Source: DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF HIGH-RISK SMALL FLOCK & NICHE MARKET POULTRY FLOCKS BY ESTABLISHING THE CENTER FOR SMALL FLOCK RES. & INNOVATION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0223037
Grant No.
2010-38821-21529
Project No.
DELX0029-10
Proposal No.
2010-02289
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
EWE
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2010
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2014
Grant Year
2010
Project Director
McCrea, B.
Recipient Organization
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
1200 NORTH DUPONT HIGHWAY
DOVER,DE 19901
Performing Department
COOPERAIVE EXTENSION
Non Technical Summary
This project proposes to create the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation (CSFRI). The CSFRI's aim will be to meet the needs of underserved, high-risk small flock and niche market poultry producers by performing the research on their specific production techniques, management methodologies, and biosecurity modifications. Dissemination of information on research and innovative techniques to this high-risk, underserved population of poultry producers is the foundation of CSFRI. As the nation's first and the only research center of its kind, CSFRI will provide unique educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The objectives are as follows: (1) Create the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation (CSFRI); (2) Develop a model biosecure, pastured poultry system by modifying the DSU Hickory Hill Research Farm; (3) To implement a small flock extension and outreach strategy to train extension agents and producers about potential modifications to this high risk niche market commodity; (4) Modify existing chicken coops to provide both water and electricity.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360993020100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
1. Create the CSFRI. CSFRI will provide a venue for the examination and dissemination of information about Biosecurity principles, foodborne pathogen prevalence, and alternative solutions to disease problems given the use of the model system's (Objective 2) development. The CSFRI will be the first in the nation to provide students with the unique opportunity to receive training and perform research in the area of commercial and niche market poultry production. The CSFRI will also develop a website to provide fact sheets for producers. The CSFRI will provide capacity for the funding of future research by undergraduate and graduate student research into biosecure alternative poultry production systems, 2. Develop a model biosecure, pastured poultry system by modifying the DSU Hickory Hill Research Farm. CSFRI will incorporate the modification of a one-acre lot covered by a temporary, movable, low-cost, light permeable, plastic sheeting held up by a continuous airflow system of fans, to create a model for indoor, pastured broiler production. This will become a biosecure model system for all poultry extension and teaching activities. This model system will be used to demonstrate and emphasize Biosecurity to underserved, high-risk, small and niche market flock owners in the Mid-Atlantic region. 3. To implement a small flock extension and outreach strategy to train extension agents and producers about potential modifications to these high-risk small flock and niche market commodities. An extension strategy is a key part of CSFRI and will be utilized for distributing the information to improve flock management and Biosecurity. By combining demonstrations and tours of the model system, workshops will be done to improve upon the amount of science-based information made available to small flock and niche market producers. Mid-Atlantic extension agents will be trained in improved methods of communication to small flock holders in order to reach underserved populations. 4. Modify existing chicken coops to provide both water and electricity. Both water and electrical lines will be provided to existing structures to improve the welfare of the laying hen flock currently used for teaching purposes.
Project Methods
Objective 1: The CSFRI will oversee the following: implementation of the model system (Objective 2) and implementation of extension training strategies (Objective 4). A website will be developed to update and inform extension professionals about upcoming programs. Additionally the website will contain a repository of fact sheets to aid small flock owners with management issues. The PD and CSFRI will be responsible for coordinating the modifications to DSU's Hickory Hill Research Farm to create the biosecure indoor, pastured model system. The CSFRI, in conjunction with the PD will hire 2 undergraduate to maintain the model system and aid in planning extension events (Objective 3). Objective 2: The modification of DSU's Hickory Hill Research Farm would include the grading of a one acre lot followed by running both electrical and water systems out to the lot. Next, the indoor, pastured poultry model system would be erected using an Airstream modified system (Airstream Innovations, Inc.) which is temporary, movable, covered by a light-permeable, plastic sheeting held up by a continuous airflow system of fans. The airstream modified system is a low-cost alternative to building a free-standing structure, yet permits plant growth thereby making indoor, biosecure pastured poultry production possible. Next, optimum Biosecurity principles will be implemented. Pasture grasses, orchard grass and clovers, will be planted both within the model system. Objective 3: Extension activities will begin upon completion of the model system (Objective 2). A Biosecurity and management strategy will be suggested to the high-risk poultry community