colonization and Shedding of Broilers Fed Triticale or Corn-Soybean Meal DietsInfluence of Housing System, Grain Type, and Particle Size on Salmonella Colonization and Shedding of Broilers Fed Triticale or Corn-Soybean Meal Diets. Poult. Sci. 87: 405-420.
  • 4.Upton, J.R., F.W. Edens, P.R. Ferket, 2008. Selenium yeast on broiler performance. Int. J. Poult. Sci. 7:(8): 798-805.
  • 5.Santos, A. A. Jr., P. R. Ferket, F. B. O. Santos, N. Nakamura, C. Collier, and H. R. Gaskins. 2008. Change in Ileum Bacterial Population of Turkeys Fed Different Diets and After Infection with Salmonella spp. as Determined with Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of Amplified 16S Ribosomal DNA. Poultry Science 87: 1415-1427.
  • 6.Oviedo-Rondon, E.O., P. L. Mente, B. D. X. Lascelles, J. Grimes1, P. Ferket, and A. Mitchell, 2008. Leg defects and gait patterns on turkey bone biomechanical properties. Poultry Sci. 87(Supplement 1):58.
  • 7.De Oliveira, J.E., C. M. Ashwell, Z. Uni, and P. R. Ferket, 2008. Effect of in ovo feeding on turkey embryo intestinal morphology. J. E., Effect of in ovo feeding on turkey embryo intestinal morphology. Poultry Sci. 87(Supplement 1):31.
  • 8.Bohorquez, D. V., A. A. Santos Jr., and P. R. Ferket, 2008. In-ovo feeding and dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate effects on poult quality, growth performance and ileum microanatomy of turkey poults from 1 to 11 days of age. Poultry Sci. 87(Supplement 1):139.
  • 9.Ferket, P.R. Nutrition and management factors that affect gut health in broiler breeders. Proceedings 2008 North Carolina Broiler Breeder and Hatchery Management Conference, pp 79-86. October 29-30, 2008. Iredell Country Agricultural Resource Center, Statesville, NC.
  • 10.Ferket, P.R. The effect of nutrition on epigenetics in poultry. Proceedings of the 29th Western Nutrition Conference, September 23-24, 2008 Edmonton AB.
  • 11.Bohorquez, D.V., A.A. Santos, Jr., J.O. Rojas, Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2008. Effects of in-ovo feeding (IOF) and dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on the small intestinal microanatomy of turkey poults. Proceedings XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress 2008, pp 414. Worlds Poultry Science Association, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queens.
  • 15.Ferket, P.R. Nutrition of the Perinatal Turkey. Proceedings of the 2nd Turkey Science and Production Conference, pp 63-67. Shrigley Hall, Macclesfield, UK. April 16-18, 2008. Turkey Times, Woodbank, John Street, Utkinton, Cheshire, UK CW6 OLU.


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Enhancement of early development of broilers and turkeys: The parinatal period is critical for development for broilers and turkeys because of the high caloric demand to fuel metabolism during hatching until they initiate feed intake. Developmental delay just before hatch will constrain the genetic potential for growth of meat poultry, but this can be alleviated by in ovo feeding (IOF), which allows late term embryos to consume externally-administered nutrients as they imbibe the amnion fluid prior to pipping. IOF formulations and automated delivery techniques were developed to enhance gut development, digestive capacity, and glycogen status. Under commercial-like conditions, the automated IOF machine is able to deliver the IOF solutions into the amnion of 200 eggs or more every 10 seconds with an accuracy exceeding 95%. IOF increased the digestive capacity of broiler and turkey hatchlings, as measured by significantly greater absorptive surface area of gut, increased the gene expression and activities of brush boarder enzyme activities, and greater amino acid and glucose cross-membrane transport activities. This enhanced enteric development by IOF was associated with increased growth rate and feed efficiency by 2 to 4% at least through the first few weeks after hatch and often through to market age. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. Using a focused gene array technique, in ovo feeding was found to accelerate the development of energy metabolism that favors survival during and after hatch. Moreover, IOF promoted skeletal and muscular development during the first few days post-hatch. The positive effects of IOF are associated with accelerated enteric development and enhanced energy status of hatchlings, which benefit the welfare and growth performance of chicks and poults. Yeast extract has high nutritional value for poultry and improves enteric development of broiler chicks and turkey poults: A series of experiments were conducted to determine the metabolisable energy (ME) and digestible amino acid (DAA) value of the yeast extract NUPRO (NP)(Alltech, Lexington, KY), and observe its effect on the morphological development of the intestinal epithelium. NP had 87% DAA and 3611 kcal ME/kg in chickens, 72% DAA and 3082 kcal ME/kg in chicks, and 70% DAA and 2857 kcal ME/kg in poults. Weight gain and feed conversion was improved 4% by dietary NP in chicks and by 10% in poults and this was associated with increased intestinal absorptive surface area and reduced mortality rate. Organic trace minerals enhances intestinal health and feed efficiency of turkey poults. Trace minerals are important co-factors of metabolism and are especially important for enteric health and nutrient assimilation. Dietary supplementation of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium organically bound to methionine hydroxy analogue as MINTREX (Novus Inc.) was observed to improve feed efficiency of turkey poults by enhancing the morphological development of jejunum villi. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (1)Principal Investigator: Peter R. Ferket, Professor, Department of Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC (2)Project Workers (>160 hours) D.V. Bohorquez, M.S. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC F.B.O. Santos, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC A.A. Santos, Post-Doc, Dept. Poutry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC J.E. de Oliveira, Ph.D. Student, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC A. Israel, Lab Manager, Dept. Poultry Science, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC Partner Organizations: Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel Pfizer Animal Health/Embrex, Durham, NC Novus International, St. Charles, MO Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY Prestige Farms, Clinton, NC Goldsboro Milling Company, Goldsboro, NC Cooperators: Zehava Uni, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rahovot, Israel E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, Ast. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC M. Wineland, Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC C.M. Ashwell, Asoc. Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC B.W. Sheldon, Professor, Dept. Poultry Sci., N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: Poultry Scientists and Poultry Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA. Feed Scientists and Feed Industry Personnel and affiliates of the State of North Carolina and the greater USA Students of North Carolina State University Efforts. Science-based knowledge was distributed by the following formal and informal educational programs: Classroom Lectures; University Seminars; Laboratory instruction; Graduate student research experiences; Industry conferences and conventions, including the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, the Poultry Nutritionists Workshop, the Carolina Feed Technology School, and the International Poultry Short-Course; Scientific meeting, including the Alltech Symposium, The Poultry Science Association Meeting, the Southern Poultry Society Meeting, and the World's Poultry Science Association Meetings; and Extension outreach and demonstrations.

Impacts
This research report illustrates the impact of early nutrition and feed formulation on the development and health of commercial broilers and turkeys. In ovo feeding (IOF) has the potential to enhance the early survival, health, and productivity of commercial meat poultry, which is a primary concern of the poultry industry. In ovo feeding accelerates metabolic and physiological development of parinatal poultry, and enhances intestinal development and function that facilitates the utilization of dietary nutrients and energy more efficiently for rapid growth. Better early nutrition will also improve early skeletal and muscular development, which potentially increases flock meat yield by over 3%. Development of automated IOF delivery system has been developed and is now ready for commercial field testing. Using IOF technology together with dietary supplementation of yeast extract and organic trace minerals to enhance early enteric development has great potential to improve the welfare and productivity of commercial meat poultry. Application of this technology will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry.

