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Two battery trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) and dietary fat inclusion on broiler chick and turkey poult performance and dietary apparent metabolizable energy, nitrogen corrected (AMEn) when fed corn, wheat, and soy diets. For both experiments, a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design was used with supplemental fat at low (1%, LF) or high (6%, HF) levels and DFM inclusion (0 or 0.91 kg/ton) as main effects. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned to 72 cages of birds and fed for 21 days. Growth performance was measured weekly, and cecal contents were collected for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis on day 21. Fat supplementation resulted in increased body weight gain (BWG) in both broilers and turkeys. Specifically, in LF diets, DFM inclusion resulted in increased BWG compared to the non-DFM treatments. Cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in HF treatments and the LF with DFM treatment compared to the LF with no DFM. In both trials, as expected, feeding HF diets resulted in increased AMEn. However, the DFM inclusion resulted in a greater uplift in AMEn in LF diets for both broilers and turkeys. In either trial, diet did not impact cecal VFA concentrations; thus, the impact on DFM on VFA production remains uncertain. In conclusion, the performance of broiler chicks and turkey poults was improved by DFM inclusion in reduced fat diets which was associated with increased energy digestibility as measured by AMEn.

Ammonia (NH3) produced inside livestock houses can adversely affect animal welfare and performance and degrade the environment. In broiler houses, NH3 levels are mitigated by applying acidifiers to the litter but acidifiers provide short-term NH3 suppression requiring heavy or repeated applications. Microbial additives may provide longer-term NH3 control through nitrogen (N) immobilization and nitrification. The objective of this 50-d lab study was to evaluate the impact of two microbial additives (Environoc 301 and Environoc 501), 2% glucose, and distilled water (control) treatments applied to broiler litter on NH3 emissions and litter properties. During the first 34 d, glucose significantly but modestly reduced NH3 emissions vs. the other treatments which were not significantly different from one-another. For the entire study, when glucose was excluded (due to lost replicates), the three treatments were not significantly different. The unreplicated glucose treatment had higher final litter nitrate concentration than the other treatments. Litter properties were unaffected by the two microbial additive and control treatments. The effectiveness of glucose in reducing NH3 emission could have been due to greater N immobilization and nitrification vs. the other treatments. More research on cost-effective labile carbon sources and higher application rates to achieve greater NH3 reduction is required.

Sodium bisulfate (SB) was evaluated on its ability to improve broiler growth and intestinal structure with(out) a coccidia challenge. One thousand two hundred Cobb500 day-old males were randomly assigned within 4 experimental groups with a 2 × 2 factorial design, with (out) SB in the diet and with(out) a day 0 coccidia challenge using a 10× dose of a commercial vaccine. At day 7, oocysts per gram of feces were determined. At day 0, 14, 28, and 41, BW and feed consumption were measured. At day 21, 20 birds per treatment were subjectively scored for coccidia lesions, and jejunal histologic samples were collected for villi measurements. Twenty additional birds were given fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran to determine gut permeability. At day 41, 10 birds per treatment had histologic samples collected. Statistical analysis was conducted in JMP Pro 14 using GLM procedure to compare disease state and diet. Means were separated using Dunnett's test (P ≤ 0.05) with the nonchallenged standard diet treatment that is considered the control. All parameters measured indicated an effect due to the coccidia inoculation. Therefore, effects of diet on (non)challenged treatments were determined using a Student t test (P ≤ 0.05). Limited differences due to diet were seen for the nonchallenged production data. Sodium bisulfate had a thinner villi base width (P = 0.04) on day 21 and greater villi height (P = 0.03), smaller base width (P = 0.04), thicker muscularis (P = 0.03), and lower crypt: height ratio (P = 0.01) on day 41. Challenged SB had similar gut permeability to the nonchallenged control (P = 0.94) on day 21. There was no difference in flock uniformity, feed intake, oocysts per gram of feces, or lesion scores between challenged treatments. Challenged SB had greater BW on day 14 (P < 0.0001), 28 (P < 0.0001), and 41 (P = 0.02). Feed conversion ratio from day 0 to 14 was also lower (P = 0.0002). Challenged SB had smaller crypts (P = 0.02) and therefore a smaller crypt: height ratio (P = 0.03) on day 21. Challenged control had a larger apical width (P = 0.03) and thicker muscularis (P = 0.04) on day 41. Overall, the addition of SB during coccidial enteropathy aided in BW, feed conversion ratio, and villi health with no observed effects on parasite cycling.

Coccidiosis is a high-prevalence disease that annually entails huge costs for the poultry industry. Control of coccidiosis in poultry production is based on the use of coccidiostats and vaccines. However, along with the problem of drug resistance, there is a concern about food safety and drug residues in poultry products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium bisulfate (SBS) in comparison with monensin (M) and their combination (SBSM) effects on controlling coccidiosis in broilers. In a randomized design, 300 chickens (Ross 308) were divided into 5 treatments and 4 replications (15 birds per replicate). All birds, except the negative control (NC), were orally inoculated with 4 Eimeria species on 14 D of age. Treatments included were as follows: NC, an unsupplemented basal diet, nonchallenged; positive control, a basal diet unsupplemented, challenged with Eimeria spp; a basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg of SBS; a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of M; and a basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg SBS and 1 g/kg M (SBSM). Oocyst shedding per gram (OPG) of the faecal sample from each experimental unit was counted on 5 to 14 D after inoculation. Two chicks from each experimental unit were euthanized to investigate intestinal lesions on day 5 after inoculation. The NC birds showed the highest BW gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio. The birds in the SBSM group had improved feed consumption compared with the M group in the prechallenge period (P < 0.05). All supplemented treatments resulted in a significant decrease in OPG. The M and SBSM treatments showed more efficacy than the SBS group (P < 0.05) in reducing OPG. There was a significant reduction in cecal lesions owing to supplementation with SBS, but the effect of SBS in the upper part of the intestine was lower than the M and SBSM groups (P < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, SBS has protective effects against coccidiosis in ceca, and the combination of M and SBS (SBSM) did not show any further improvement effect compared with M alone on the control of coccidiosis.

