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W195: Water Quality Issues in Poultry Production and Processing

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [10/07/2002] [08/18/2003] [01/07/2004] [12/08/2004]

Date of Annual Report: 10/07/2002

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 05/06/02 to 05/06/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2001 to 12/2001

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    This was the first Annual Meeting of W195 and was held in association with Pacific Egg and Poultry Association Annual Meeting in Monterey, California. Presentations were made by each state representative on their area of research.

    New officers were elected to serve: R. M. Hulet, Pennsylvania State, President; George Malone, Vice President; and Theresia Lavergne, Secretary.

    The objectives to work on the next year were to develop IFAFS funding proposals for support of the work in the area of: Tree barrier Project for Dust and Odor Suppression, Phosphorus Mitigation in Turkeys, and Water Quality for Processed Poultry and Poultry Production.

    Accomplishments:
    Cooperative projects have been completed in the area of broiler litter treatment and composition, use of tree barriers as a proactive environmental initiative, nutritional strategies to promote phosphorus retention and improved efficiency of utilization, and relationship of drinking water quality to poultry performance.

    While starting in Delaware, research on the advantages of using trees as biological barriers has reached into many cooperating states. Use of trees around poultry facilities has decreased heat cost, cooling cost and chance of disease transfer. Decreased ammonia, ammonium nitrite, and ammonium nitrate, water runoff, and improved carbon sequestration from CO2 to O2 were found with houses with a tree barrier when compared to control poultry houses.

    Researchers from Louisiana, Delaware, and Alabama have used in-house pasteurization of broiler litter to reduce ammonia, microbiological load by increasing temperature, decreasing moisture, and decreasing pathogenic organisms. Sand was successfully used to replace the traditional shavings litter in poultry houses. Houses with sand litter had an 85% reduction in darkling beetles (house structure and insulation destructive pest) and were observed to have lower nitrogen in litter and reduced carcass condemnation rates (30%) when compared to similar wood shavings litter supplied houses.

    Work on nutritional strategies to reduce phosphorus in turkeys has just begun with areas of research including low-phosphorus corn, phytase, reduction of total phosphorus, and well as others.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Research has shown that trees surrounding poultry facilities can be very effective as bio-barriers in reducing odor, disease organism and dust dispersal to surrounding neighborhoods.
    2. In-house heating of used litter and use of sand as litter are effective strategies in improving bird health and performance.
    3. Nutritional strategies in turkeys can decrease phosphorus excretion and maintain growth performance
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 08/18/2003

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/30/02 to 10/30/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 05/2001 to 10/2002

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The 2002 annual meeting was held in conjunction with the National Poultry Waste Management Symposium in Birmingham, Alabama. The W-195 meeting was held on October 30, 2002.


    Discussion of the 2003 and 2004 annual meetings: Mike Hulet opened the meeting with a discussion of the possibility of holding the 2003 annual meeting in Holland. This would be a joint meeting between W195, NCR189, and S291. The groups would participate in air quality and water quality tours, as well as tour poultry and livestock production and processing facilities. The meeting would be conducted in October when airplane fares are approximately $300 to $400. We would consider utilizing the Wagginenin International Center for our housing while in Holland. Also, there is an international poultry expo and conference held in Europe (Eurotier) at the end of October, and those interested could attend the conference too. Additionally, the group discussed the possibility of conducting an international waste management conference to be held in Holland and conducted in conjunction with the annual meeting. The group believes that it would be important for all three research groups (W195, NCR189, and S291) to participate in this international meeting in order to possibly secure federal funding for travel.


    However, the ASAE is conducting a combined conference on swine housing, animal waste, and air quality in October of 2003 in Raleigh, NC. Thus, the NCR189 and S291 groups will not be available to go to Holland in October 2003. Both NCR189 and S291 will conduct their 2003 annual meeting in conjunction with the conference in Raleigh. These groups could be available to go to Holland in October of 2004. Therefore, Richard Reynnells made a motion that all three groups work together to coordinate the October 2004 annual meeting to be held in Holland. Also, since the next National Poultry Waste Management Symposium will be held in October 2004. The motion called for the Symposium to be held at the end of September or first of October, and then the annual meeting to be held at the end of October. The motion passed. The group decided to hold the 2003 W195 annual meeting in Raleigh in conjunction with the ASAE conference. The tentative meeting date is October 12, 2003. Gary Van Wicklen will contact Brent Auvermann (ASAE) about meeting rooms for the 2003 meeting, as well as to arrange time for discussions between all three groups during the 2003 annual meeting.