Publications

  • Bohorquez, D., A. Santos, P. Ferket, and J. Richards, 2007. Supplementati0n with MINTREX organic trace minerals enhances intestinal health and feed efficiency of turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 86(Supplement 1):782.
  • Bohorquez, D.V., A.A. Santos, Jr., and P.R. Ferket, 2007. In ovo-fed lactose augments small intestinal surface and body weight of 3 day-old turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 86(Supplement 1):214.
  • de Oliveira, J.E., P.R. Ferket, C.M. Ashwell, Z. Uni, and C. Heggen-Peay, 2007. Changes in the late term turkey embryo metabolism due to in ovo feeding. Poultry Sci. 86(Supplement 1):214.
  • de Oliveira, J.E., P. R. Ferket, M. J. Wineland, and E. O. Oviedo-Rondon, 2007. Inuence of in ovo feeding on turkey poult quality. Poult. Sci. 86(Supplement 1):318.
  • Ferket, P., 2007. Development of time-enhanced internet-based distance education in feed mill management and feed formulation. Poultry Sci. 86(Supplement 1):463.
  • Foye, O.T., Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2007. The effects of in ovo feeding arginine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl-butyrate, and protein on jejunal digestive and absorptive activity in embryonic and neonatal turkey poults. Poultry Science 86:2343-2349.
  • Heggen-Peay, C.L., M. Garrell, V.W. Doeling, and P.R. Ferket, 2007. Development of an automated delivery system for in ovo feeding of turkey embryos. Poultry Sci. 86(Supplement 1):214.
  • Santos, F., B. Sheldon, A. Santos, P. Ferket, M. Lee, A. Pedroso, and D. Smith. 2007. Determination of Ileum microbial Diversity by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of 16S Ribosomal DNA Amplicons of Broilers Fed Triticale- or Corn-based Diets and Colonized by Salmonella. J. Applied Poultry Research 16:563-573.
  • Santos, F.B.O., D.H. D'Souza, L. Jaykus, P.R. Ferket, and B.W. Sheldon, 2007. Genotypes, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella isolated from commercial North Carolina turkey farms. Journal of Food Production 70(6):1328-1333.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Enhancement of early development of broilers and turkeys: The parinatal period is critical for development because of the high caloric demand to fuel metabolism the hatching process until they initiate feed intake. Delay in the capacity to consume and digest feed immediately after hatch will constrain the genetic potential for growth of meat poultry. However, this disadvantage can be elevated by in ovo feeding (IOF), which allows late term embryos to consume externally-administered nutrients as they imbibe the amnion fluid prior to pipping. Several experiments done to develop the IOF formulations and automated delivery techniques that affect early gut development, digestive capacity, and glycogen status. In collaboration with an industry collaborator, an automated system was developed to deliver .2 to 1 ml IOF solutions to chickens and turkeys at 18 and 24 days of incubation, respectively. IOF increased the digestive capacity of hatchlings as indicated by significantly greater absorptive surface area of gut, increased brush boarder enzyme activities, and greater amino acid and glucose cross-membrane transport activities. IOF also enhanced the expression of genes for brush boarder enzymes and nutrient transporters. This enhanced enteric development by IOF is associated with increased hatch weight by 2 - 4%, which continues through the first few weeks after hatch. As an indication of enhanced body energy reserve status, glycogen content in the liver of embryos and hatchlings from the IOF treatments is at least 50% greater than controls. Moreover, IOF increased breast muscle size during the first few days post-hatch. The positive effects of IOF are associated with accelerated enteric development and enhanced energy status. Enteric health and salmonella colonization resistance: Several experiments were conducted to evaluate nutritional applications to improve the resistance of turkeys and broilers to enteric pathogens. Two experiments, one with broilers and the other with turkeys, demonstrated that particle size may have a significant influence of the colonization of enteric pathogens. Whole wheat or triticale, or course cracked corn (ca. 1200 micorns) resulted in a 1 log reduction in salmonella colonization of ceca. Course particles of about 4% of diet also improved early growth performance of birds. Dietary inclusion of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) from wheat or triticale was also found to reduce salmonella colonization, especially in combination with xylanase supplementation. Use of degradient gel electrophresis of cDNA revealed that particle size and dietary NSP alters the microflora profile to competitively exclude salmonella. Dietary supplementation of egg immunoglobilins (IgY) from hens hyper immunized against enteric pathogens resulted in improved gut health and greater resistance to pathogen colonization of broilers, especially among those raised in cages that do not have access to litter. Birds raised on litter were found to be more resistant to salmonella colonization than those reared in cages.

Impacts
This research report illustrates the impact of early nutrition and feed formulation on the development and health of commercial turkeys. In ovo feeding (IOF) has the potential to enhance the early survival, health, and productivity of turkeys and broilers. IOF enhances intestinal function and development, which helps neonatal poultry utilize dietary nutrients and energy more efficiently for rapid growth. Better early nutrition will also improve early muscle development, which potentially increases meat yield by as much as 3%. Development of automated IOF delivery has been developed and is now ready for field testing. Using IOF technology to enhance early enteric development together with dietary manipulations promote a stable enteric microbial ecosystem will result in improved gut health and resistance to enteric pathogens, such as salmonella. Our research demonstrate that diets can be formulated to discourage the colonization of enteric pathogens, and improve nutrient utilization and growth performance in poultry by increasing particle size, and supplementing diets with ingredients rich in non-starch polysaccharide, enzymes and immunoglobulins. Application of this technology will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry, and help improve food safety of poultry products.

Publications

  • deOliveira, J., P. Ferket, Z. Uni, B. Jones, R. Upton, V. Doeling, and C. Ricks, 2006. Glycogen status and growth of poults in ovo fed carbohydrate and hydrolyzed soy relative to positive and negative controls. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):206.
  • Fasina, Y.O., H. L. Classen, J. D. Garlich, B. L. Black, P. R. Ferket, Z. Uni, and A. A. Olkowski, 2006. Response of turkey poults to soybean lectin levels typically encountered in commercial diets. 2. effect on intestinal development and lymphoid organs. Poultry Science 85:870-877.
  • Ferket, P.R., and Z. Uni, 2006. In ovo feeding enhances early gut development and digestive capacity of poultry. Worlds Poultry Science, Supplement 64:300.
  • Foye, O.T., Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2006. Effect of in ovo feeding egg white protein, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, and carbohydrates on glycogen status and neonatal growth of turkeys. Poult. Sci. 2006 85: 1185-1192.
  • Foye, O.T., Z. Uni, J.P. McMurtry and P.R. Ferket, 2006. The Effects of Amniotic Nutrient Administration, "In ovo Feeding" of Arginine And/or beta-Hydroxy-beta-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) on Insulin-like Growth Factors, Energy Metabolism and Growth in Turkey Poults. International Journal of Poultry Science 5 (4): 309-317.
  • Santos, A.A., P.R. Ferket, F.B.O. Santos, N. Nakamura, C. Collier, and H.R. Gaskins, 2006. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA amplicons to analyze changes in ileum bacterial population of turkeys fed different diets and after infection with Salmonella spp. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):32.
  • Santos, F., A. Santos, P. Ferket, and B. Sheldon, 2006. Influence of housing system, grain type and particle size on Salmonella colonization and shedding in broilers fed triticale and corn-soybean meal diets. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):18.
  • Santos, F.B.O., A.A. Santos Jr., P.R. Ferket and B.W. Sheldon, 2006. Influence of Grain Particle Size and Insoluble Fiber Content on Salmonella Colonization and Shedding of Turkeys Fed Corn-Soybean Meal Diets. International Journal of Poultry Science 5 (8): 731-739.
  • Smirnov, A., E. Tako, P.R. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2006. Mucin gene expression and mucin content in the chicken intestinal goblet cells are affected by in ovo feeding of carbohydrates. Poultry Science 85:669-673.
  • Bohorquez, D., R. Plunske, E. Oviedo, and P. Ferket, 2006. Growth performance, gut health, and feed passage of Salmonella-challenged chickens reared on litter floors or in cages. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):32.
  • Bohorquez, D., R. Plunske, E. Oviedo-Rondon, and P. Ferket, 2006. Growth performance of salmonella-challenged broilers fed normal and high threonine (THR) diets supplemented with egg immunoglobulins (IgY). Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):168.
  • deOliveira, J., P. Ferket, C. Ashwell, and Z. Uni, 2006. Assessing liver energy metabolism of late term turkey embryos using microarrays. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):35.
  • Warner, J.D., P.R. Ferket, V.L. Christensen, and J.V. Felts, 2006. Effect of season, hatch time, and post-hatch holding on glycogen status of turkey poults. Poult. Sci. 85(Supplement 1):56.