Chromium propionate (Cr Prop) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine for supplementation to broiler diets up to 0.20 mg Cr/kg diet. A 49-D study was conducted to: 1) determine the safety of Cr Prop when supplemented at 2 and 10 times (×) the approved feeding level over the normal life span of broilers, and 2) determine the effects of supplementing Cr Prop on Cr concentrations of tissues consumed by humans. On day zero, 216 Ross 708 broilers were stratified by weight within sex and randomly assigned to treatments. Dietary treatments were 0 (control), 0.40, and 2.0 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet from Cr Prop. There were 6 replicate cages each of male and female broilers per treatment. At the end of the study blood was collected for determination of plasma biochemical measurements and tissue samples were collected for Cr analysis. Supplementing 0.40 mg Cr/kg diet (2×) did not adversely affect broiler performance, mortality, plasma biochemical measurements or Cr concentrations in breast muscle, skin with adhering fat, or liver. Chromium propionate supplemented at 2.0 mg Cr/kg (10×) did not affect Cr concentrations in breast muscle or skin with adhering fat, but increased (P0.05) liver Cr concentrations. Supplementing Cr Prop at 10× the approved feeding level decreased feed intake and gain in male but not female broilers from days 21 to 49. Results of this study support the safety of Cr Prop in broiler diets, and indicate that Cr Prop supplementation to broiler diets at 2 or 10× the approved feeding level does not present a human health concern.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of a novel low trypsin inhibitor soybean (LTI) fed as mash or crumbled pellet form on the productive performance and digestibility in turkey poults from hatch to 21 d. A total of 336 Hybrid Converter turkey poults were allocated in groups of 7 to 6 treatments, each with 8 replicate cages. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial with inclusion level of the low trypsin-inhibitor soybean (0, 20, and 40% LTI) and feed form (mash and crumbled pellet). A single batch of feed was mixed for each inclusion level and divided into 2 aliquots: one remaining as mash and the other conditioned at 82°C for approximately 30 s, pelleted and then crumbled. On d 7, 14, and 21 posthatching, BW, and feed intake (FI) were recorded and BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated. Excreta samples were collected from d 19 to 21 and pooled by cage. At d 21, intestines were excised, pancreas weights recorded (PRW), and ileal contents collected. There were no interactions (linear, P > 0.05) between LTI inclusion and feed form on BW, BWG, FI, or FCR at d 7 or 21. Increasing LTI resulted in a linear reduction in BW at 7, 14, and 21 d (P < 0.006). Poults fed crumbles were significantly heavier at d 21 than those fed mash feed (P < 0.027) with no interaction of LTI level with feed form. FCR was not significantly greater with increasing LTI. However, poults fed crumbles had a better, lower FCR that those fed mash feed from d 0 to 21 (P < 0.018). There was a significant interaction between feed form and LTI level at 14 d (P < 0.031), but not 7 or 21 d. Pancreatic hypertrophy (PRW) increased linearly with increasing LTI (P < 0.001) with a significant linear interaction with feed form (P < 0.001). Poults fed crumbles had less pancreatic hypertrophy. At 21 d of age, dietary fat digestibility (ALD, %) was linearly reduced with increasing LTI (P < 0.001). However, poults fed crumbles had significantly better fat absorption than poults fed mash (91.2 vs. 85.8%) (P < 0.001), and there was a significant linear interaction between feed form and LTI level (P < 0.001). AMEn was significantly better for the poults fed crumbles compared to mash (3228 vs. 3132 kcal/kg) (P < 0.001), and there was a significant linear interaction between feed form and LTI level (P < 0.001). Based on the results this trial, it is possible to include up to 20% unheated full fat LTI soybeans into poult starter diets after pelleting. Pelleting improves nutrient utilization, allowing for greater incorporation of the LTI soybean in the crumbled diet compared to the mash diet.