    Accomplishments:
    Auburn University
    As a result of the AFO (Animal Feeding Operations) and CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) regulations, all Animal Feeding Operations are required to maintain records to ensure that manure from a producers flock can be spread at acceptable rates on available land. Recommendations for manure storage and for the disposal of carcasses resulting from normal mortality may also be included. Any individual transporting litter off-farm must also be a Certified Animal Waste Vendor. Through various training programs, poultry growers in Alabama are now prepared to deal with the current AFO/CAFO regulations. The impending CAFO and AFO regulations have a tremendous impact on the on-farm usage of poultry manure. Alabama has been the first state to prohibit the land application of poultry manure from November 15 to February 15 when crops are not actively growing. The resulting ADEM regulation has prompted the poultry industry to investigate alternatives. Several composting projects were initiated to support the wintertime clean out and subsequent storage and sales of composted breeder manure.
    The use of sand as a bedding material is being aggressively tested for its long-term suitability in more than ten commercial broiler houses. Preliminary results indicate that sand can be used as an alternative bedding material. It is economical and offers some distinct advantages over traditional bedding materials derived from wood products.
    The use of litter treatments by the poultry industry in Alabama has become a routine management practice. In general, commercial litter treatments aid in the reduction of ammonia volatilization, phosphorus runoff, and pathogenic microorganisms. Producers require information concerning the usage, efficacy, and application of litter treatments in order to make appropriate decisions concerning their use. Several extension publications were developed to fulfill their current needs.
    Methods for the disposal of poultry carcasses include incineration, composting, and conversion into a usable feed ingredient. The emergence of newer incineration technologies created a need to investigate the economics and efficiencies of new incineration equipment. There is also a need to consider techniques that will define the composting process and the use and value of the composted material as a fertilizer. Other methods that offer the pickup of dead birds and the transport of the carcasses to a rendering facility in an environmentally friendly manner were also investigated. Methods for the preservation of poultry carcasses prior to rendering, as well as methods for large-scale processing of daily mortalities from several integrated companies are being employed in Alabama.
    Planting trees around the perimeter of poultry houses provides a visual screen, vegetative filter, windbreak and demonstrates the continual commitment of the poultry grower to implement a voluntary tree-planting program as part of his ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor and environmental steward. Educational materials are being developed to initiate a tree-planting program for poultry producers. Initially this program will target areas of urban encroachment, which makes maintaining good relations with neighbors a greater challenge.
    Since geographic differences in water quality may exist, research to quantify the effect of water inclusions on poultry health and performance will be conducted in several locations. All results will be correlated with poultry production parameters from the participating states that will be surveyed. Several stations located in geographically different climatic areas will conduct research and field trials to evaluate the effect of different water treatments on the performance of broiler chickens. An extension publication was developed as a reference for poultry producers in Alabama.
    University of Arkansas
    One critical aspect of a healthy growing environment for birds is high quality drinking water. The evaluation of drinking water for poultry producers both at the source and at the end of lines in production facilities has helped poultry companies identify operations which need better water sanitation programs. An ongoing evaluation with the Oxidation-Reduction Potential meter has also provided industry information on a quick, inexpensive test to determine the quality of drinking water.
    The development of the Phosphorus Index provides poultry producers with alternative best management practices for managing nutrients as compared to solely linking application of nutrients to the level of phosphorus in the soil. The utilization of this Index will provide many producers in Arkansas with an opportunity to still apply litter to pasture land while maintaining an effective nutrient management program.
    University of Delaware
    Sand was compared to pine shavings as an alternative bedding under Delmarva poultry production practices. Based on one years production from three paired-house comparisons, broiler performance and litter quality for the sand-base litter was comparable to that of pine shavings. The physical and chemical characteristics of these litters were determined over two years of continuous use and are currently being evaluated for alternative-use markets.
    In the event of a highly pathogenic disease outbreak that requires entire house depopulation; rapid, cost-effective, environmentally sound and biosecure options for carcass disposal are essential. Independent and collaborative efforts have been initiated to evaluate and demonstrate shallow burial and in-house composting as alternatives in the event of an emergency disease situation.
    Emissions of ammonia and particulates from poultry facilities are a growing concern from an air and water quality standpoint. Demonstrations have been initiated to evaluate the potential of planting trees around the perimeter of farms as vegetative filters to capture emissions. In the coming year, efforts will continue in estimating the efficacy of trees in capturing emissions, determining the fate of nutrients captured and assessing the impact of trees surrounding houses have on select poultry production parameters.
    Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
    As a means of improving water quality through the management of poultry waste, LSU AgCenter extension personnel are evaluating methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter. The methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter are being evaluated in on-farm trials within commercial facilities. Litter nutrient content, litter pathogen count, and broiler performance are the criteria being evaluated. Additionally, the ammonia levels within the house are being monitored during the placement of the subsequent flock. During the next year, we will continue to evaluate methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter, as well as continue to monitor the criteria mentioned above.
    Michigan State University
    The research at the MI station for this project is to identify nutritional factors that will reduce phosphorus excretion from poultry. Initial work focused on appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels to feed to toms during grow-out. This information led to feeding trials to make decisions about the potential for phytase and low-phytate corn use in turkey diets. A study will be conducted this year to follow up on the P requirement issue using pelleted feed (vs. mash) fed to toms taken to a 40 lb market weight which reflects the current trend in the turkey industry. The MI station will also conduct research on the use of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to evaluate the impact this commodity could have on reduction of P excretion from turkeys. This is crucial information to the corn growers of MI, as an ethanol plant is opening in the state and there will be a large market potential for feeding DDGS to poultry. A trial is underway and will continue throughout the year to evaluate the effectiveness of phytase in pullet and layer diets. This is needed to alleviate fears among egg producers in the Midwest U.S. that the use of this enzyme is contributing to a higher incidence of gout and soft bones in layers.
    North Carolina State University
    The objective of this research was to examine the effect of dietary phosphorus and phytase levels on the reproductive performance of turkey breeder hens. Large White turkey breeder hens were fed diets with and with out phytase and with phosphorus levels which were greatly reduced compared to recommendations from the National Research Council. During a 28-week egg production period, there were no consistent differences for any of the parameters observed due to dietary phosphorus, enzyme, or interactions. Hens fed the highest level of phosphorus had greater egg production during week 9 while hens fed the lowest phosphorus had greater egg production during week 22. Birds fed diets with enzyme had a significantly lower percentage of birds to go out of production. Addition of enzyme to turkey breeder hen diets resulted in transitory improvements to hatchability of all eggs and fertile eggs. Decreasing dietary phosphorus resulted in no major reproductive problems for turkey hens.