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Enhancement of early development of turkeys: Several experiments were conducted determine the effect of IOF solution volume and osmotic pressure, and nutrient content on early development of turkeys. Solutions varying in osmotic pressure by the inclusion of sodium or glucose were in ovo fed to turkey embryos at 23 d of incubation. In ovo feeding 1 - 1.5 ml of IOF 400 mOsm solutions increased percentage hatch by 10% and hatch weight. IOF solutions containing egg white protein and HMB increased hatch weight by 6.0%. Total hepatic glycogen at hatch was enhanced by IOF egg white protein, whereas total muscle glycogen was enhanced at 7 days by IOF HMB. In ovo feeding .2% HMB or ARG increased hatch weight and 14 d weights by 3% and 10%, respectively, and increased hepatic glycogen by up to 85%. Brush boarder enzyme activities, and nutrient transporters in IOF fed pouts was increased over 3-fold in 14 day old poults. IOF of HMB, ARG and proteins may enhance early growth by improving intestinal function and development, which may supply more nutrients to support rapid growth. Another series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of early nutrition on muscle development. Satellite cell mitotic activity was observed to be highest immediately after hatch and decrease subsequently. This response was found to be stimulated by dietary HMB supplementation or inhibited by fasting. Fed poults had higher satellite cell mitotic activity at 3 and 4 days of age as compared to the fasted poults. Therefore, nutrient intake during the first week post-hatch significantly affects the dynamics of muscle development involving satellite cell mitotic activity and satellite cell proliferation. Enteric health and salmonella colonization resistance: Experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of two antibiotic growth promoter alternatives. The effect of dietary supplementation of egg immunoglobulins (IgY) produced from hens immunized against common salmonella spp was studied on the growth and immune response of both salmonella-challenged and unchallenged broiler chicks. Although not affecting the unchallenged chicks, dietary IgY increased body weight and muscle yield of in challenged birds. IgY enhanced humoral immunity without affecting the inflammatory response, thus improving growth performance of salmonella-challenged chicks. Other experiments evaluated the effect of dietary endoxylanase supplementation and NSP on intestinal health and salmonella colonization in turkeys. Dietary NSP increased intestinal weight and length, compromised nutrient digestibility, and increased gut microbial fermentation, but enzyme supplementation alleviated these adverse effects. Salmonella colonization in turkeys was discouraged by endnoxylanase-supplemented diets high in NSP content, primarily by enhancing the diversity of the resident microflora. This research demonstrated that dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation and NSP can promote gut health and discourage the colonization of Salmonella in turkey intestine, improving growth performance and reducing the presence of potential pathogenic microorganisms in turkeys.

Impacts
This research report illustrates the impact of early nutrition and feed formulation on the development and health of commercial turkeys. In ovo feeding has the potential to enhance the early survival, health, and productivity of turkeys and broilers. In order to realize the potential of in ovo feeding in commercial poultry production, the physiological and chemical constraints was defined. In ovo feeding may enhance intestinal function and development, which may provide the nutrients and energy needed for more rapid growth. Better early nutrition will also improve early muscle development, which potentially increases meat yield by as much as 3%. This research report illustrates the potential of using diet formulation to enhance enteric health of poultry and reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens in poultry products. Using ingredients rich in non-starch polysaccharides, such as wheat and triticale, and the supplementation of enzymes and immunoglobulins, diets can be formulated to discourage the colonization of enteric pathogens, and improve nutrient utilization and growth performance in poultry. Application of this technology will improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry, and help improve food safety of poultry products.

Publications

  • Moore, D.T., P.R. Ferket and P.E. Mozdziak, 2005. Early Post-Hatch Fasting Induces Satellite Cell Self-Renewal. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 142:331-339.
  • Moore, D.T., P.R. Ferket and P.E. Mozdziak, 2005. The effect of early nutrition on satellite cell dynamics in the young turkey Poultry Science 84: 748-756.
  • Moore, D.T., P.R. Ferket and P.E. Mozdziak, 2005. Muscle Development in the Late Embryonic and Early Post-Hatch Poult. International Journal of Poultry Science 4 (3): 138-142, 2005.
  • Tako, E., P. R. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2005. Changes in chicken intestinal zinc exporter mRNA expression and small intestine functionality following intra-amniotic zinc-methionine administration. J. Nutritional Biochemistry 15:339-346.
  • Uni, Z., P. R. Ferket, E. Tako, and O. Kedar, 2005. In Ovo Feeding Improves Energy Status of Late-Term Chicken Embryos. Poultry Science 84(5):764-770.
  • Moore, D.T., P.R. Ferket, and P.E. Mozdziak, 2005. The Effect of Early Nutrition on Satellite Cell Dynamics in the Young Turkey. Poultry Science 84(5):748-756.
  • Moore, D.T., P.R. Ferket, and P.E. Mozdziak, 2005. Muscle Development in the Late Embryonic and Early Post-Hatch Poult. International Journal of Poultry Science 4 (3): 138-142, 2005.
  • Veldkamp, T., R. P. Kwakkel, P. R. Ferket, and M. W. A. Verstegen , 2005. Growth Responses to Dietary Energy and Lysine at High and Low Ambient Temperature in Male Turkeys. Poultry Sci 84(2):273-282.
  • Tako. E., P.R. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2005. Changes in Chicken Intestinal Zinc Exporter (ZnT1) mRNA Expression and small intestine functionality following an Intra Amniotic Zinc-Methionine (ZnMet) administration. J. Nutritional Biochemistry 16:339-346.
  • Ferket, P., J. de Oliveira, A. Ghane, and Z. Uni, 2005. Effect of in ovo feeding solution osmolality on hatching turkeys. Poultry Sci. 84(Supplement 1):in press.
  • Foye, O., P. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2005. The effects of in ovo feeding of protein and bet-methyl-beta-hydroxybutyate (HMB) on nutrient digestion and absorption in neonatal turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 84(Supplement 1):in press.
  • Ferket, P., Z. Uni, and O. Foye, 2005. Enhancement of pre- and post-hatch development of turkeys by in ovo feeding. Poultry Sci., 84(Supplement 1):in press.


Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
Three studies were conducted to evaluate nutrient utilization, enteric health, and early development of broilers and turkeys. In the first study, two experiments evaluated the effects of diet formulation and enzyme supplementation on growth performance and intestinal Salmonella colonization of turkeys. First, turkeys were fed wheat- or corn-based diets with and without xylanase. Although the enzyme improved growth performance, it had not effect salmonella prevalence. However, by 15 weeks of age, salmonella was not recovered from birds fed wheat-based diets, while 38% of the birds fed corn were positive. Second, turkeys were fed corn-, wheat-, or triticale-based diets with and without xylanase. Again, the enzyme-fed birds had improved body weight gain and feed conversion. Salmonella levels were lower (p<.05) in birds fed wheat or triticale than corn at 14 (8 vs 6 Log/g), 21 (6 vs 5 Log/g) and 28 (7 vs 4 Log/g) d. Among the wheat and triticale diets, enzyme supplementation reduced (p<.05) cecal Salmonella at 14 (6 vs 7 Log/g), 21 (4 vs 6 Log/g), and 28 (4 vs 5 Log/g) d. Evidently, Salmonella colonization was discouraged by diets containing non-starch polysacharides and enzyme supplementation improved growth performance in turkeys. The second study evaluated lipid and protein quality of dissolved air floatation (DAF) sludge from poultry processing plants after acid preservation or heat and solid separation. The protein and fat quality of minced poultry by-products was preserved by >5% phosphoric acid more effectively than by lactic acid fermentation. Phosphoric acid preservation also stabilized protein quality of DAF, but it was unable to improve its lipid quality because extensive lipid oxidation had occurred prior to acid preservation. The nutritional value of dehydrated secondary protein nutrients (SPN) separated from DAF after heat-processing and centrifugation had <25% digestible protein and <15% digestible fat in chicks but caused vitamin D deficiency and poor growth when the diet contained >15%. However, the nutritional value of SPN for ruminants was as similar to that of soybean meal. The third study demonstrated the enhancement of growth and enteric development of broilers and turkeys by in ovo feeding, the administration of nutrients to the amnion of late-term embryos. Broilers in ovo (IO) fed carbohydrates (CHO) and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on day 17 of incubation increased nutrient absorption surface area of villi by 45% and brush-boarder maltase activity by 50% at 3 days of age. By 10 days, the IO-fed chicks weighed >5% more than controls. In another experiment, IO feeding increased hatching weights by 6%, increased liver glycogen 5 fold, and elevated relative breast muscle size by 8%. By 25 days of age, the IO-fed broilers were still 5% heavier than controls. IO feeding egg albumen and HMB of turkeys at 23 days of incubation increased body and breast muscle weights at 1 and 7 days post-hatch by >6%, and increased liver glycogen by >35% at hatch. IO feeding also increased brush boarder absorptive surface area and enzyme activity, and amino acid and glucose transport immediately after hatch.