High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in avian sperm cause more susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Aging in roosters reduces the antioxidant capacity of sperm and thus fertility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a feed supplement to improve the semen quality and fertility parameters of aged broiler breeder roosters and identification of its most effective level. A total of forty-two roosters at 45 wk of age were randomly assigned to 7 treatments (0, 15, 40, 70, 95, 120, and 145 mg ALA/bird per day) for 8 wk. Semen parameters and body weight were assessed biweekly, and testosterone plasma levels were determined in the 8th wk of the experimental period. Artificial insemination was performed at the end of the experiment to evaluate the fertility potential. The dietary administration of ALA had no significant effects on body weight, semen volume, average path velocity, linearity, straightness, wobble, the amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat-cross frequency, sperm concentration, morphology, plasma testosterone level, fertility, or hatchability (P > 0.05). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementations resulted in a significant decrease in seminal malondialdehyde concentration and immotile (type D) sperms (P

Sperm can be selected as a natural vector for the production of transgenic animals. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD) removes cholesterol from the phospholipid membrane of sperm and improves the efficiency of DNA uptake by sperm. In experiment 1, fresh sperm was treated with various concentrations of MBCD. The direct effects of MBCD on sperm parameters were monitored. In experiment 2, different concentrations of MBCD (0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol) were assessed for the transfection of genetically exogenous construction to rooster sperm. Washed semen was divided into 5 equal groups for the incubation and transfection with a pcDNA3.1+/hG-CSF vector (exogenous DNA) as follows; Treatment I—Control (washed semen without DNA); Treatment II—Control (washed semen with DNA); Treatment III—(washed semen incubated with DNA and 1 mmol MBCD); Treatment IV—(washed semen incubated with DNA and 2 mmol MBCD); and Treatment V—(washed semen incubated with DNA and 4 mmol MBCD). We demonstrated that rooster spermatozoa spontaneously can uptake exogenous DNA; this was assessed using exogenous DNA amplification (sperm genomic DNA used as a template for PCR reaction) after DNase I treatment. In addition, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), velocity parameters [curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight linear velocity (VSL), sperm track straightness (STR), linearity (LIN)], membrane integrity (MI), and membrane functionality were posttransfectionally evaluated. The concentrations of 1 and 2 mmol MBCD significantly (P < 0.05) improved the motion characteristics and membrane integrity of fresh sperm. The presence of hG-CSF in rooster sperm was detected by PCR and based on sperm analyses MBCD (1 mmol) improved the percentage of motility (98.9 ± 0.81), membrane functionality (64 ± 1.64), and MI (76.2 ± 1.65) after transfection when compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). For the production of transgenic chicken, hens were inseminated (AI) by transfected sperm treated with 1 and 0 mmol MBCD. A PCR analysis of the blood samples and dead embryo tissues of chicks did not reveal the transgene integration.

Solar heat could displace fossil fuel to reduce energy cost for brooding livestock and poultry. A transpired solar collector (TSC), consisting of a perforated dark-colored metal surface, can provide considerable heating but metal TSCs (mTSCs) are expensive. Since a perforated black plastic sheet will be less-expensive, a plastic TSC (pTSC) was evaluated. The 1.49 m2 pTSC (porosity of 1.2%) supplemented a propane heater in a room housing 240 turkey poults; an adjacent room without a pTSC, with 240 poults was the control. Monitoring was performed over two flocks of poults. A custom-built controller bypassed the pTSC during nighttime or when the room did not require heating to bring in fresh air. The pTSC gave a maximum temperature rise of 25.4 °C at a solar irradiance (I) of 882 W/m2 and suction velocity (Vs) of 0.033 m/s over 15 min. Over 178 h of operation, with an average I of 668 ± 295 W/m2 and average Vs of 0.036 m/s, the pTSC increased air temperature by an average of 8.1 ± 4.2 °C. Probably due to higher ventilation rate and an oversized propane heater, propane use was not reduced in the Test room with the pTSC vs. the Control room. The Test room had lower CO2 and CO concentrations due to higher ventilation, which may have improved turkey performance. The metal TSC gave a slightly higher temperature rise at a lower Vs but the less-expensive pTSC could be a more cost-effective solar air heater that could readily be scaled up for agricultural and other applications in many parts of the world. Scale-up considerations seem feasible and are presented for a 10,000-poult brooder barn.

Feed costs represent a significant portion of the cost of poultry production. This study, in 3 experiments, was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a heat-stable xylanase (XYL) as a dietary supplement and its effect on digesta viscosity, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and live performance in broiler chicks. Experiment 1: the objective was to determine the effects of the amount and type of enzyme supplementation on digesta viscosity, AMEn, and bird performance using 7 diets. The dietary treatments were: no supplementation (C), 5 levels of XYL (1 to 16 ppm), or supplementation with a carbohydrase cocktail (CC). Experiment 2: the objective was to determine the interaction of the dietary XYL and the energy content of the feed. There were 2 levels of XYL (0 and 20 ppm) and 3 dietary energy levels (2,770, 2,920, and 3,070 kcal/kg ME). Experiment 3: the objective was to determine the interaction of the dietary XYL and feed form. The treatments were: 5 levels of XYL (0 to 40 ppm) and 2 feed forms (mash and crumble). Broiler chicks were reared in battery cages to 21 d. Statistical analysis of the data was completed using Proc GLM of SAS (9.2) (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).In experiment 1, increasing XYL (0 to 16 ppm) resulted in a decrease in digesta viscosity and an increase in AMEn. The XYL included as low as 1 ppm resulted in a significant increase in AMEn which reached 5% with 16 ppm XYL. In contrast, increase in BWG (4%) above values with the basal diet was greatest with 1 ppm XYL. In experiment 2, the caloric content of the diet influenced the increase in AMEn with inclusion of XYL, 8% and 6% increases with 2,920 kcal/kg and 3,070 kcal/kg diets, respectively. Without addition of XYL, BWG was significantly lower when fed the diet with the highest energy content. In experiment 3, feed form x XYL influenced the effect of XYL on BWG. The BWG was greater when birds were fed the crumble diet with XYL vs when they were fed the mash feed with XYL. The xylanase proved effective for broilers to 21 d when fed the diets used herein with changes in digesta viscosity, increased dietary AMEn, and improved bird performance represented by either BW gain or FCR.