    Oregon State University
    Over the next 12 months, I intend to obtain funding to test water given to broiler chickens throughout the state of Oregon. This data will be compared to data obtained in 1991 for the same broiler farms.
    Penn State University
    Ammonia volatilization from poultry can be a water quality issue when deposited to surface waters. Microbial uricase enzyme is the first step in breaking down uric acid in poultry manure. Our research findings indicate that Zn, and Cu blocked the activity of microbial uricase in poultry manure (Kim and Patterson, 2002a). ZnSO4 treatment of poultry manure significantly reduced the number of uric acid utilizing bacteria in manure, reduced ammonia volatilization and increased manure uric acid nitrogen and total nitrogen retention compared to controls (P < .05). Another strategy to reduce ammonia volatilization is to inoculate poultry manure with soil-nitrifying bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrite or nitrate (Kim and Patterson, 2002b). Soil inoculates with nitrifying bacteria reduced ammonia-N in manure:soil treatments both numerically and significantly, however total-N levels were not influenced. Nitrate and nitrite levels were increased in some but not all manure:soil treatments, suggesting there is some promise to this technique. Negative ionization of hen water, feed and environment had no impact on water quality or microbial levels in the environments, eggs or water (Bell et al. 2002), however the treatments resulted in greater egg albumen height and Haugh units.
    Information collected from deep-bedded turkey finisher houses indicated a high level of phosphorus accumulation (Patterson, Hulet and Lorenz, unpublished information, 2002) that was in proportion greater than that seen in either broiler or layer litter. Therefore, plans for coming the coming year, include mitigation of phosphorus in turkey diets to decrease excretion by utilizing phytase and reduced phosphorus in turkey diet formulation. The effects of these diets on fitness and production of turkeys will be studied. Other plans include testing in field trials of other bedding material that might bind ammonia and decrease volatilization while increasing fertilizer value of the broiler bedding material.
    Texas A&M University
    Characterization of broiler litter production and nutrient mass balance is being conducted under current commercial-style management. To date, the accurate quantification of litter accumulated throughout the production process and the concentration and fate of nitrogen have been studied. Accurate estimates of litter production have been developed.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Auburn University has published research dealing with methods that will promote the environmentally safe disposal of poultry farm wastes.
    2. Evals. of drinking water for poultry production operations provides critical info. for promoting the health & safety of flocks. Info. published on water sanitation provides poultry co. & producers with ways to assure birds receive high quality water. Development of the P Index & its acceptance by ANRCS as an acceptable guideline for developing nutrient mgmt. plans has provided poultry producers with a option for utilization of animal resources than basing the app. of manure on soil P levels.
    3. The use of planting trees as vegetative filters around poultry houses has been well received by poultry producers, companies, conservationists and environmentalists. Guidelines for a tree-planting program around poultry houses have been developed and cost-share is now available locally for this practice.
    4. In-house pasteurization of broiler litter is an alternative method of managing poultry litter that provides an opportunity for poultry producers to confidently utilize a built-up litter program. Ultimately, there will be a reduction in the amount of litter applied to land over a period of time; as well as a reduced possibility of impairing waterways.
    5. Info. on low-phytate corn for turkeys was helpful to corn growers. Info. on particle size affects on P utilization has stimulated debate on optimum grinding procedures. Info. for pullet/layer study will provide data that will instill confidence in egg producers to give phytase more credit for P availability and will increase use and decrease P load of layer manure. The use of DDGS in poultry diets is a consideration for MI corn growers and could provide a viable decrease of P excretion from bird
    6. Impact 6 The immediate effects of lowering dietary phosphorus would be to decrease the cost of breeder feed & reduce phosphorus excretion if the total dietary phosphorus could be reduced without the addition of dietary phytase
    7. Impact 7 The application of minerals to poultry manure may be used as a means of influencing manure pH and microbial populations to control the volatilization of ammonia from poultry facilities and keep this valuable nutrient with the manure as a recyclable source of nitrogen for crop production
    8. Impact 8 Litter production & characterization evaluated within current broiler production systems will allow more accurate nutrient mngmnt. planning for broiler producers. Better mngmnt. of these nutrients will ultimately benefit water quality & related environmental issues
    9. Impact 9 In the Santee Valley of Utah there are 5 million turkeys grown by 40 to 60 independent growers. The quality of water varies from one end of the valley to the other end. Work to be done in 2003 is to see if bird performance can be correlated to water quality.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 01/07/2004

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/22/03 to 10/22/03
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2002 to 10/2003

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Mike Hulet informed the group that our administrative advisor, David Thawley, was unable to attend this annual meeting.

    Rich Reynnells informed the group that we needed to go ahead with the re-write of the W195 project and submit the re-write one year prior to the scheduled end date of the current project (8/2005). However, there is discussion of replacing the multi-state research groups with another system. However, nothing has been changed at this time.

    Meeting announcements: The NPWMS committee and the W195 committee will meet in Atlanta during the International Poultry Exposition. The NPWMS committee is schedule to meet on Wednesday, January 28 at 1:00 pm. The W195 committee is schedule to meet on Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 pm. Mike Hulet is going to try to reschedule the W195 meeting for Wednesday, January 28.

    Discussion of the 2004 annual meeting: The 2004 annual meeting will be held in Holland. The group will participate in air quality and water quality tours, as well as tour poultry and livestock production and processing facilities. However, due to the recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Foot-and-mouth disease, some tours may not be possible. There is a model unit at the agricultural university and that could be part of our tours. This would be a joint meeting between W195, NCR189, and S291. Mike Hulet will check possible dates for the meeting. The meeting may be held in early October or late August. We would consider utilizing the international center for our housing while in Holland. Additionally, the group discussed the possibility of conducting an international waste management seminar in conjunction with the agricultural university in Holland. The group will apply for travel grants, and the group believes that it would be important for all three research groups (W195, NCR189, and S291) to participate in this international meeting.

    Election of Officers

    The members present elected the following persons to serve as officers:

    PRESIDENT: Theresia Lavergne, Louisiana State University;
    VICE PRESIDENT: Bud Malone, University of Delaware;
    SECRETARY: Abel Gernat, North Carolina State University;

    STATE REPORTS

    Kevin Roberson, Michigan State University

    Turkey trials
    a. Coarse corn (1000-1100 microns) improved phosphorus utilization in poults fed 0.4% npP and 1.2% Ca
    b. Soybean meal-phytate retention was decreased when ground finer at 4weeks of age (0.48% npP)
    c. Comparison of wheat bran phytase vs. Natuphos N600
    d. Heavy toms fed pellets  4 levels of Ca, npP
    e. P availability of DDGS

    Broiler trials
    a. 25-hydroxycholecalciferol  levels up to 70 mg/kg

    Pullet/Layer trials
    a. Phytase causing gout and soft bones (low P, low P + phytase, no dical in low P diet)

    2004
    Will continue the DDGS availability of P trials; develop torsion test for bones; conduct trials on degermed, dehulled corn, low-phytate soybean meal, and soluble P

    2. Jesse Grimes, North Carolina State University

    a. Dehulled, degermed corn (DDC)
    b. Low phytate soybean meal and phytase
    c. Evaluation of alternative litter materials

    Abel Gernat, North Carolina State University
    Utilizing quick lime and Ca oxide to handle manure and mortalities

    3. Austin Cantor, University of Kentucky

    a. 25-hydroxy-vit D3 and phytase on production performance and bone
    mineralization of laying hens fed diets low in P
    b. Next  effect of P or normal P levels with no trace mineral supplementation,
    organic trace mineral supplementation, or inorganic trace mineral
    supplementation

    4. Theresia Lavergne, LSU AgCenter
    a. In-house pasteurization of broiler litter
    b. In-vessel mortality composting
    c. Master Farmer/Master Poultry Grower program

    5. Mike Hulet, Pennsylvania State University

    a. Effect of lowered P diets on growth and bone mass of 3 strains of turkey toms

    6. Bud Malone, University of Delaware

    a. In-house composting of catastrophic mortalities
    b. Trees as vegetative filters for poultry houses
    c. Model house for water and air quality studies

    7. Paul Patterson, Pennsylvania State University

    a. Pennsylvania tree project
    b. NRCS feed management conservation practice standard
    c. Nitrogen reduction strategies

    8. Nick Zimmermann, University of Maryland

    a. Drinking water quality
    b. Disinfection of watering systems

    9. Lew Carr, University of Maryland

    a. Total House Composting for Catastrophic Mortality Disposal
    b. Litter treatments to reduce Salmonella contamination of Broilers
    c. Tornado in a can - composter evaluation

    Re-write of the W195 project: The re-write needs to focus on the priorities of the group that is involved in W195. At this time, there are no representatives for poultry processing. Thus, the re-write will not include poultry processing. From the original objectives of W195, the group has not been working on objectives 1.C and 2.C.; therefore, they will not be included in the re-write. The objectives of the re-write will include dietary strategies, management of litter, and dead bird disposal to reduce contamination to water.