Impacts
Dietary supplementation of appropriate enzymes will improve nutrient utilization, reduce mineral emissions, and enhance animal and food safety. Economic impact is about $.05 per animal. Acid preservation can improve the nutritional value and biological safety of poultry by-products. Proper preservation and processing into Secondary protein nutrients changes DAF from an environmental liability to an economical and safe nutrient for ruminants. In ovo feeding is a novel technology that may improve nutrient utilization and health of young poultry, resulting in greater economic returns in poultry production.

Publications

  • Moore, D. T., P. R. Ferket, and P. E. Mozdziak, 2004. In ovo intraperitoneal administration of bromodeoxyuridine to avian fetuses. Biotechniques 36:50.
  • Santos, Jr., A.A., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and F.W. Edens, 2004. Dietary pentosanase supplementation of diets containing different qualities of wheat on growth performance and metabolizable energy of turkey poults. International Journal of Poultry Science 3(2):33-45.
  • Santos, Jr., A.A., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and F.W. Edens, 2004. Dietary supplementation of endoxylanases and Phopholipase for turkeys fed wheat-based rations. International Journal of Poultry Science 3(2):20-32.
  • Tako, E., P.R. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2004. Zinc-methionine enhances the intestine development and functionality in the late term embryos and chicks. Poultry Sci. 83 (Supplement 1):267.
  • Uni, Z., and P.R. Ferket, 2004. Methods for early nutrition and their potential. Worlds Poultry Science Journal 60:101-111.
  • Fasina, Y.O., J. D. Garlich, H. L. Classen, P. R. Ferket, G. B. Havenstein, J. L. Grimes, M. A. Qureshi and V. L. Christensen, 2004. Response of Turkey Poults to Soybean Lectin Levels Typically Encountered in Commercial Diets. 1. Effect on Growth and Nutrient Digestibility. Poultry Science 83:1559-1571.
  • Fasina, Y.O., J.D. Garlich, H.L. Classen, Z. Uni, P.R.Ferket, and S.R. Mckee, 2004. Feeding a semi-purified diet induced early gut development in young turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 83 (Supplement 1):265.
  • Ferket, P.R., 2004. Raising drug-free poultry: What are the alternatives. Proceedings29th Annual Poultry Service Industry Workshop. Banff, Alberta Canada, October 5-7, pp 95-104.
  • Ferket, P.R., and A. A. Santos, Jr., 2004. Review of enzymes: how do they work. Proceedings 2004 Midwest Poultry Federation Conference, Pre-show nutrition symposim. St. Paul, MN, March 16-18.


Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03

Outputs
Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of diet modification on nutrient utilization, enteric health, and early development of turkeys. The first study evaluated the effect of dietary endoxylanase and phospholipase supplementation on nutrient utilization of turkeys fed wheat-based diets. In comparison to controls, the enzyme treatments increased 126 d body weight (15.29 vs. 15.77 kg, P<.06) and decreased 1-128 feed/gain (2.45 vs. 2.37, P<.005). The phospholipase treatment was most effective in reducing feed/gain during the starting phase (1 to 14 d of age), whereas endoxylanase was most effective during the growing and finishing phases and it improved litter conditions. In comparison to C, enzyme supplementation improved phosphorus retention, but there were no enzyme effects on the retention of Ca, Mn, or S. In contrast, dietary enzyme supplementation decreased Cu retention relative to control (16 vs. 6 ppm/kg, P<0.05). The second study evaluated dietary energy (90, 100, and 110% of NRC recommendations) of commercial turkeys exposed to high and low ambient temperatures (T; 18 C vs. 28 C) from 6 wk of age onwards. Increasing dietary energy levels decreased feed intake of birds < 12 weeks of age such that metabolizable energy intake per g BW gain was similar regardless of ambient temperature. After 12 wk of age, dietary energy did not affect ME intake of turkeys at low T, whereas increasing dietary energy from 100 to 110% resulted in a 15% higher ME intake of birds at high T. Turkeys at high T probably used extra energy for panting and other heat-dissipation activities, as illustrated by the higher amount of energy intake per g BW gain. The third study was done to alleviate early mortality problems in chicks and poults and improve early enteric development by the administration of critical dietary components or nutrients into the amnion of the late term embryo (i.e. 16 - 18 d and 21-23 d of incubation in chickens and turkeys, respectively). In each experiment in ovo feed solution treatments (1 ml for chicks and 2 ml for poults) were compared with control treatments (non injected or saline injected). About 100 eggs were used per treatment group. The in ovo treatments did not adversely affect hatchability. In every experiment, in ovo feeding of solutions containing carbohydrates and protein increased hatchling weights by 3 to 7% (P<.05) over controls, depending upon the breeder hen age and in ovo feed composition. This weight advantage sustained through to 35 d of age. Morphological evaluation of enteric sections from embryos and hatchlings revealed a significant (P<.05) acceleration of development 48 hr after in ovo feeding such that the in ovo-fed birds had a similar level of gut development at hatch as control birds at 2 d of age. This research demonstrated that in ovo feeding could enhance early growth and survival of chicks or poults by initiating enteric development prior to hatching.

Impacts
Dietary supplementation of appropriate enzymes will improve nutrient utilization, reduce mineral emissions, and enhance the welfare of poultry. Economic impact is a savings of about $.05 per animal. Increasing dietary energy for turkeys raised in warm ambient temperatures is beneficial and may improve the profitability of summer-raised flocks by as much as 3%. In ovo feeding is a novel technology that may improve nutrient utilization and health of young poultry, resulting in a return on investment of at least 10 to 1.

Publications

  • Sungwaraporn, Y., P.R. Ferket, and T.F. Middleton, 2003. Potential of secondary protein nutrients as feed ingredient in broiler chick diets. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):25.
  • Tako, E., P.R. Ferket, and Z. Uni, 2003. The effect of in ovo feeding of carbohydrates and beta-methyl-beta-hydroxybutyrate (HMB) on the development of the digestive tract. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):11
  • Uni, Z, and P.R. Ferket, 2003. In ovo feeding increases glycogen content in the liver and muscle size in broiler hatchlings. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):11.
  • Veldkamp, T., R. Kwakkel, P. Ferket, J. Kogut, and M. Verstegen, 2003. Growth responses to dietry lysine at high and low ambient temperature in male turkeys. Poultry Science 82:1733-1746.
  • Ferket, P.R., E. van Heugten, T. A. van Kempen, and R. Angel, 2003. Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Environmental Emissions from Non-Ruminants. J. An. Sci. 80(Electronic Supplement 2): 2289 http://www.asas.org/jas/symposia/esupp2/default.asp
  • Veldkamp, T., R.P. Kwakkel, P.R. Ferket, and M.W.A. Verstegen, 2002. Impact of ambient temperature and age on dietary lysine and energy in turkey production. World's Poultry Science Journal 58:475-491.
  • Foye, O.T., Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2003. The effects of in ovo feeding of protein and beta-methyl-beta-hydroxybutyrate (HMB) on early growth and glycogen status of turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):11
  • Foye, O.T., Z. Uni, and P.R. Ferket, 2003. The effects of in ovo feeding of protein and carbohydrate on early growth and glycogen status of turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):71
  • Godwin, J.L., J.L. Grimes, A.N. Crouch, and P.R. Ferket, 2003. The effect of strain on commercial turkey tom and hen performance. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):59.
  • Grimes, J.L., P.R. Ferket, A.G. Gernat, E.R. Neely, A.D. Israel, K.M. Mann, and J.L. Godwin, 2003. The effect of liter type on commercial turkey tom and hen performance. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):59.
  • Moore, D.T. Moore, P.R. Ferket, and P.E. Mozdziak, 2003. BrdU administration to avian embryos. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):82.
  • Odetallah, N.H., C.W. Parks, and P.R. Ferket, 2002. Effect of wheat enzyme preparation on the performance characteristics of tom turkeys fed wheat-based rations. Poultry Science 81:987-994.
  • Odetallah, N.H., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and J.L. McNaughton, 2002. Effect of mannan-endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase on the growth performance of turkeys fed diets containing 44 and 48
  • Roberson, K.D., C.H. Hill, and P.R. Ferket, 2002. Effect of intermittent feed deprivation on plasma insulin-like growth factor-I and tibial dyschondroplasia in broiler chicks. Int. Poult. Sci., 1:22-25.
  • Santos, A.A., Jr., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and F.B.O. Santos, 2003. Dietary mineral retention of growing and finishing turkeys. Poultry Sci. 82 (Supplement 1):66.


Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02

Outputs
Four experiments were done to study the mode of action of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) in comparison to antibiotic growth promoters. In the first experiment, male poults were reared from 1 until 140 days of age and fed one of six dietary treatments: 1) Control (typical U.S. corn/soy diet); 2) MOS (Bio-Mos, AlltechO Inc., Nicholasville, KY) (1 kg/ton until 6 wk, then 0.5 kg/ton); 3) BM (Bambermycin, Hoechst Roussel Vet, Warren, NJ) (2 g/ton active ingredient); 4) VM (Virginiamycin, Pfizer, Exton, PA) (20 g/ton active ingredient); 5) MOS+BM (MB); or 6) MOS+VM (MV). All treatments except MV significantly increased (P< 0.05) 20 wk bodyweight. All treatments improved feed to gain (FG) for wk 0-3, while VM, MB, and MV improved F/G for 0-12 and 0-18 wk. There were no treatment effects on mortality or cull rate. In the second experiment, male poults were fed one of four dietary treatments from 1 to 84 days of age: 1) Control (typical U.S. corn/soy diet); 2) MOS (1 kg/ton until 6 wk, then 0.5 kg/ton); 3) BM (2 g/ton); 4) VM (20 g/ton). Feeding MOS or BM resulted in reduced jejunal propionic acid levels and reduced overall VFA production compared to control-fed birds. VM-fed birds had greater jejunal pH values and lower jejunal propionic acid levels compared to control. Reduced propionic acid levels may indicate lower microbial fermentation of dietary starch. MOS and VM increased AMEN by about 3%, whereas BM had no effect on dietary energy utilization. In the third experiment, female turkeys were reared from 1 to 14 days of age and fed one of three dietary treatments: 1) Control (typical U.S. corn/soy diet); 2) MOS (0.5 kg/ton); or 3) VM (20 g/ton active ingredient). Intestinal morphology measurements were done at 14 d of age. MOS reduced jejunal muscularis thickness, increased villus height:crypt depth ratio, and increased the number of goblet cells per mm villus (P< 0.05). These results indicate that MOS may enhance protective mechanisms in the brush boarder against irritating microflora. In the fourth experiment, female turkeys were reared from 1 to 98 days of age and fed one of three dietary treatment: 1) Control (typical U.S. corn/soy diet); 2) MOS (0.5 kg/ton; or 3) VM (22 g/ton). Birds were challenged with S. typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection at 3 wk of age to induce immune stress, after which body temperature and immune system organ weights were measured. Antibody response to sheep red blood cells was measured on d 63. Birds fed MOS showed a decreased fever response at 8 hr post-LPS injection and had increased liver and intestinal weights compared to control birds, while there were no effects on the spleen and bursa. LPS injection had no effect on lymphoid organ weights of birds fed VM. Non-challenged birds fed VM had decreased intestinal and bursa weights that approached significance compared with control birds (P< 0.10). Non-challenged birds exhibited no other treatment-related effects. MOS increased IgG titers to SRBC (P<.10), whereas VM had no effect on humoral immunity.

Impacts
Our research demonstrated that dietary supplementation of MOS resulted in improvements in growth similar to antibiotics growth promoters, without risk of developing antibiotic-resistant pathogens. MOS improves energy utilization and growth performance by altering gut microflora fermentation, improving gut health, and reducing proinflammatory immune responses. Dissemination of this research information to the industry through extension education venues is associated with an adoption rate of about 30% of the USA turkey industry. Based on our results that MOS improves market weights of turkeys by 0.5 pounds per bird, the annual economic impact of this technology is over $1.2 million ($0.02 / bird X 60 million birds).

Publications

  • Odetallah, N.H., C.W. Parks, and P.R. Ferket, 2002. Effect of wheat enzyme preparation on the performance characteristics of tom turkeys fed wheat-based rations. Poultry Science 81:987-994.
  • Odetallah, N.H., P.R. Ferket, J.L. Grimes, and J.L. McNaughton, 2002. Effect of mannan-endo-1,4-b-mannosidase on the growth performance of turkeys fed diets containing 44 and 48
  • Santin, E., A.C. Paulillo, A.C. Alessi, A. Maiorka, M. Macari, and P.R. Ferket, 2002. Effect of dietary aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and Sacharomyces cerevisiae cell wall on humoral immunity of broilers vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):104.
  • Uni, Z., and P. Ferket, 2002. Effect of in ovo feeding on early growth of chicks and poults. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):23.
  • Upton, R.J. Upton, F.W. Edens, K.Z. Mahmoud, P.R. Ferket, and C.R. Parkhurst, 2002. The effects of feeding oxidized fat and selenium source on performance, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity in broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):72.
  • Havenstein, G.B., P.R. Ferket, and M.A. Qureshi, 2002. Growth, feed efficiency and livability of 1957 vs. 2001-type broilers when fed typical 1957 and 2001-type diets. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):86.
  • Maiorka, A., E. Santin, F. Dahlke, M. Macari, and P.R. Ferket, 2002. Effect of dietary energy and fat on feed intake and growth of broiler chicks. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):73.
  • Fasina, Y.O., J.D. Garlich, H.L. Classen, H.E. Swaisgood, P.R. Ferket, G.B. Havenstein, and J.L. Grimes, 2002. Effect of soybean lectin on growth and nutrient digestibility in turkey poults. Poultry Sci. 81(Supplement 1):41.


Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01

Outputs
The general objectives of this project are to improve nutrient utilization by the use of supplemental enzymes, amino acids, and other dietary digestion modifiers, enhance enteric health, and evaluate the utilization of novel value-added poultry by-products. These objectives were addressed by several experiments. In the first experiment, supplemental enzyme blends containing different activities of endoxylanase and phospholipase were tested for their effects on improving the nutritional value of wheat in turkey diets. In comparison to the unsupplemented controls, the enzymes increased 126 d body weight (15.29 Vs 15.77 kg, P<.06) and decreased 1-128 feed/gain (2.45 Vs 2.37, P<.005). Phospholipase was most effective in reducing feed/gain and improving dietary metabolizable energy during the starting and early growing phases (1 - 84 days), while the enzyme with the highest endoxylanase activity was most effective during the finishing phase. The second experiment compared the growth promoting effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) with two antibiotics, bambermycins and virginaimycin, on turkeys. Based on microflora metabolites and enteric morphology measurements, the antibiotics reduced microbial fermentation and associated challenges to the gut, whereas MOS stimulated enteric disease resistance and improve dietary energy utilization. A third set of experiments revealed that supplementation of drinking water with electrolytes (99 mOsm) plus glucose (low, 189 mOsm, or high, 251 mOsm) improved survival and immune organ weights of Turkey Caronavirus- and E.coli-infected poults. Another series of experiments was done in relation to the preservation and conversion of poultry and swine mortality carcasses into value protein by-product meals. In previous studies, it was determined that about 5% phosphoric acid (w/w) was required to prevent decomposition of animal and poultry protein by-products prior to heat processing. Further work was done on using flash dehydration and extrusion to convert acid-preserved ground mortality carcasses and offal into protein meals that is 15% more digestible than conventional rendered products. This novel process produced products that received American Feed Control Official defined as hydrolyzed whole swine (HWS) protein or hydrolyzed whole poultry protein. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the feeding value of HWS for turkeys. Based on the AME data, the HWS produced for experiments 1 and 2 was estimated to be above 5250 Kcal AME/kg and 5109 kcal AME/kg, respectively. This study demonstrated that HWS is a high-value feed ingredient that can be included up to 15% in poult diets without adverse effects on growth performance, provided accurate knowledge of energy value.