During commercial production, turkeys may be exposed to several different types of stressors related to environmental conditions and management practices. Historically, antibiotics have been used to aid in the alleviation of the impacts of stressful situations, and alternatives to antibiotics related to reducing stress are being researched. This study consisted of three rearing trials and had two objectives: (1) Investigate the effects of common U.S. turkey production practices, including environmental and management induced stress, on turkey hens grown to 63 days, and (2) Determine the response of stressed birds to dietary supplementation with fermentation derived functional metabolites. Treatments consisted of a positive control (stressed but not supplemented), a negative control (non-stressed and not supplemented) and two treatment groups that were stressed and supplemented with different products (Original XPC™ or AviCare™). Supplemental products were administered in a dry (feed) and liquid (drinking water) form, and consisted of fermentation derived functional metabolites. Products were evaluated on their effectiveness to mitigate stress responses and turkey performance. Birds were exposed to some combinations of the following stressors: feed and water withdrawal, cold, heat, and crowding. Although the stressors in this study were applied for less than 24 h, they produced significant physiological responses. Blood corticosterone levels, measured immediately after stress, were significantly higher in positive control birds than in negative control birds. In addition, stressed birds had reduced body weights and increased FCR after stress. Stressed birds, supplemented with products had mixed, but generally positive response as measured by bird performance. Based on the response to stress, as observed by alterations in blood corticosterone levels and differences in performance between the two control groups, researchers induced an effective stress model. The use of supplementary products consisting of fermentation derived functional metabolites shows promise for reducing negative impacts of a mixture of stressors.

Due to its potential environmental and public health impacts, emissions of ammonia (NH3) as well as several other gases from US livestock farms may be regulated. Broiler houses are important sources of NH3 emissions. However, there are no emissions data from roaster (8–12 wk old broilers, ∼4 kg ea.) houses. Producers treat the litter in broiler houses with acidifiers, such as sodium bisulfate (SBS, NaHSO4) to reduce ammonia production and protect bird health. However, there is very little data on the effect of acidifiers, particularly at high application rates on ammonia emissions. The impact of different SBS application rates [High (0.95–1.46 kg m−2, whole house), Medium (0.73 kg m−2, whole house), Low (0.37–0.49 kg m−2, whole house), and Control (0.37–0.49 kg m−2, brood chamber)] on ammonia emissions was evaluated in commercial roaster houses over 22 months spanning eight flocks. Ammonia emission from each fan was measured with an acid scrubber that operated only when the fan operated. Emissions were calculated using >95% measured data with the rest being estimated using robust methods. Exhaust ammonia–N concentrations were inversely correlated with the SBS application rates. Emission rates on animal unit (AU, where 1 AU = 500 kg live-mass) basis (ER, g d−1 AU−1) were reduced by 27, 13, and 5%, respectively, in the High, Medium, and Low treatments vs. the Control treatment (mean: 100 g d−1 AU−1, range: 86–114 g d−1 AU−1). Emission rates for the Control treatment measured in this study on roasters were mostly higher than ERs in the literature. Differences in ERs are not only due to diet, environmental and management conditions, but also due to measurement methods.

SUMMARY High ammonia levels in broiler houses can reduce bird performance. Broiler producers commonly use acidifiers to reduce ammonia build-up. In addition to improving broiler performance, acidifiers can also provide other ancillary benefits such as reducing propane and electricity use and increasing cake (caked litter) N content. In this 2-yr study involving 9 flocks, 4 levels of an acidifier (sodium bisulfate) were applied to commercial roaster houses in eastern North Carolina. The control treatment had a sodium bisulfate application rate of up to 0.1 lb/ft2 to the brood chamber, whereas the high, medium, and low treatments had application rates of up to 0.3, 0.15, and 0.1 lb/ft2, respectively, to the whole house. No treatment effect was observed on propane or electricity use. However, compared with published studies involving smaller broilers, roasters required lesser amounts of propane and electricity. Linear regressions of propane and electricity use as a function of ambient temperature may help with decision making in roaster production. Brooding accounted for 88% of propane consumption. Reduced pH in the high treatment compared with the other treatments led to significantly higher ammonium concentration in the cake.

SUMMARY Broiler production has the potential to cause water and air pollution. Acidifiers such as sodium bisulfate (SBS) can reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions from broiler houses; NH3 is an important air pollutant that also affects bird health. Due to their longer grow-outs, roasters may require higher acidifier application rates to prevent unhealthy NH3 levels during the flock than ordinary broilers. Changes in NH3 emission with acidifier use may affect the partitioning of the input nitrogen (N) among the different N output pathways. Accounting for these output pathways through N mass balance provides a complete picture of N as it cycles through the roaster house. In a 2-yr study involving 9 flocks of roasters, 4 levels of SBS were applied to the litter in commercial roaster houses. Whereas the control treatment received up to 0.49 kg/ m 2 to the brood chamber, the high, medium, and low treatments received up to 1.46, 0.73, and 0.49 kg/m 2 , respectively, to the whole house. Ammonia-N emission decreased and N removed in cake and litter increased with SBS application rate. Nitrogen output components were averaged over the 4 treatments and expressed as percent of total N input or per unit mass of live weight (LW). Ammonia-N emission during grow-out, bird N exported, and cake and litter N removed accounted for 17.3% or 11.2 g/kg of LW, 38.9% or 25.1 g/kg of LW, and 22.4% or 14.4 g/kg of LW, respectively. We accounted for 79.1% of the total N inputs, with NH3-N losses during layout probably constituting the bulk of the unaccounted N. In addition to uncertainties in measurements of inputs and outputs, other factors that limited the ability to close the N mass balance were exclusion of feathers during cake and litter sampling, soil N leaching, and nitrous oxide emissions.