    Paul Patterson will work on the re-write of objective 1, and will contact other participants to help with the re-write. Nick Zimmerman will work on objective 2, and will contact other participants to help him.

    All of the current members will be contacted to determine if they want to continue to be part of the W195 group.

    The interaction with the group in Holland will be included in the re-write.

    Mike Hulet will contact Dr. David Thawley, project administrator, for the time-line to complete the re-write.

    W195 annual report: The annual report is due within 60 days following the meeting. The report will need to show cooperation between states.

    Educational Exchange: Bud Malone reported on his educational exchange program with Australia. Bud visited Australia and worked with researchers involved in their vegetative buffer program

    Accomplishments:
    Auburn University:
    Continued sampling of sand litter nutrient levels gave a better picture of how this alternative litter source might be used on a larger scale in the broiler industry. In short, although using sand litter permits cleanout to be delayed for four to five years, the resulting level of litter available at that time would require quite a lot of land for spreading. Sand litter would, therefore, potentially be useful for someone who wishes to sell litter only occasionally. Brian Bowers completed his masters thesis on this subject and two papers have been submitted for publication. Ken Macklin (from Dr. Bob Nortons group) has lead attempts to monitor temperature and bacterial numbers in litter composted by several methods. Although composting worked better in windrowed pine shavings litter if covered, the logistics of covering windrows in a 500-foot house would be prohibitive. Pine shavings litter reached a higher temperature and composted more fully than the sand litter. Drs. Blake and Simpson (Ag Economics) completed an economic comparison of several types of poultry mortality incinerators. Units on both broiler and broiler breeder farms were tested. Significant differences in the cost of incineration were recorded between types of incinerators.

    University of Delaware:
    In the event of a highly pathogenic disease outbreak that requires entire house depopulation, rapid, cost-effective, environmentally sound and biosecure options for carcass disposal are essential. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maryland a demonstration was conducted to evaluate and demonstrate in-house composting as a viable disposal alternative in the event of an emergency disease situation. Numerous demonstrations have been implemented to evaluate the potential of planting trees around the perimeter of farms as vegetative filters to capture emissions. Although the results from two summer-season studies on the efficacy of trees for capturing emissions are encouraging there still remain challenges in measurement methodology and determining the fate of nutrients captured by the vegetation. The potential impact that trees around houses have on poultry production and the microclimate is being studied.

    University of Kentucky:
    Excessive phosphorus in run-off water from cropland and pastures following application of poultry manure has been a major issue for many years. One of the strategies developed to minimize this problem is the addition of the microbially-produced enzyme phytase to poultry diets with the concomitant reduction of dietary phosphorus. The influence of adding 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) and phytase to a low-P layer diet on production performance and bone mineral quality following 48 wk of production was studied using 432 commercial laying hens (Hy-Line W-36). Treatments consisted of feeding the following diets: 1) low-P, corn-soy basal layer diet (0.12% available P); 2) basal + 25-OH-D3 (69 μg/kg diet, HY-D, Roche Vitamins Inc., Parsippany, NJ); 3) basal + phytase (Ronozyme P, 234 units/kg diet, Roche Vitamins Inc.); 4) basal + 25-OH-D3 + phytase; 5) normal-P layer diet (0.30% available P); and 6) normal-P diet + 25-OH-D3. All diets were supplemented with cholecalciferol (2120 IU/kg diet) and contained 3.75% Ca. Feeding a diet with only 0.12% available P clearly depressed productive performance. Adding phytase to the low-P diet increased feed intake, egg production, body weight and livability without affecting shell quality. Compared with the normal-P diet, feeding the low-P diet significantly decreased most bone quality parameters. The addition of phytase, but not 25-OH-D3, significantly improved weight, ash weight, bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the tibia and the femur, bone mineral content of the of the humerus and breaking strength of the tibia and humerus. The results indicate that phytase can be useful in correcting decreased production performance and bone mineralization of hens fed a low-P diet.

    Louisiana State University Agricultural Center:
    The methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter are being evaluated in on-farm trials within commercial facilities (conventional and class A houses). Litter nutrient content, litter pathogen count, and broiler performance are the criteria being evaluated. Additionally, the ammonia levels within the house are being monitored during the placement of the subsequent flock. The method of in-vessel composting of poultry mortalities was evaluated as a possible acceptable method in Louisiana. The in-vessel composting method was evaluated in a production setting and on a research farm. Additionally, the LSU AgCenter has developed and implemented the Master Farmer Program (Master Poultry Grower). The Master Farmer program is an effort to help agricultural producers address environmental stewardship through voluntary, effective and economically achievable Best Management Practices (BMPs). Phase I of this educational program was offered to poultry growers in 2003. This phase focuses on environmental issues specific to production agriculture and poultry-specific BMPs and their implementation. Some of the topics addressed are: national water quality standards and the clean water act, Louisiana water quality standards, TMDLs, nonpoint source management strategies, BMPs, soil and water management, nutrient management, and NRCS CORE 4 conservation practices.

    Michigan State University:
    Evaluation of dietary calcium and phosphorus needs of tom turkeys was evaluated using pelleted diets to increase growth rate compared to previous studies using mash diets. This was important to assess justification of dietary phosphorus levels fed in the turkey industry. Maximum growth potential was realized and spontaneous bone breakage was minimized when dietary phosphorus was fed at levels similar to commercial diets used in the Midwestern U.S. Particle sizes of corn and soybean meal were evaluated for possible effects on phytate phosphorus utilization in poults. Phosphorus utilization was increased when corn particle size was coarse (>1000 microns) and dietary phosphorus was low (0.40% available phosphorus). Phytase sources were tested in a tom grow-out study in which Natuphos N600 was tested compared to inclusion of wheat bran in the diet. Wheat bran was found to be as effective as the commercial phytase source as a means of increasing phosphorus availability in corn-soybean meal diets. Adding Natuphos to a low phosphorus diet increased soluble phosphorus content of the litter. Nonphytate phosphorus content in the feed was formulated to be 0.25% in the finisher (15-17 wk) period for the low phosphorus diet. Research with dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) has begun to evaluate the availability of energy and phosphorus in DDGS produced from an ethanol plant located in Michigan. About half of the phosphorus in ethanol-derived DDGS is in the phytate form, but preliminary research suggests that the availability of phosphorus could be much higher than 50%. Research on 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (Hy-D) in broiler starter diets showed that Hy-D prevents tibial dyschondroplasia in Ross cockerels when dietary calcium is at or below 0.85%. Phytate phosphorus retention was measured and found to be improved by Hy-D when dietary calcium is below 0.85%.