via workshops, seminars, and field days in the region. This will be done in an attempt to improve the management and productivity of small flocks while increasing awareness of customized and effective small flock Biosecurity. Field days and/or workshops will highlight the model system and its modern Biosecurity features that have been customized to fit an alternative poultry rearing management system. This learning opportunity will include tours of the model system to permit producers to experience hands-on Biosecurity. Overall, the Mid-Atlantic Region will become familiar with the aim of the CSFRI, as well as the biosecure model system. The results will be distributed nationally and internationally to poultry scientists, extension agents, and producers through presentations at scientific meetings; small flock workshops and seminars; and also through newsletter, web-based and journal article publications. This will increase outreach capacity at DSU and provide critical information and technical assistance to extension agents as well as small and niche market poultry producers. This project will also promote the visibility and credibility of DSU's newly implemented small poultry flock program. Objective 4: To improve upon the welfare of the current flock of chickens the coops on campus will be renovated and modified to provide electrical outlets and running water. Currently, no such modern conveniences exist in the coops thereby seasonal variations in temperatures cause heat and cold stress to the flock.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience was both extension personnel and small flock holders. Extension personnel, in their efforts to be responsive to the small flock holders and businesses, specifically pastured operations, in their area require training in the managment and biosecurity of these operations. The high risk activity of raising pastured poultry is counfounded further by the fact that there is little or no science-based information available to the producers so that they can make educated decsions while raising pastured poutlry or if they are exploring the option of starting a pastured poultry business. Producers often turn to the internet. Extension personnel often quote managment strategies for commercial poultry operations, however raising poultry on pasture produces avery different product. Changes/Problems: Since the biosecure, pastured poultry unit was destroyed by weather, much of the efforts have been focused on getting informaiton to producers using the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation's webpage. The fact sheets have been downloaded many times and have even been used by the extension personnel at their event in their states. A comparison of two breeds of chickens often used on pasture was done and the information was shared with producers and extension personnel at the Pastured Poutlry Conference. The Pastured Poultry Conference was a way to reach both farmers and growers with science-based information designed to help them make better decisions for their flock health and profitability. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The outreach to extension personnel and small flock holders was completed in the form of a conference held on August 1 and 2, 2014 at Delaware State University. The first day was directed to extension personnel, however1 farmer did attend because she was going out of town on the weekend. A total of 8 attendees came from Delaware, Maryland, andVirginia. Speakers covered topics such as starting a pastured poultry operation, pasture managment, biosecurity, pastured poultry nutrition,the use of chickens for insect control, the realities of raising poultry on pasture (including data on the comparison on heritage vs broiler chickens for growht and feed conversion ratio),pastured poultry for eggs, the economics and marketing of pastured poultry. The topics were the same for the farmers who attended on Saturday August 2nd, 2014. There were a total of 10 farmers who attended from Delaware and Maryland. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The fact sheets are available as both hard copies (provided via mail upon request or at meetings) and also available online at the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website. The conference disseminated information to producers and extension personnel. One extension agent, from Suffolk, VA, asked the principle investigator and one of the speakers to be presenters at a workshop that was held in his area of the state. A dozen attendees came to this secondaryseminar that was new for the region. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? All factsheets were completed and posted online to the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website. Upcoming events are posted on the website as information becomes available. A pastured poultry conference was held to reach out to small flock entrepreneurs as well as extension personnel. After the event, as news about the conference's topics spread, inquiries about a repeat of the program began coming in from as far away as Tennessee.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: 1. Moyle, J. R, J.L. Rhodes, B. McCrea, T. Tabler, F. D. Clark, 2014. Rodent Control on Small Poultry Farms. University of Maryland Extension Factsheet FS-985-2014. 2. I. Mayes and B.A. McCrea. 2014. Insect Pests of Pastured Poultry. Delaware State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet. 3. I. Mayes and B.A. McCrea. 2014. Wild Bird Control Measures for Pastured Poultry Flocks. Delaware State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet. 4. I. Mayes and B.A. McCrea. 2014. Quarantine and Isolation Procedures for Pastured Poultry . Delaware State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet.


Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Fact sheets were created and made available to small flock owners as they were the target audience. Changes/Problems: The model biosecure pastured poultry system was not erected due to the strong winds associated with weather that passed over the Delmarva Peninsula. This was the second and final attempt at erecting the system. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? In 2014 there will be a conference aimed at extension professionals as well as pastured poultry farmers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The fact sheets have been made available through the Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The remaining fact sheets will be published and the conference for extension professionals and pastured poultry farmers will take place.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Two additional fact sheet were completed in 2013. They were placed onto the CSFRI website as PDF documents for download.We attempted to re-erect the model biosecure pastured poultry system and was unable to do so, once again, due to irreparable damage because of strong winds. It was determined the system could not handle the winds associated with certain weather conditions that pass through Delaware. This was the second attempt that failed due to the strong winds that occur on the Delmarva Penninsula. Efforts were redirected to creating the fact sheets as well as the conference in order to meet the remaining goals of the project.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: McCrea, B.A., and D. Bautista. 2013. The Lasher Laboratory: The Small Flock Owners Best Friend. Delaware State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet. McCrea, B.A. 2013. Locks and Signs for Pastured Poultry. Delaware State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet.


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The airstream model has been purchased; the watering systems for each quarter acre has been installed; the electrical components are nearly complete; and prior to hurricane Sandy the unit was inflated and nearly complete. However, due to Hurricane Sandy severe damage to the airstream model occurred. There were high winds associated with the storm that arrived in Delaware on Monday October 29th, 2012. We are currently working with the engineer to determine when replacement material may be obtained and how best to removed damaged material so that the ground may be tilled and planted with pasture seed. It has been proposed by the engineer that the months of January and February be when new material is put onto the airstream model. The website has been developed by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources graphic designer. The webpage is online and can be viewed at the following web address (http://www.desu.edu/agriculture-and-related-sciences/center-small-fl ock-research-and-innovation). The site makes available all current fact sheets. The DSU College of Agriculture is currently creating a new template for all fact sheets and so as the sheets are being updated they are being removed from the website and then put back up in their new format. Upcoming events will be listed on the website as information becomes available. COOPTASTIC! 2013 is one event on March 2, 2013 that will be posted on the website. PARTICIPANTS: We have had no participants as of yet since we have yet to hold workshops. Our new timeline will be dependent upon the application of new material to the airstream model and so workshops are to be held in 2013. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audiences for this project are the owners of small flocks who raise poultry using alternative methods (i.e. pastured poultry) that lead to a higher risk of disease and breach of biosecurity. Also we will reach out to extension professionals who give a more traditional biosecurity message to small producers. These two groups will be reached via workshop in year 3 of the project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Due to Hurricane Sandy on October 29th, 2012, we have delayed the workshops due to storm damage to the material of the airstream model. In early 2013, it is expected that the airstream model will be re-inflated with new material. We are planning to continue with the planting of pasture grasses over which the new material may be placed during the re-inflation. Fact sheets and website updates still proceed on schedule.

Impacts
The building of the airstream model, and renovations to the current coop, are delayed due to Hurricane Sandy. This relates to the second and fourth objectives of this project. The implementation of the website, with fact sheets and upcoming events, meets the first objective of the project. Upon completion of the airstream model, objective three can be implemented.

Publications

  • Shelton, A, and McCrea, BA. 2012. Cleaning and Disinfection in Pasture Based Poultry Management Systems. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Matthews, K, and McCrea, BA. 2012. Traffic Patterns for Pastured Poultry Producers. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.


Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The structural components of the airstream model have been purchased and delivered. Permits with the county were difficult to obtain given the unique nature of the airstream model. It took 3 months to describe, explain and then obtain the appropriate permits. Given the size of the model, and that it will contain chickens, it was deemed a chicken house by the county despite our descriptive efforts. We worked very hard to change this, but had no success. The original setbacks to the property lines and siting had to be changed to accommodate county rules regarding chicken houses. There were also concerns about noise with the fans, but those were allayed by playing a recording of the fans from an already erected facility from 50 feet back. They were so quiet the recording yielded almost no sound. A delay occurred in processing paperwork for surveying the site and obtaining work orders for water and electricity installation due to fiscal close. Surveying is now completed. The electric and water installation began the week of November 7th, 2011 and will be completed by December 23rd, 2011. The remaining installation of the airstream model is scheduled for the week of March 18, 2012. The website is being developed by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources graphic designer. The webpage should be online December 12, 2011. The site will make available all current fact sheets as well as the fact sheets recently developed by the Fall 2011 Introduction to Poultry Science class. These 8 fact sheets contain 10 educational facts about different chicken breeds selected by students in the class. The fact sheets also contain a picture of the selected breed. Upcoming events will be listed on the website as information becomes available. The first to be listed is the Small Flock Seminar at Delaware's AgWeek on January 18th, 2012 from 6-9 pm at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in the Agricultural Commodities Building. The second event that will be listed is the Mid-Atlantic 4-H Avian Bowl Challenge on March 31st, 2012 during the Delmarva Poultry Fancier's Show in the Dover Building at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The building of the airstream model, and renovations to the current coop, are in compliance with the timeline which meets the second and fourth objectives of this project. The implementation of the website, with fact sheets and upcoming events, meets the first objective of the project.

Publications

  • Fact sheets: Lister, BN, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Ancona. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Smith, JR, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Australorp. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Huyett, B, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Buckeye . Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Galloway, TS, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Dominique. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Bowers, LV, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Dorking. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Evans, A, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Plymouth Rock. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • McCrea, BA. 2011 Breed: Sebright. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.
  • Alford, M, and McCrea, BA. 2011. Breed: Wyandotte. Via Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation website.