SUMMARY The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the relative bioavailability of Zn from Zn propionate relative to feed-grade Zn sulfate using BW gain and bone Zn as response criteria. For the first 7 d posthatching, chicks were fed a semipurified starter diet deficient in Zn (22 mg of Zn/kg). From d 8 to 21 birds were fed a control (20 mg of Zn/kg) semipurified diet containing ground corn, soy protein concentrate, and dextrose. The control diet was supplemented with 0, 6, or 12 mg of Zn/kg of diet from feed-grade Zn sulfate or organic Zn propionate. Using corn in the diet increased the level of phytate, an important Zn antagonist in nonruminant animals. As supplemental dietary Zn increased, a dose-dependent increase was observed in feed intake, weight gain, total Zn intake, tibia Zn concentration, and total tibia Zn. Zinc supplementation improved FE (feed:gain), but not in a dose-dependent manner. Relative bioavailability of Zn was determined using weight gain, tibia Zn concentration, and total tibia Zn, assuming a value of 100% for feed-grade Zn sulfate. Using relative slope assay, relative bioavailability of Zn propionate was 119, 116, and 116% compared with Zn sulfate, respectively. We concluded, based on these results, that bioavailability of Zn from organic Zn propionate is greater than feed-grade Zn sulfate in the presence of dietary phytate.

Corn with naturally occurring aflatoxin (AF), wheat with naturally occurring doxynivalenol (DON), and barley with naturally occurring zearalenone (ZEA) were used to make rations for feeding turkey hen poults to 6 weeks of age. Control rations with equal amounts of corn, wheat, and barley were also fed. The control rations did contain some DON while both sets of rations contained ZEA. Within each grain source, there were 4 treatments: the control ration plus 3 rations each with a different feed additive which were evaluated for the potential to lessen potential mycotoxin effects on bird performance and physiology. The additives were Biomin BioFix (2 lb/ton), Kemin Kallsil (4 lb/ton), and Nutriad UNIKE (3 lb/ton). The mycotoxin rations reduced poult body weight (2.31 vs. 2.08 ± 0.02 kg) and increased (worsened) poult feed conversion (1.47 vs. 1.51 ± 0.01) at 6 wk. Feeding the poults the mycotoxin feed also resulted in organ and physiological changes typical of feeding dietary aflatoxin although a combined effect of AF, DON, and ZEA which cannot be dismissed. The feed additives resulted in improved feed conversion to 6 wk in both grain treatment groups. The observed physiological effect of feeding the additives was to reduce relative gizzard weight for both groups and to lessen the increase in relative kidney weight for the birds fed the mycotoxin feed. In conclusion, the feed additives used in this study did alleviate the effect of dietary mycotoxins to some degree, especially with respect to feed conversion. Further studies of longer duration are warranted.

SUMMARY The relative bioavailability (RB) of Mn propionate, as compared with feed-grade Mn sulfate, was determined in chicks fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet for 14 d. Diets were supplemented with 0, 20, 100, and 500 mg of Mn/kg of diet and assessed for growth, intake, and FE. Levels of Ca and P were also increased in this diet compared with a typical production diet to see whether, when chicks were challenged with antagonists, a difference existed between inorganic Mn sulfate and organic Mn propionate. No differences were observed for any growth parameters for either mineral level or dietary source. Relative bioavailability was determined using Mn concentration in bone, assuming a value of 100% from the feed-grade Mn sulfate. The RB of Mn propionate was 139% compared with Mn sulfate when using the relative slope assay. We concluded that organic Mn propionate has an improved RB compared with the commonly used inorganic feed-grade Mn sulfate in the presence of high dietary Ca and P.

3 Abstract: A trial was conducted to observe potential changes in turkey poults reared to 21 d by feeding diets with naturally occurring mycotoxins. Two sources of corn, one each with Aflatoxin (AFL) and Deoxynevalenol (DON), were obtained. Treatments (T) were: 1) clean corn (C), 2) AFL (A), 3) DON (D) and 4) ½A+½D (AD). A marker (celite, 1.5%) was added for 21 d AMEn determination. A basal ration with ingredients except corn was mixed. The basal and corn were mixed for T feeds. Feed was pelleted and crumbled. Male poults were placed into 24 pens in petersyme batteries (7 birds/pen; 6 pens/T). Feed consumption, by pen and BW were determined by wk. At 21 d, birds were euthanized. Heart (H), spleen (S), gizzard (G), liver (L) and bursa of fabricious (B) were weighed and Breast Muscle (BM) collected for color analysis. Light microscopic analysis of HE AD = 2,758±29). Relative (R) S weight of D (0.11) fed birds was reduced versus A (0.14) but not C or AD (0.12, 0.13±0.006 g/g). The RL weight of birds fed A (2.26) and AD (2.52) were reduced versus C (2.68±0.07g/g). The A fed birds had reduced SA (by OD). Mortality, RH, RB and RG weights, G score and BM colors were not affected. There were no differences in AB. The L of the A fed birds had hepatic parenchyma with diffuse degenerative changes. The hepatocytic nuclei were swollen and had condensed nucleoli. Some hepatic cords had hepatocyte necrosis. There was some sinusoidal congestion with dilatation/congestion of few central veins. These lesions were suggestive of aflatoxin toxicity. The effects of AFL and DON in this study were reflective of what has been reported in the literature. Feeding naturally occurring mycotoxins to poults can be used as a model to study interventions.

