Seven new research grants totaling $288,664 approved

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved a total of $288,664 for seven new research grants at three institutions. The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the industry and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding. Committee members are professional specialists from different segments of the poultry and egg industry who represent a variety of disciplines.
The Association’s research program dates back to the early 1960s when funds were first approved for poultry disease research. It gradually grew into a comprehensive program incorporating all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. More than 50 universities and federal and state facilities have received grants over the years.
“Research is an important part of USPOULTRY's and the Foundation’s service to the industry,” said Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, MS, and USPOULTRY chairman. “The Foundation Research Advisory Committee is the heart of the research program with committee members allocating numerous hours studying and evaluating research proposals before making recommendations for funding. We sincerely appreciate and value their excellent work.”
The research grants from each institution include:


• Production of Variant Reovirus Hyperimmune Serum for Use as a Diagnostic Tool to Further Characterize Avian Reoviruses from Clinical Cases of Tenosynovitis. University of Georgia (research grant made possible by a gift from Mar-Jac Poultry)
• Identification of the Wooden Breast Condition in Broiler Breast Fillets Using Imaging Technology. USDA Agriculture Research Service (research grant made possible by a gift from GNP Company)
• Improved Methods for the Control of Variant Strains of IBV. University of Georgia (research grant made possible by a gift from Fieldale Farms)
• Impact and Mitigation of Stormwater Runoff from Poultry. University of Georgia
• Protection Provided by Multivalent Infectious Bronchitis Virus Vaccines Against Challenge with Current U.S. Strains and Variants. University of Delaware
• Cold Plasma-based Antimicrobial Packaging System to Improve the Shelf Life and Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry Breast Meat. USDA Agriculture Research Service
• Modified Live Vaccines of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus. University of Delaware