    North Carolina State University:
    An experiment was conducted to determine if feeding degermed-dehulled corn (DDC) to turkey poults would support growth performance as well or better than those fed diets containing normal corn and would reduce phosphorus (P) excretion from poults raised to 21d. Two hundred and eighty eight British United Turkeys male turkey poults were housed in Petersime batteries with 48 pens (6 birds per pen) at day of hatch. Treatments were in a factorial arrangement with two types of corn (normal corn and DDC) and three levels of Ca and P (100, 85, 70% of recommended NRC levels). Poults were fed a starter ration with treatments as follows: normal corn + Ca and P at 100, 85, and 70% of NRC recommended levels (N100, N85, N70, respectively) and DDC + Ca and P at 100, 85, and 70% of NRC recommended levels (DDC100, DDC85, DDC70, respectively). The following parameters were reported; growth performance, AMEn, and apparent nitrogen retention (ANR). Individual BW, feed consumption, and feed to gain, by pen, where determined at 7 day intervals to 21d. The following parameters were also measured at 21d: percent toe and tibia ash, tibia breaking strength, and P levels in fecal samples. Poults fed diets formulated with DDC had significantly higher mean BW (P<0.03; 709g vs. 659g) at 21d and a significantly better feed conversion (P<0.04; 1.02 vs. 1.06) at 7d than those fed diets formulated with normal corn. Neither toe nor tibia ash were significantly affected by corn type, NRC level, or the interaction of the two. Tibia breaking strength was significantly affected by corn source as well as NRC level. Poults fed DDC had higher tibia breaking strength than those fed normal corn (P<0.05; 101.17 vs. 94.69 MPa). Poults fed levels of 100 and 85% of NRC had higher tibia breaking strength than those fed diets containing 70% of NRC (P<0.03; 101.02, 101.13 MPa vs. 91.63 MPa). Fecal P was not affected by corn type but decreased significantly as NRC levels decreased (P<0.0001; 1341.58, 1093.57, and 940 mg P/100ml, respectively). In conclusion, replacing normal corn with DDC resulted in improved growth performance in poults raised to 21d.

    Texas A&M University:
    Characterization of broiler litter production and nutrient mass balance is being conducted under current commercial-style management. To date, the accurate quantification of litter accumulated throughout the production process and the concentration and fate of nitrogen have been studied. Accurate estimates of litter production have been developed.

    Pennsylvania State University:
    On three cooperator poultry farms Penn State University and NRCS personnel are studying trees as vegetative, preliminary results suggest a benefit for mitigating neighbor concerns with commercial poultry production. In cooperation with the 9-state national program Partnership for Livestock Environmental Management Assessment Systems, Pennsylvania personnel from Penn State University and the Penn Ag Industries-Poultry Council developed and pilot tested an environmental management system (EMS) assessment tool for poultry farms. During 2003, 30 cooperator poultry producers including 10 producing broilers, 10 producing turkeys and 10 with hens producing eggs pilot tested the assessment tool. The assessment tool ranks areas of concern for environmental stewardship and sets priorities for continuous improvement.
    An experiment was conducted in the fall of 2003 to use dietary strategies in diets of commercial turkeys to reduce the fecal phosphorus load in the litter. Seven hundred and twenty poults were randomized into treatments to evaluate growth efficiency and performance of tom turkey from three different strains and two different diets (Commercial and Treatment Diet with 20 % lower total phosphorus in the grower and finisher diets). While differences in growth rates were found between some of the strains, no significant differences in growth (19.32 vs. 19.42 kg) and feed conversion (2.11 vs. 2.14) were found between the control and the decreased phosphorus diets, respectively. Bone Densities for the Control and Reduced Phosphorus dietary treatments were not different at 14 (.418 vs. .414 gm/cm3 and .424 vs. .419 gm/cm3) or 19 (.439 v s .455 gm/cm3 and .461 vs. .452 gm/cm3) weeks of age as measured in the humerus and femur. While there were differences in processing yields between strains, no significant differences between dietary treatments were found at 19 wks of age by reduction of the total phosphorus levels.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The Delaware/Maryland in-house composting demonstration was very successful and has shown the local poultry industry this method is not only practical, biosecure and environmentally sound but more cost effective than other options.
    2. Results from studies at the University of Kentucky show that the level of non-phytate or available phosphorus in layer diets can be greatly reduced from levels conventionally used in the poultry industry without negative impacts.
    3. The alternative method of managing poultry litter in Louisiana (i.e., in-house pasteurization of broiler litter) provides an opportunity for poultry producers to confidently utilize a built-up litter program.
    4. The Michigan State and Penn State University information available from the current research will enable the turkey industry to assess the ability to decrease dietary phosphorus in commercial diets.
    5. The Michigan State evaluation of particle size is an important contribution of knowledge to feed mill managers that could change phosphorus utilization via the grinding process of corn.
    6. The North Carolina State University Study showed the use of degermed-dehulled corn has the potential to lower phosphorus excretion in poultry and to increase the digestibility of poultry diets
    7. The Texas A&M study showed the evaluation of nitrogen mass balance data will allow more informed assessment of atmospheric deposition of ammonia from broiler production facilities
    8. The Vegetative Filter Belt (VFB) pilot project at Penn State has resulted in significant interest among integrated poultry companies and growers on using VFB to mitigate neighbor issues associated with poultry house fan emissions
    9. The Pennsylvania Environmental Agriculture Conservation Certificate of Excellence (PEACCE) program which includes environmental literacy awareness education and an on-farm assessment will consider using the PA EMS tool designed specifically for poultry farms instead of the current on-farm assessment of the Americas Clean Water Foundation which was originally designed for swine
    10. In the future, more studies will be conducted in the use of vegatative filters, assessing strategies to nutritionally limit phosphorus excretion, utilize litter more effectively by pasturization, alternative ingredients, and evaluation of litter additives to reduce ammonia emmissions, and more effectively dispose of poultry carcasses
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 12/08/2004

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 11/06/04 to 11/14/04
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2003 to 11/2004

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The 2004 annual meeting was a joint meeting with S291, and was held in The Netherlands and Germany. The W-195 meeting was held November 6-14, 2004.