The human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni utilizes oxidative phosphorylation to meet all of its energy demands. The genome sequence of this bacterium encodes a number of respiratory enzymes in a branched electron transport chain that predicts the utilization of a number of electron transport chain donor and acceptor molecules. Three of these electron donor enzymes: hydrogenase, formate dehydrogenase, and 2-oxoglutarate:acceptor oxidoreductase (OOR), oxidize hydrogen, formate and alpha-ketoglutarate as electron donors, respectively. Mutations were created in these donor enzymes to isolate mutants in hydrogenase (HydB::CM), formate dehydrogenase (Fdh::CM), and OOR (OorB::CM), as well as a strain with insertions in both hydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase (Hyd::Fdh). These mutants are deficient in their respective enzyme activities and do not reduce the components of the electron transport chain when provided with their respective substrates. The presence of either hydrogen or formate in the media stimulated the growth of wild type (WT) C. jejuni (but not the associated mutant strains) and at least one of these alternative substrates is required for growth of the OOR mutant strain OorB::CM. Finally, the importance of hydrogenase, formate dehydrogenase and OOR as well as the complex I of C. jejuni are elucidated by chicken colonization assays, where the double mutant Hyd::Fdh, OorB::CM and nuo mutants are severely impaired in host colonization.

Leg problems and resulting mortality can exceed 1% per week in turkey toms starting at approximately 15 wk of age. Dietary supplementation of organic trace minerals (MIN) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (HyD) may improve performance, decrease incidence of leg abnormalities, and increase bone strength. Nicholas 85X700 toms were assigned to 4 treatments consisting of a factorial arrangement of 2 concentrations of MIN (0 and 0.1% of Mintrex PSe, which adds 40, 40, 20, and 0.3 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, and Se, respectively) and 2 concentrations of HyD (0 and 92 μg/kg of HyD). Diets were formulated to be equal in nutrient content and fed ad libitum as 8 feed phases. Feed intake and BW were measured at 6, 12, 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. Valgus, varus, and shaky leg defects were determined at 12, 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. Tibia and femur biomechanical properties were evaluated by torsion and bending tests at 17 wk of age. There were no treatment effects on BW. Only MIN significantly improved feed conversion ratio through to 20 wk of age. Cumulative mortality at 3 wk of age was greater among the MIN birds, but it was lower by 20 wk (P = 0.085). The MIN decreased the incidence of varus defects at 17 wk of age; shaky leg at 12, 15, and 17 wk of age; and valgus defects at 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. There were no MIN × HyD interaction effects on individual gait problems. Maximum load and the bending stress required for tibias to break in a 4-point assay were increased with MIN supplementation, especially when HyD was also added. Maximum shear stress at failure of femoral bones in a torsion assay was increased by supplementation with both MIN and HyD together. Dietary supplementation of MIN and HyD may improve biomechanical properties of bones. Dietary MIN supplementation may improve feed conversion of turkeys, likely by decreasing leg problems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium (Cr), as chromium propionate, on measures of insulin sensitivity. Liver and muscle glycogen, and plasma glucose and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were used as indicators of insulin sensitivity. In total, 288 newly hatched male Ross broilers were divided into 4 dietary treatments consisting of 0 (control diet analyzed 0.43 to 0.45 mg Cr/kg), 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet, resulting in 4 treatments with 9 replicate pens per treatment containing eight birds per pen. At d 21, 2 birds per cage were removed based on the greatest deviation from pen mean BW, resulting in each pen containing 6 birds for the final analyses. Final BW were taken on d 40, and on d 42 two birds from each pen were sampled for plasma NEFA, glucose, and muscle and liver glycogen determination at the initiation and termination of a 22 h fast. The remaining 2 fasted birds were sampled after a 30 min refeeding period. No differences were observed in feed intake, BW gain, or feed efficiency on d 21 or d 40. Liver glycogen tended (P=0.10) to be greater in Cr-supplemented chicks in the fed state, and muscle glycogen concentrations tended (P=0.07) to be greater in Cr-supplemented chicks compared with controls following fasting and refeeding. Plasma glucose concentrations were not affected by dietary Cr in the fed, fasted, or refed state. Plasma NEFA levels were not affected by treatment in fed or fasted birds. However, plasma NEFA concentrations were lower (P

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in feed ingredients can challenge gut health and reduce nutrient utilization. Birds typically activate their innate immune system as a protective response against the adverse effects of ANF, which often involves the secretion of mucin. Although dietary supplementation of exogenous enzymes are commonly used to alleviate the adverse effects of ANF on apparent nutrient digestibility, little is known about how they affect gut health, particularly in relation to the morphological development and mucin secretion of enteric mucosa. We carried out two trials to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of different types of exogenous enzymes on gut health of by accessing the effect of jejunum morphological development and ileal enteric adherent mucin thickness layer in turkeys. Dietary β-mannanase supplementation reduced ileal adherent mucin thickness layer (804 vs 823 μg/g; p

