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
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
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.