    David Thawley, the administrative advisor, was unable to attend this annual meeting.

    Meeting events: The following were included in the annual meeting: information exchange with faculty of Wageningen University (The Netherlands), state reports, hatchery tour, tour of two aviaries, tour of heated floor broiler facility, meeting with Nutreco, attend Eurotier, seminar provided by Skov (a Denmark equipment company) on European poultry housing and air scrubbing technologies.

    Information exchange with Wageningen faculty and state reports: 1. Hilko Ellen, Wageningen University Animal Welfare and Ammonia Emissions Issues for Poultry in the Netherlands

    2. Peter van Horne, Wageningen University Competitiveness of the EU Poultry Industry

    3. Tom Deick, Plant Research International Windshields for Poultry Farms  This Dutch researcher is measuring the efficacy of windshields (tree shelterbelts) to capture and disperse ammonia emissions from poultry and livestock facilities.

    4. Bud Malone, University of Delaware (W195 and S291) Vegetative Environmental Buffers  from the front to the back side of the vegetative buffers, there has been a 99% reduction in wind speed, a 51% reduction in dust, a 47% reduction in ammonia, and a 13% reduction in odor; the types of trees to use, planting distances, weed control, and the effect of trees on fan performance are being evaluated

    5. Kevin Chipperfield, British Columbia Trees as Air Filters on Poultry Farms  dust collection, soil nutrient levels, and particulate distribution are being evaluated

    6. Paul Patterson, Penn State (W195) Vegetative Shelter Belts  12 demonstration farms are in place in Pennsylvania and tree stressors are being evaluated

    7. Wendy Powers, Iowa State (S291) An environmental chamber research center has been constructed at Iowa State. There are eight chambers in the center and it can accommodate all species. A goal of this facility will be to evaluate dietary strategies to address air quality issues.

    8. Tony Pescatore, University of Kentucky (W195 and S291) Reported on the impact of accurate measurement of fan ventilation rates on ammonia emissions estimates Ammonia Emissions from Broiler Houses  emissions from broiler houses are being measured

    9. Theresia Lavergne, Louisiana State University AgCenter (W195) In-house pasteurization of broiler litter trials have shown that self-heating of litter results in a 90% or more reduction in pathogen levels and does not contribute to an increase in nutrient content of litter over a period of four to five flocks of chickens; the Master Poultry Grower program is in place and model farms have been identified, BMP monitoring will begin in 2005; the effectiveness of filter strips will be evaluated beginning in 2005

    10. Eileen Wheeler, Penn State (S291) Ammonia Emissions from Broiler and Layer Houses  emissions are being measured and emission variation due to method of manure handling has been detected Other projects: Quantification of horse arena dust, using wetlands to reduce odor from hog manure, using dietary strategies to reduce emissions from dairy operations

    11. Nick Zimmermann, University of Maryland (W195) Drinking Water Effects on Broiler Performance  drinking water samples have been collected in Washington, Delaware, Maryland, and Arkansas, the samples have been analyzed to determine what could be negatively affecting performance

    12. Bill Saylor, University of Delaware (S291) Nutrient Management from Feed to Field  methods of altering diets to reduce phosphorus emissions are being evaluated, a reduction of 0.1% phosphorus in the diet is resulting in a 20-50% reduction in total phosphorus in the manure

    W195 Business Meeting: All states need to submit their written state reports to Theresia as soon as possible. We will need to submit our annual report to our administrative advisor within 30 days of this meeting.

    The process of completing the re-write of the W195 project is underway. Theresia has a draft of most of the required sections. Some of the members have reviewed the draft and made comments. Paul and Nick are still working on the methods section of the re-write. The group plans to complete the re-write in December.

    A location for the 2005 annual meeting needs to be selected. The following locations were suggested: Reno, Ocean City, Tulsa, North Carolina, and Dallas. The group will select a meeting location during the January meeting at the International Poultry Exposition.

    Election of Officers The members present elected the following persons to serve as officers:

    PRESIDENT: THERESIA LAVERGNE, LOUISIANA VICE PRESIDENT: BUD MALONE, DELAWARE SECRETARY: AUSTIN CANTOR, KENTUCKY

    Accomplishments:
    Auburn University: Performance of broilers reared on sand is equal to those reared on conventional bedding materials, even after 20+ flocks. Although using sand litter permits cleanout to be delayed for four to five years, the resulting level of material available at that time would require quite a lot of land for spreading. However, sand litter may be of interest to those developing golf greens or producing sod commercially, but the results of demonstrations comparing sand litter and traditional golf green mixes have not been promising. Top dressing trials with used sand litter are showing accelerated growth on grass plots. Recent work at Auburn University investigated temperature generation and its effect on bacterial numbers in litter composted by several methods. Although composting worked better in windrowed pine shavings litter if covered, the logistics of covering windrows in a 500-foot house are prohibitive. Pine shavings litter reached a higher temperature and composted more fully than sand litter. Several experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional and economic value of poultry litter ash as a replacement for dicalcium phosphate in the diet of broiler chickens. Results indicate that the complete substitution of dicalcium phosphate with poultry litter ash did not compromise growth performance of market age broilers. Poultry litter ash has value as a phosphorus supplement in poultry feeds. Poor management of mortality composting equipment has led to a number of problems. A stationary composter was evaluated and found to improve loading rate and efficiency of operation for broiler producers. An economic comparison of several types of poultry mortality incinerators located on both broiler and broiler breeder farms were tested. Significant differences in the cost of incineration were recorded between types of incinerators. Results indicated that while these differences in efficiency and cost represent wide variability in specific model design and operation, it is apparent that recent technological advances are quite attractive relative to traditional alternatives for carcass disposal. Incineration was shown to be a very cost effective, environmentally friendly method of disposal. An Interagency Waste Management Team was formed to develop educational materials and programs to support the agricultural sector in their efforts to comply with Alabama's AFO/CAFO regulations. Through various training programs, poultry growers in Alabama are now prepared to deal with the current AFO/CAFO regulations. The Team provides environmental education. Additionally, educational materials were developed to support poultry producers interested in initiating a tree-planting program.