Stabilizing phosphorus (P) in poultry waste to reduce P losses from manured soils is important to protect surface waters, while pathogens in manures are an emerging issue. This study was conducted to evaluate CaO and Ca(OH)2 for killing manure bacterial populations (pathogens) and stabilizing P in poultry wastes and to investigate the influence on soils following amendment with the treated wastes. Layer manure and broiler litter varying in moisture content were treated with CaO and Ca(OH)2 at rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% by weight. All treated wastes were analyzed for microbial plate counts, pH, and water-soluble phosphorus (WSP), while a few selected layer manures were analyzed by phosphorus X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). A loamy sand and a silt loam were amended with broiler litter and layer manure treated with CaO at rates of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% and soil WSP and pH were measured at times 1, 8, and 29 d. Liming reduced bacterial populations, with greater rates of lime leading to greater reductions; for example 10% CaO applied to 20% solids broiler litter reduced the plate counts from 793,000 to 6500 mL-1. Liming also reduced the WSP in the manures by over 90% in all cases where at least 10% CaO was added. Liming the manures also reduced WSP in soils immediately following application and raised soil pH. The liming process used successfully reduced plate counts and concerns about P losses in runoff following land application of these limed products due to decreased WSP.

Turkey poults were randomly placed in batteries and fed one of four dietary treatments: control (C); control plus 4ppm diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS); control plus 300ppm Fusaric Acid (FA); and control plus 4ppm DAS and 300ppm FA (FD). There were 10 poults per pen with 6 replicate pens per treatment. Individual BW, BW gains (BWG) and feed consumption by pen were determined at d6, d12, and d18. Period and cumulative feed to gain were calculated. Mouth lesions were scored for treatments at d18. On d18 poults were euthanized for determination of organ weights and jejunal histomorphometrics. FA had no effect on BW or BWG at any period compared to C. Poults fed FD had reduced BW and BWG compared to C, while poults fed DAS had lower BW than all treatments at every period. Poults fed FA or C had better feed to gain (P

Researchers have reported that organic mineral complexes can have increased availability compared with inorganic sources. This work was conducted to examine the inclusion of a small amount of chelated calcium proteinate (CalKey) into turkey breeder hen diets and its effect on turkey breeder hen performance. Two studies were conducted, one each in Minnesota (A) and North Carolina (B). Typical corn and soybean meal diets without animal by-product meals were used as the control diets. Hens in the first study were photostimulated at 30 wk of age in December with 15L:9D for a 24-wk lay period, and hens in a second study were photostimulated after an induced molt in January with 15.5L:8.5D for a 24-wk lay period. In study A, hatchability of fertile eggs was improved during the last 4 wk of production for hens fed calcium proteinate. During 1 period, hens fed calcium proteinate had lower daily feed intake and increased incidence of soft-shelled eggs. In study B, hatchability of fertile eggs was improved for hens fed dietary calcium proteinate for 19 and 20 wk of lay. This result was associated with improved embryo livability for wk 3 and 4 of development. It was concluded that feeding 500 ppm calcium from chelated calcium proteinate improved hatchability of turkey eggs during the later period of egg production, which was associated with decreased late embryo mortality.

Wheat varies in apparent metabolizable energy N-corrected (AMEn) due to the presence of non- starch polysaccharides (NSP), which can be improved by dietary enzyme supplementation. Poults from 0-17 d-age were fed diets containing various wheat sources (WS) with or without Natugrain Blend® (NB) (BASF, Germany). Five replicate cages of 10 poults were assigned to each eight-soybean-meal/wheat treatment diets and a control soybean-meal/corn diet. The treatments were a factorial arrangement of 4 WS (A, B, C, D) and 2 enzyme levels (0 and 200 mg NB/kg). The WS differed by the degree of frost damage during seed development. Regardless of the source of wheat, NB increased 17 d BW (351 vs 381 g, P < 0.001) , decreased 1-17 d FCR (1.55 vs 1.49, P < 0.05), increased AMEn (2,204 vs 2,455 kcal/kg, P < 0.001), and increased apparent nitrogen retention (ANR) (35.0 vs 41.4 %, P < 0.05). No effects of WS were seen on growth performance, but WS A and B had higher (P < 0.05) AMEn than sources C and D (2,396 and 2,460 vs 2,246 and 2,216 kcal/kg, respectively). Gut viscosity was higher (P < 0.05) in poults fed wheat-based diets than the control diet. Enzyme supplementation to the wheat-based diets decreased viscosity (5.57 vs 3.98 cP, P < 0.05) to a level similar to the corn-based control diet, and it resulted in equivalent growth performance. Viscosities were negatively correlated with AMEn. The results demonstrated a positive effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and performance of turkeys.