Impacts
Our research demonstrated that appropriate enzyme supplementation of feed can improve the feeding value of feed ingredients of inferior quality at a lower cost by improving nutrient utilization. Endoxylanase supplementation of wheat-based diets increased in profits about $1 million ($0.05 / bird X 20 million birds). Use of mannanoligosaccharide allowed poultry producers to reduce the use of antibiotic growth promoters without losses in production costs. A large company has determined that the NCSU method of producing hydrolyzed whole swine or poultry protein is can reduce the cost of converting swine and poultry mortality and offal into protein meals by about $10 per ton without losses in nutrition value and biological safety.

Publications

  • Crow, S.D., P.R. Ferket, and T.F. Middleton, 2001. Nutritional value of hydrolyzed whole swine for turkey poults. Poultry Science 80(Supplement 1):49.
  • El-Hadri, L., M.A. Qureshi, J.D. Garlich, and P.R. Ferket, 2001. Fluid therapy of poults infected with turkey corona virus (TCV) and E. coli. Poultry Science 80(Supplement 1):170.
  • Ferket, P.R., A.D. Israel, and E.B. Morris, 2001. Comparison of inert markets in poultry digestibility studies. Poultry Science 80(Supplement 1):480.
  • Ferket, P.R., R.C. Angel, E. van Heugten, and T.A. van Kempen, 2001. Nutritional strategies to reduce environmental emissions from non-ruminants. Poultry Science(Supplement 1):142.
  • Middleton, T.F., and P.R. Ferket, 2001. Effect of level of acidification by phosphoric acid, storage temperature, and length of storage on the chemical and biological stability of ground poultry mortality carcasses. Poultry Science 80:1144-1153.
  • Middleton, T.F., P.R. Ferket, and L.C. Boyd, 2001. The effect of ethoxyquin on the quality of ground poultry carcasses preserved by lactic acid fermentation and phosphoric acid stabilization. Poultry Science 80:1154-1163.
  • Middleton, T.F., P.R. Ferket, L.C. Boyd, H.V. Daniels, and M.L. Gallagher, 2001. An evaluation of co-extruded poultry silage and culled jewel sweet potatoes as a feed ingredient for hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus X O. mossambicus). Aquaculture 198:269-280.
  • Odetallah, N.H., P.R. Ferket, J.D. Garlich, and L. Elhadri, 2001. Growth and digestive function of poults surviving the poult enteritis and mortality syndrome. Poultry Science 80:1223-1230.
  • Parks, C.W., J.L. Grimes, and P.R. Ferket, 2001. The effect of mannanoligosaccharides, bambermycins, and virginiamycin on the physical and microbial characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract of large white male turkeys. Poultry Science 80(Supplement 1):169.
  • Parks, C.W., J.L. Grimes, P.R. Ferket, and A.S. Fairchild, 2001. The effect of mannanoligosaccharides, bambermycins, and virginiamycin on performance of large white male turkeys. Poultry Sci. 80:718-723.


Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
The general objectives of this project are to improve nutrient utilization by the use of supplemental enzymes, amino acids, and other dietary digestion modifiers, enhance enteric health, and evaluate the utilization of novel value-added poultry by-products. The first experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of a blend of enzymes to improve the nutritional value of wheat that had been subjected to various degrees of frost damage during seed development. Turkey poults were diets made up of different wheat sources with or without 200 mg Natugrain Blendr (NB)/kg). NB increased 17 d BW (351 vs 380 g, P<.001), decreased 1-17 d FCR (1.55 vs 1.49, P<.05), increased AME (2219 vs 2473 kcal/kg, P<.001) and increased %NR (35.0 vs. 41.4 %, P<.05), regardless of the source of wheat. Frost-damage reduced AME of wheat by about 200 kcal/kg (P<.01). Thus supplementation of a blend of enzymes improves the nutritional value of feed-grade wheat. Three experiments of similar design were conducted with turkeys to determine the effect of and enzyme, endomananase diets consisting of corn and two grades of soybean meal (44%CP and 48% CP). Turkeys fed the lower-grade SBM (44%CP) had lower performance than those fed the higher grade, but enzyme supplementation eliminated this deficiency. Another experiment with turkeys investigated the use of mannanoligosaccharide (Bio-Mos, Alltech, Inc.) as an alternative to the use of antibiotic growth promotants, flavomycin and virginiamycin. Virginiamycin supplementation resulted in the best growth performance, but Bio-Mos also improved growth performance without affecting enteric microflora. Thus Bio-Mos could be used to reduce the use of growth promotant antibiotics in growing turkeys. Another series of experiments was done in relation to the preservation and conversion of poultry mortality carcasses into protein by-product meals. In previous studies, it was determined that about 5% phosphoric acid (w/w) was required to prevent decomposition of ground poultry mortality carcasses. Our research continued to validate the biological and chemical safety of the poultry silage. Whole turkey and chicken carcasses were ground and preserved with various levels of phosphoric acid (0, 5, 6, and 7% w/w) for a 2-week period and then subjected to microbial evaluation. Inclusion of 6% phosphoric acid reduced Salmonella typhimurium and listeria innocua levels by log 7.0 cfu/g. Although feed-grade phosphoric acid preservation of ground poultry mortality reduced bacterial pathogens to acceptable levels, it did cause some chemical changes in the silage with storage. Acidification with 35.52% phosphoric acid effectively prevented accumulation of biogenic amines and reduced %FFA, but some fat oxidation occurred. Subsequent research revealed that the degradation of fat quality by phosphoric acid could be prevented by the use the antioxidant, ethoxyquin.

Impacts
Our research demonstrated that appropriate enzyme supplementation of feed can improve the feeding value of feed ingredients of inferior quality at a lower cost by improving nutrient utilization. Endoxylanase supplementation of wheat-based diets increased in profits about $1 million ($0.05 / bird X 20 million birds). Endo-mannanase supplementation of diets containing soybean meal was fed to about 20 million turkeys in 2000 and increased in profits about $2 million ($0.20/bird). A large company is adopting our mortality preservation technology to dispose about 50,000 tons of mortality to save about $5 million in disposal costs per year.

Publications

  • Odetallah, N. H., P. R. Ferket, J. L. Grimes, and J. L. McNaughton, 2000. Effect of HemicellO on the growth performance of turkeys fed diets containing 44
  • Parks, C. W., J. L. Grimes, P. R. Ferket, and J. L. Godwin, 2000. The effects of Bio-MosO on the performance of male turkeys. Poultry Science 79(Supplement 1):94.
  • Sheldon, B., P. Ferket, and T. Middleton, 2000. Biological safety of phosphoric acid-preserved poultry mortality. Poultry Science 79(Supplement 1):91.
  • Edens, F. W., C. R. Parkhurst, G. B. Havenstein, and P. R. Ferket, 2000. Influence of selenium yeast (Sel Plex) on performance and carcass yield of broiler males grown in a cage environment. Poultry Science 79(Supplement 1): 55.
  • Kidd, M.T., M.A. Qureshi, P.R. Ferket, and L.N. Thomas, 2000. Turkey hen zinc source affects progeny immunity and disease resistance. J. Applied Poultry Research 9:414-423.
  • Middleton, T. F., P. R. Ferket, H. V. Daniels, L. C. Boyd, L. F. Stikeleather, and R. J. Hines, 2000. The use of poultry mortalities as an alternative bait for the harvesting of blue crabs Callinectes Sapidus (Rathburn, 1885). Journal of Shellfish Research 19(2):723-729.
  • Veldkamp, T., P. R. Ferket, R. P. Kwakkel, C. Nixey, and J. P. T. M. Noordhuizen, 2000. Interaction between ambient temperature and supplementation of synthetic amino acids on performance and carcass parameters in commercial male turkeys. Poultry Science 79:1472-1477.
  • Veldkamp, T., R. P. Kwakkel, and P. R. Ferket, 2000. Response of young male turkeys to dietary lysine at low and high ambient temperature. Proceedings XXI World's Poultry Congress, W6.05. August 20-24, Montreal, Canada.
  • Veldkamp, T., R. P. Kwakkel, P. R. Ferket, P. C. M. Simons, J. P. T. M. Noordhuizen, and A. Pijpers, 2000. Effect of ambient temperature, arginine to lysine ratio, and electrolyte balance on performance, carcass and blood parameters in commercial male turkeys. Poultry Science 79(11):1608-1616.


Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99

Outputs
The general objectives of this project are to improve nutrient utilization by the use of supplemental enzymes, amino acids, and other dietary digestion modifiers, enhance enteric health, and evaluate the utilization of novel value-added poultry by-products. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary enzyme supplementation to improve nutrient utilization and reduce enteric health problems. The first experiment studied commercial oligosaccharidase supplementation of corn-soy diets subjected to expansion conditioning or not. Post-pelleting enzyme supplementation improved growth performance of turkey poults, regardless of feed expansion. Expansion of feed improved dietary energy utilization and feed conversion efficiency without affecting weight gain. A second pair of turkey experiments evaluated endo-mannosidase supplementation of corn-soy diets, and found body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency improved in both male and females by up to 4% as compared to control-fed birds. Thirdly, experiments to evaluate endoxylanase supplementation of wheat-based diets revealed that improved weight gain and enteric health of turkeys. Finally, experiments with phytase supplementation of broiler diets revealed that it not only improved phosphorus utilization, but also improved protein nitrogen utilization. These studies clearly indicate that appropriate enzyme supplementation of turkey and broiler diets can improve nutrient utilization and enteric health of turkeys and broilers. Another series of experiments and studies were done in relation to the preservation and conversion of poultry mortality carcasses into protein by-product meals. Using titration studies, it was determined that about 5% phosphoric acid (w/w) was required to prevent decomposition of ground poultry mortality carcasses and produce a biologically and chemically stable product that could be recycled into a high-value protein feedstuff. Although the feed and fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid was a feasible preservative for protein, some fat hydrolysis and fat oxidation occurred. Subsequent research revealed that the degradation of fat quality by phosphoric acid can be prevented by the use the antioxidant, ethoxyquin. Current research is now focused on the effects of phosphoric acid preservation on the destruction of salmonella, coliforms, and other potentially pathogenic bacteria, and on the development of heat processing techniques to convert the ground poultry mortality silage into a dry high-quality protein meal.

Impacts
Endo-mannanase was fed to about 30 million turkeys in 1999 and increase in profits about $3 million ($0.20/bird). Endoxylanase supplementation increased in profits about $1 million ($0.05 / bird X 20 million birds). A large company is adopting our mortality preservation technology to dispose about 50,000 tons of mortality to save about $5 million in disposal costs per year.

Publications

  • Ferket, P.R., 1999. Animal by-product protein recovery and utilization. Proceedings 1999 Animal Waste Management Symposium, Cary, NC. January 27-28. Pp. 146-156.
  • Ferket, P.R., 1999. Nutrition and gut health in turkeys. Proceedings Canadian Feed Industry Association Eastern Nutrition Conference, May 4-5. Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pp. 195-208.
  • Edens, F.W., C.R. Parkhurst, G.B. Havenstein, P.R. Ferket, and A.E. Sefton, 1999. Influence of allzyme phytase on fecal phosphorus and nitrogen loss in broilers reared in cages and in floor pens. Poultry Sci. (Suppl. 1):78:13.
  • Ferket, P.R., 1999. Nutritional applications to reduce mineral emission from production animals. Proceedings 1999 Animal Waste Management Symposium, Cary, NC. January 27-28. Pp. 205-214.
  • Ferket, P.R., J.L. Grimes. T. Postma, and T.S. Cummings, 1999. Effect of virginiamycin and dietary energy on turkey growth characteristics. Poultry Sci. (Suppl. 1):78:54.
  • Middleton, T., P.R. Ferket, and S.D. Crow, 1999. On-farm mortality preservation for nutrient recovery and recycling. Proceedings 1999 Animal Waste Management Symposium, Cary, NC. January 27-28. Pp. 138-145.
  • Middleton, T.F., L.C. Boyd, and P.R. Ferket, 1999. The effect of ethoxyquin on the quality of ground poultry mortality preserved by lactic acid fermentation and phosphoric acid stabilization. Poultry Sci. (Suppl. 1):78:9.
  • Odetallah, N.H., J.L. Grimes, and P.R. Ferket, 1999. Effect of feed enzyme supplementation and feed expansion on nutrient digestibility of turkey poults fed starter diets from two commercial feed mills. Poultry Sci. (Suppl. 1):78:106.
  • Parks, C.W., N.H. Odetallah, and P.R. Ferket, 1999. Effect of endoxylanase enzyme supplementation on the performance of tom turkeys fed wheat-based rations. Poultry Sci. (Suppl. 1):78:16.
  • Postma, J., P.R. Ferket, W.J. Croom, and R.P. Kwakkel, 1999. Effect of virginiamycin on intestinal characteristics of turkeys. Proceedings 12th European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition. Veldoven, The Netherlands, August 15 - 19, pp. 188.


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
The objective of this project is to evaluate nutritional regimes that enhance growth, structural and immunological soundness, and health of commercial turkeys and broilers. Three experiments were conducted during the year with turkeys. In the first experiment, male and female BUTA turkeys were reared under ideal environmental conditions and fed diets that exceeded nutrient requirements. Every 4 weeks until 24 weeks of age, turkeys were sampled to determine amino acid composition of feathers and carcass. The data revealed that the amino acid profile of turkey carcasses was not affected by sex, but it does change significantly with age. More research is planned to determine amino acid requirements for maintenance and growth. A second experiment was conducted to determine the effect of virginiamycin and dietary energy content on the performance of male turkeys. Body weights and feed efficiency was significantly improved by virginiamycin and dietary energy; however, there were no virginiamycin X dietary energy interactions observed. Based on these results, virginiamycin did not have an energy-sparing effect of turkey growth characteristics but must have an alternative mode of action. The final experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing enzyme blends in wheat-based diets for male turkeys. As compared to the negative control, 2 out of 3 enzyme blends significantly improved body weight gains and feed efficiency. This research confirms results from broiler chicken research that enzyme supplementation can significantly enhance the value of wheat for turkeys.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Hester, P.Y. and Ferket, P.R. 1998. Relationship between long bone distortion and tibial dyschondroplasia in male turkeys. Poultry Sci. 77:1300-1302.
  • Postma, J., Parks, C.W., and Ferket, P.R. 1998. Age and sex affect whole body amino acid composition of turkeys. Poultry Sci. 77 (Supplement 1):102.
  • Shin, H.Y., Garlich, J.D., and Ferket, P.R. 1998. Investigation of betaine as an osmolyte in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 77 (Supplement 1):118.
  • Ferket, P.R., Garlich, J.D., and Kuiper, R. 1998. Effect of dietary inclusion of cottonseed meal on the performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing toms. Poultry Sci. 77 (Supplement 1):155.
  • Kidd, M.T., Ferket, P.R., and Garlich, J.D. 1998. Dietary threonine responses in growing turkeys. WPSA 10th European Poultry Conference Proceedings, Jerusalem, Israel, June 21-26, pp 25.
  • Odetallah, N.H., Grimes, J.L., Garlich, J.D., and Ferket, P.R. 1998. Effect of feed enzyme supplementation and feed expansion on performance of turkey poults fed starter diets from two commercial feed mills. WPSA 10th European Poultry Conference Proceedings, Jerusalem, Israel, June 21-26, pp 48.
  • Ferket, P.R. 1998. Dietary arginine requirements of growing and finishing male turkeys. WPSA 10th European Poultry Conference Proceedings, Jerusalem, Israel, June 21-26, pp 91.


Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
The objective of this project is to evaluate nutritional regimes that enhance growth, structural and immunological soundness, and general health of commercial turkeys and broilers. Experiments were conducted to determine the threonine (Thr) and arginine (Arg) requirements of large white male turkeys. In experiment 1, turkeys were fed diets containing graded levels of L-Thr from 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 weeks of age, while all other amino acids were formulated to meet a minimum of 110% requirements. Dietary Thr requirements based on minimum feed/gain was determined to be 3.34, 2.81, and 2.30 g Thr/Mcal ME for the periods 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 weeks, respectively. In experiment 2, turkeys were fed diets containing graded levels of L-Arg from 12-16 and 16-20 weeks of age, while all other amino acids were formulated to meet a minimum of 105% of requirements. Based on minimum feed/gain, the L-Arg requirement was determined to be 3.45 and 2.30 g Ar/Mcal ME from 12-16 and 16-20 weeks, respectively. Dietary Arg level had no effect on morbidity rate or carcass yield. Experiment 3 evaluated the use of cottonseed meal to increase dietary Arg level. Diets containing 10% cottonseed meal (44% CP) (CSM) were compared with conventional corn-soy control diets from 12-16 weeks and 16-20 weeks of age. Inclusion of the CSM resulted in depressed growth performance during both periods, but significantly increased breast meat yield. This response was not due to increase dietary Arg level in the CSM-supplemented diet.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • SHELDON, B.W., CURTIS, P.A., DAWSON, P.L. and FERKET, P.R. 1997.
  • feather amino acid profile in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 76 (Suppl. 1):83
  • dietary vitamin E on the oxidative stability, flavor, color, and
  • profiles of refrigerated and frozen turkey breast meat. Poultry Sci.
  • 641.
  • CROUCH, A.N., GRIMES, J.L., FERKET, P.R., THOMAS, L.N. and SEFTON,
  • Enzyme supplementation to enhance wheat utilization in starter diets
  • broilers and turkeys. J. Appl. Poultry Res. 6:147-154.
  • ---
  • ODETALLAH, N., GARLICH, J.D., ELHARDRI, L. and FERKET, P. 1997.
  • digestive function of turkeys surviving the poult enteritis and
  • syndrome (PEMS). Poultry Sci. 76 (Suppl. 1):8 (abstract).
  • ---
  • FERKET, P.R., ODETALLAH, N., BREWER, C.E., GRIMES, J.L. and THOMAS,
  • 1997. Effect of Hemicell supplementation of diets containing 44% and
  • soybean meal on the performance of turkey hens. Poultry Sci. 76
  • (abstract).
  • ---
  • GARLICH, J.D., SHIN, H.Y. and FERKET, P.R. 1997. Cottonseed meal and
  • bicarbonate in diets for broilers in warm and cold environments.
  • 76 (Suppl. 1):60 (abstract).
  • ---
  • FERKET, P.R., CHEN, F. and THOMAS, L.N. 1997. Effect of age on
  • (abstract).
  • ---
  • SHIN, H.Y., GARLICH, J.D. and FERKET, P.R. 1997. Investigation of
  • an osmolyte in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 76 (Suppl. 1):108 (abstract).
  • ---
  • PETERSON, A.L., QURESHI, M.A. and FERKET, P.R. 1997. Enhancement of
  • and humoral immunity by beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. Poultry
  • (Suppl. 1):114 (abstract).
  • ---


Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
The objective of this project is to evaluate nutritional regimes that enhance growth, structural and immunological soundness, and health of commercial turkeys and broilers. An experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of mananase supplementation of diets containing 44% C.P. and 48% C.P. soybean meal on performance and gut health of female turkeys fed through to 14 weeks of age. The mananase supplementation significantly improve performance in diets containing 44% C.P. soybean meal, but not in diets containing the 48% C.P. soybean meal. These data demonstrate that enzyme supplementation can alleviate the adverse effects of galacto-manans that are concentrated in the fiber fraction of soybean meal. Enzyme supplementation of diets containing two sources of wheat (North Carolina, and Western Canada) was tested using chicks and poults. The enzyme supplementation improved the performance of birds on either source of wheat, but improvement was most pronounced in diets containing the North Carolina wheat. Using 48 commercial flocks of turkey toms exhibiting diarrhea, anhydrous betaine was fed at a rate of 2.5 g/l of drinking water. Within three days of treatment, the diarrhea stopped in 96% of the flocks over the age of 70 days. Effective dosage of betaine was estimated to be about 250 mg betaine/kg body weight. Another experiment evaluated the efficacy of dietary beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on improving immune function in chicks and poults. Dietary supplementation of HMB of about 2.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • EL HADRI, L. FERKET, P.R. and GARLICH, J.D. 1996. Betaine supplementation of drinking water as a treatment of diarrhea in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 75 (Suppl. 1):4 (abstract).
  • PETERSON, A.L., QURESHI, M.A., FERKET, P. R., FULLER, J. 1996. In vi.


Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
The objective of this project is to evaluate nutritional regimes that enhance growth, structural and immunological soundness, and health of commercial turkeys and broilers. The effect of dietary virginiamycin (20g VM/ton)and electrolyte balance (EB, 150 vs 250 Meq/kg Na+K-Cl) on growth performance of turkeys was determined. Body weight and feed conversion was improved by VM but not by EB; however, the efficacy of VM on breast meat yield was enhanced by increased EB. The effect of Arginine:Lysine ratio (1.0 versus 1.3) in summer-raised broilers and turkeys was also determined. Broilers fed diets containing Arg:Lys of 1.3 during hot weather improved survival rate, gain/feed, and dark meat yield. In turkeys, Arg:lys ratio of 1.3 improved gain/feed by 2% and breast meat yield by 2.5%. These result indicate that increased Arg:Lys ratio may be necessary to optimize growth performance of broilers and turkeys during heat stress.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • BRAKE, J., FERKET, P., GRIMES, J., BALNAVE, D., GORMAN, I. and DIBNER, J. 1994. Optimum arginine:lysine ratio changes in hot weather. Proc. 21st Ann. Poultry Nutr. Conf., Charlotte, NC, pp. 822-104.
  • FERKET, P.R., GRIMES, J.L., BRAKE, J. and RIVES, D.V. 1995. Effects of dietary virginiamycin, arginine:lysine ratio, and electrolyte balance on the performance and carcass yield of turkey toms. Poultry Sci. 74 (Supplement 1):190.
  • BRAKE, J., HAVENSTEIN, G.B., FERKET, P.R., RIVES, D.V. and GIESBRECHT, F.G. 1995. Relationship of sex, strain, and body weight to carcass yield and offal production in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 74:161-168.


Progress 10/01/93 to 12/30/94

Outputs
The objective of this project is to develop and evaluate nutritional regimes that enhance growth, structural and immunological development, and health of commercial turkeys and broilers. The effect of early protein restriction (20% vs. 28% protein 0-4 weeks of age) followed by nutritionally adequate diets was evaluated on poult performance and mortality due to spontaneous cardiomyopathy. Early protein restriction reduced 16 wk body weight (12.3 vs 12.7 kg) and mortality due to cardiomyopathy (4.6% vs 10.4%). The influence of dietary supplementation of Zn-Met on the mononuclear-phagocytic system of poults was investigated. The addition of 30-45 ppm Zn from Zn-Met to a Zn adequate diet increased cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity to PHA-P, increased the clearance of intravenously administered E. coli and S. arizona, and enhanced in vitro phagocytosis of E. coli and S. enteritidis. The efficacy of different anticoccidials was studied with turkeys fed diets containing high and low amounts of fat. Dietary fat level did not influence the efficacy of the anticoccidials. Monensin resulted in greater body weights than halofuginone and zoalene, but Zoalene + 3-Nitro resulted in similar performance. The effect of dietary level of triticale and supplemental enzyme on the growth performance of broilers was studied. The incidence of vent pasting increased, feed/gain increased, and body weight gain decreased as the dietary level of triticale increased, but these effects were minimized by pentosanase supplementation.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • BREEDING, S.W., MCREE, W.A., FICKEN, M.D., and FERKET, P.R. 1994. Effect of protein restriction during brooding on spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy. Avian Diseases 38:366-370.
  • KIDD, M.T., QURESHI, M.A., FERKET, P.R., and THOMAS, L.N. 1994. Dietary zinc-methionine enhances mononuclear-phagocytic function in young turkeys. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 42:217-229.
  • KIDD, M.T. et al. 1994. Blood clearance of Escherichia coli and evaluation of mononuclear-phagocytic system as influenced by supplemental dietary zinc methionine in young turkeys. Poultry Sci. 73:1381 1389.
  • FERKET, P.R., RIVES, D.V., BREWER, C.E., and THOMAS, L.N. 1994. Dietary supplementation of Zoamix, Roxarsone, and Coban in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 73 (Supplement 1):135 (abstract).
  • FERKET, P.R., and BRAKE, J. 1994. Effect of dietary level of triticale and supplemental enzyme on the growth performance and carcass yield of male broilers. Poultry Sci. 73 (Supplement 1):78 (abstract).