    University of Delaware: In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maryland a demonstration was conducted in 2003 to evaluate and demonstrate in-house composting as a viable disposal alternative in the event of an emergency disease situation. When low pathogenic avian influenza was detected on the Delmarva Peninsula in 2004, in-house composting was identified as the method of choice for containment, virus inactivation and carcass disposal of infected flocks. This procedure prooved to be a biosecure, environmentally sound and cost-effective option to deal with a highly pathogenic disease outbreak. Planting vegetative environmental buffers (trees) around poultry farms is gaining national and international interest as means of addressing emerging environmental, neighbor-relations and production concerns. Numerous demonstrations have been implemented over the past four years to define the design criteria of these plantings, measure emissions (ammonia, particulates and odor) reductions with these filters, and to assess potential implications on poultry productivity within these shelterbelts. The selection of trees suited for this program, their distance from ventilation fans, and a planting design to achieve specific objectives on each side of the farm is critical to the success of this initiative. Emissions data has been collected the past three summers at a test site having a three-row tree planting opposite tunnel ventilation fans. The relative reduction in ammonia, total dust and odor emissions across this 22 feet of vegetation has been 47%, 51% and 13%, respectively. Measurement methodology and ambient environmental conditions are challenges in emissions determinations. Long-term studies continue to asses the fate of nutrients captured by the vegetation.

    University of Kentucky: A study was conducted in commercial broiler houses in Kentucky 1) to evaluate sampling methodology for determination of nutrient content of broiler litter and 2) to determine variation in litter nutrient content among brooding and non-brooding areas. Results indicated that both the trench and point sampling procedures yielded similar values for litter pH, moisture, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. The trench method gave significantly higher values for total ammoniacal nitrogen, however, total ammoniacal nitrogen only accounted for 15% of total nitrogen. Significant variations in moisture, ammoniacal nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations were observed among the litter samples from the different areas of the broiler house. Future studies will examine the impact of various dietary treatments on reduction of nitrogen levels in broiler litter. Two studies were conducted at the Kentucky Experiment Station with pullets of commercial white and brown shell egg laying strains to examine the effect of dietary trace mineral supplementation on manure concentrations of minerals. During a 19-week growth period, corn-soybean meal diets were fed with 1) no trace mineral supplement, 2) a conventional inorganic trace mineral supplement, and 3) a supplement containing substantially lower levels of trace minerals provided by organic sources (proteinates). The three diets were fed with or without the enzyme phytase in a factorial arrangement. In the white shell pullets, phytase lowered the concentrations of copper, iron and zinc in the manure by 16, 27 and 10%, respectively. Compared with the conventional inorganic supplement, the use of the trace mineral proteinates lowered the manure content of copper, iron and zinc by 23, 35 and 45%, respectively. Similar results were obtained with the brown shell pullets. No differences in final body were observed due to dietary treatments. Future studies will examine the impact of these pullet dietary treatments on the impact of bone mineralization and subsequent layer performance.

    Louisiana State University: The LSU AgCenter has developed and implemented the Master Farmer Program (Master Poultry Grower). The Master Farmer program is an effort to help agricultural producers address environmental stewardship through voluntary, effective and economically achievable Best Management Practices (BMPs). Phase I of this educational program was offered to poultry growers in 2003 and 2004. This phase focuses on environmental issues specific to production agriculture and poultry-specific BMPs and their implementation Phase 2 of this program is the designation of commodity specific model farms and validation of the effectiveness of BMPs on the model farms. In 2004, two poultry model farms were designated. On model farm #1, the monitored BMP is nutrient management in applying litter to pastures. On model farm #2, the monitored BMP is the use of buffer zones. At these model farms, water samples will be collected and analyzed in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effectiveness of these BMPs. LSU AgCenter extension personnel have evaluated methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter. The methods of in-house pasteurization of broiler litter were evaluated in on-farm trials within commercial facilities (conventional and class A houses). It was determined that pathogens were reduced by 90% or more by this process. Also, it was determined that nutrients in the litter did not build up over a period of three to four consecutive flocks.

    University of Maryland: Zimmermann is experimenting with various statistical methods to relate drinking water quality to chicken growth performance. Using drinking water analyses and poultry performance datasets from Washington state and Maryland, he has shown strengths and weaknesses of various statistical methods. Poultry farmers can increase their income by using science based knowledge to make decisions on drinking water quality. Classification and regression tree analysis have been employed to provide farmers with information regarding thresholds of water inclusions likely to impact broiler growth performance. S-Plus (Statistical Sciences, 1999) was unable to provide insightful results. Further exploration of our data sets is planned using CART and SYSTAT (SPSS, Inc.) and perhaps other statistical methods.

    North Carolina State University: An experiment was conducted to determine if feeding genetically modified low-phytate (LP) soybean meal (SBM) to turkey poults would support growth performance equal to or better than those fed diets containing normal SBM and reduce phosphorus (P) excretion from poults raised to 18d. A phytase enzyme (E) (Alltech; KY) was also incorporated into the trial. The following parameters were measured; growth performance, AMEn, and apparent nitrogen retention (ANR). Feed consumption and feed to gain, by pen, and individual BW where determined at 6 day intervals to 18d. Also measured at 18d: percent toe and tibia ash, tibia breaking strength, and P levels in fecal samples. Another experiment was conducted to determine if feeding degermed-dehulled corn (DDC) to turkey poults would support growth performance as well or better than those fed diets containing normal corn and would reduce phosphorus (P) excretion from poults raised to 21d. Degermed, dehulled corn (DDC) is produced by dry milling and results in the removal of 80% of the corn phytate P.

    Penn State University: On seven cooperator poultry farms Penn State University and NRCS personnel are studying trees as vegetative filters. Preliminary results suggest a benefit for mitigating neighbor concerns with commercial poultry production as well as decreasing dust and ammonia exposure. In the next five years, measurements will be made around the houses to record effect of vegetative filters on reducing poultry house contamination of the surrounding environment. Two studies were conducted to use dietary strategies in commercial turkeys diets to reduce the fecal phosphorus in the litter. In one study, poults were fed two different diets (commercial control and low-P treatment diets with 20 % lower total phosphorus in the grower and finisher diets). No significant differences in growth or feed conversion were found between the control and the low-P diets. Humerus and femur bone densities of the control and low-P birds were not different at 14 or 19 weeks of age. Also, no significant differences between dietary treatments were found at 19 wks for processing yields. In the second study, BUTA males were reared on diets with reduced available phosphorus from 20 and 30% of the commercial levels for the grower and finisher diets. No difference in body weight, feed conversion, or bone density was found. No evidence of increases in broken bones or reduced leg strength was found between for the duration of the 13 wk study. An environmental management systems (EMS) tool for the poultry industry sought to set environmental priority, design and implement environmental protection measures, and communicate and monitor environmental performance. It was adapted from national and existing PA Farm*A*Syst materials, and field-tested on 10 layer, 10 broiler and 10 turkey farms in PA. Eleven priority areas were evaluated for risk assessment on a scale from 1-low to 4-high risk. Example average scores for drinking water supply were: 1.7 layers, 1.7 broilers, 1.4 turkeys, however, the range of scores were 1-2.3, 1-4 and 1-4, respectively, indicating improvement opportunities. Survey responses indicated the tool was helpful to their operation, and 75% preferred the 3rd party assessment to self-assessment. The assessment tool was effective in documenting performance and identifying environmental opportunities. And PA stake-holders have proposed adopting this tool for poultry producers with a state-wide certificate program for environmental excellence and stewardship in animal agriculture (PEACCE).

    Texas A&M University: Completed data collection in 2.5 year 18 flock study to accurately determine the amount of litter and caked litter produced under modern broiler rearing conditions. Initial analysis of the data reveals that the amount of litter produced is dramatically reduced compared to previous reports. This is likely due to improved litter and drinker management as well as longer periods between total house clean out procedures.

    Virginia Tech: Over supplementation of nitrogen currently occurs due to the inability of the hen to fully utilize the nitrogen available in diet formulations. Thus, research evaluating varying levels of protein in the diet of laying hens was conducted. Three levels of CP (18, 15, and 12%) were used to start the trial and a phase feeding program was used. In the high CP program the CP was reduced normally, in the medium CP Program the CP remained the same during the second phase and then reduced to 12% during the final phase, and in the low CP program the CP remained at 12% for the duration of the trial. Feeding the Medium regimen to laying hens had similar effects on performance as did the high program. Hens fed the low CP program had lower performance, but still maintained production at greater than 80% for the entire trial. We can conclude that the level of protein in the laying hen diet can be reduced from what is currently being used and still maintain performance. In the upcoming year, further evaluation of the use of specific amino acids (Threonine, Arginine and possibly isoleucine) to reduce overall CP and phytase use in the laying hen will be conducted.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Research conducted has focused on immediate needs of the poultry industry. Published research has dealt with methods that will promote the environmentally safe disposal of poultry farm wastes that provide for the maintenance of water quality. As a result, Auburn University has gained national and international reputation for its research in poultry waste management.
    2. In-house composting of carcasses has been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the containment of the 2004 avian influenza outbreak on Delmarva. The success in limiting the spread of the disease to just three farms in one of the worlds most densely populated poultry production areas is being considered as model for the poultry industry. Enquiries into this procedure have been requested worldwide. Within the next year a national training program to educate the meat-type poul
    3. Through participation in the Master Farmer/Poultry Grower Program, poultry growers learn practices to reduce the generation and delivery of agricultural related pollutants into the air or waters. Once poultry growers complete the program they will be certified in Environmental Stewardship. Ultimately, poultry growers will know what the states soil and water quality requirements are, and they will be able to help preserve the waterways.
    4. Experiment 1: Neither mean body weight, feed conversion, cumulative feed conversion, toe ash nor tibia ash were significantly affected by treatment. There was a significant linear decrease in tibia breaking strength and increase in AMEn as diets containing LP decreased from 100 to 70%. Tibia breaking strength for LP70E was not different from LP100. ANR and fecal P were significantly affected by treatment. Fecal P decreased as NRC Ca and P level decreased in LP diets. Fecal P for SBM100 was highe
    5. Using LP resulted in performance equal to SBM while providing reduced fecal P. Replacing normal corn with DDC resulted in improved growth performance in poults raised to 21d.
    6. a. Pennsylvania tree project improved neighbor relations and results will be analyzed for effects on air quality including ammonia, dust and the impact on plant tissues in the vegetative filter. b. Low dietary phosphorus diets fed in two turkey tom experiments reduced litter phosphorus with no effect on growth, feed conversion, bone mass or density of three strains of heavy toms (19 wk) or commercial turkey toms (13 wk).
    7. c. The EMS tool was helpful for identifying environmental challenges and prioritizing opportunities. Producers preferred the third party assessment and in PA the assessment will be used within the states certificate program for environmental excellence (PEACCE).
    8. d. In house composting of hen manure reduced manure moisture levels, increased manure temperature, and reduced fly breeding activity. The composted manure was a more salable product and reduced fly issues in conjunction with other IPM practices at the urban/rural interface.
    9. Studies on broiler litter sampling demonstrated that both the trench and random walk methods provided similar estimates of litter nutrient content. It was also shown that, given the variations in litter nutrient content among different areas of broiler house, it is vital to obtain representative samples from different locations. This knowledge is extremely important in implementing nutrient management programs.
    10. The source and level of trace minerals impact their concentrations in manure. Our studies demonstrated that these manure concentrations can be significantly decreased by the use of decreased levels organic trace mineral sources (proteinates) and by the inclusion of phytase in the diet. Substantially decreasing excess trace mineral levels in manure can have a direct beneficial impact on the environment and water quality.
    11. Simple statistics from many wells in a region can be shared with the farmer to provide comparative information regarding water quality. If specific water inclusions are outside the 99 % confidence limits of average well values in the region, a decision could be made to treat the water or to drill a new well and tap a better aquifer.
    12. Pearsons correlation coefficients between drinking water inclusions and broiler chicken performance variables (body weight, feed conversion, mortality, and postmortem condemnation) provide guidance regarding relationships between each water inclusion and each growth performance variable. Results identified which water inclusions are responsible for impaired performance. Comparison of results from Maryland and Washington state show relationships are region specific. This analysis lacks specifici
    13. Multiple regression analysis (SAS, PROC MINR) of Maryland drinking water data was able to identify combinations of elements that significantly affected broiler chicken growth performance. Results were region specific and open to interpretation depending upon how many variables were allowed into the model. Especially enlightening were results showing that total aerobic bacteria (TAB) count significantly reduced body weight and increased feed conversion(# feed/# bodyweight), and postmortem condemn
    14. The impact of this information is to allow more accurate nutrient management planning among broiler producers. The data documents the effects of past research into means to reduce the amount of waste being generated.
    15. Evaluating the use of CP in the laying hens diet will have a significant impact on the Nitrogen being released in the environment. Feeding less protein during the start of the lay period will help reduce the amount of nitrogen being released into the environment and still maintain performance. It may be possible to further reduce dietary protein with further research.
    Last Modified: unknown
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