The adverse effects of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on turkeys fed wheat-based diets may be alleviated by dietary supplementation of endoxylanase (to reduce the adverse effects of digesta viscosity) or phospholipase (to improve the digestibility of fat). BUTA toms were fed wheat-based diets containing one of 5 enzyme treatments: unsupplemented control, Natugrain Blend® (> 5,500 EXU/kg diet; NB), Lyxasan®-50 (> 2,250 EXU/kg diet; LX50), Lyxasan®-100 (> 5,500 EXU/kg diet; LX100), and Phospholipase (> 500 PLU/kg diet; PL) (BASF, Germany). Each treatment group was assigned to 8 pens containing 12 birds to evaluate growth performance (1-128 d), and 2 pens of 12 birds (excluding LX50) for the apparent metabolizable energy N-corrected (AMEn) and ileum viscosity determination (56-128 d). All enzyme treatments improved growth performance. In comparison to the control, dietary enzyme increased (P < 0.05) BW and decreased 1-128 d feed/gain (2.45 vs 2.37, P < 0.005). PL was most effective in reducing feed/gain during the starting phase and LX100 during the finishing phase, while NB had intermediate benefits throughout the experiment. PL increased AMEn from 9 to 12 wk, while NB and LX-100 resulted in the highest AMEn during the later finishing period. Viscosity was significantly higher for PL than the other treatments (13.5 vs 7.07 cP, P < 0.001). Growth performance and energy utilization of turkeys fed wheat-based diets can be significantl y enhanced by phospholipase supplementation of starter feeds and endoxylanase supplementation of growing and finishing feeds. However, enzyme blends may provide a positive response regardless of turkey age.

The hypothesis was proposed that the improved embryonic livability observed when higher incubation temperatures were imposed on eggs stored for 15 d prior to setting might have basis in energy metabolism. To test the hypothesis, fertilized turkey eggs were incubated either for the first 2 wk of development (experiment 1) or only the first week of development (experiment 2) at 37.8 degrees C compared with controls incubated at 37.5 degrees C. In both experiments, eggs were stored for either 15 or 3 d prior to setting. Viable embryos were selected randomly from each storage-by-incubation period treatment combination at 25 to 28 d of incubation and were sampled for blood, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues. Tissues were weighed and assayed subsequently for glucose or glycogen content. In experiment 2, the randomly selected embryos from each treatment combination were sampled at 7, 14, 21, and 28 d of incubation. Embryos at 7 and 14 d were assayed on a whole body basis, whereas at 21 and 28 d the bodies were dissected, and heart, liver, and skeletal muscle tissues were weighed and assayed for glycogen and lactate. Blood samples were collected between 25 and 28 d of incubation as in experiment 1 and assayed for glucose, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and thyroid hormone concentrations. In both experiments, accelerated development was noted due to higher temperature and enhanced embryonic carbohydrate metabolism, and elevated thyroid hormone concentrations were observed compared with controls. It was concluded that a possible mechanism for the improved livability of faster growing embryos observed after prolonged egg storage might be due to better utilization of carbohydrate.

The hypothesis was proposed that changes in functional qualities of eggs, or the eggshell conductance constant (k), may affect cardiac weight and physiology and predispose poults to a weakened condition. Improved knowledge of this relationship may allow selection of k to optimize hatchling cardiac health. Egg weights (EW), eggshell conductance (G) and lengths of the incubation period (IP) (the three components of k) were manipulated to determine their effect on the heart. Eggs were selected based on EW and G in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, eggs from the same strain were obtained from flocks of different ages so they differed in EW. Half of the eggs were exposed to increased temperature treatments resulting in shorter incubation periods (IP). Interactions of EW and G affected heart weight and metabolism in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, imposing short IP on different EW reduced cardiac weights as well as elevated glycogen to lactate ratios in the heart. Post-hatching growth was also depressed by k due to interactions of EW and IP. Thus, k affects cardiac weight and function and may contribute to weak poults.

The hypothesis was proposed that embryonic growth could be influenced paternally in the absence of changes in egg weight or eggshell conductance. Sire families were established by selecting 11 sires based on blood sampling of approximately 50 commercial turkey males. Southern blot analysis was used to identify the most distantly related individuals in the subpopulation. Five hen siblings or half-siblings of the males were randomly assigned to each male to randomize effects of egg size and eggshell conductance. Artificial inseminations were performed weekly for 17 wk, using each sire with the assigned hens. Fertilized eggs were collected and set in incubators at biweekly intervals. Offspring were observed at the time of hatching for sex, body weight, and blood glucose concentration. Significant differences among sires were observed at hatching for poult weights and blood glucose concentration, and a significant correlation between the BW and glucose concentration was noted. Progeny of sires with the highest and lowest BW and blood glucose concentrations were subsequently compared. Mean BW of poults from different sires differed by as much as 10 g, although they were hatched from eggs of the same weight. Elevated blood glucose was associated with heavier BW; heavier heart, liver, and muscle weights; a rapid utilization of glycogen at pipping; and increased gluconeogenesis as measured by plasma organic acids and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. We conclude that poult embryonic growth differs even when not mediated by egg size and functional characteristics.

The negative correlation between selection for rapid growth and embryonic survival was investigated. Embryonic growth was assessed with hatchling weights of a closed population of commercial turkey breeders. Hatchling weights were highly significantly (P < 0.0001) and positively correlated with blood glucose concentrations at hatching. This relationship existed for both tom and hen poults. Significant differences among dams for hatchling blood glucose were observed. Further experiments examined dams selected for producing poults hatching with high (High) or low (Low) blood glucose concentrations. The High embryos were in larger-sized eggs with the same eggshell conductance but with significantly lower conductance constants than the Low embryos, suggesting that Low had longer incubation periods. High embryos grew faster than Low embryos with elevated organ glycogen concentrations. Organic acid analysis indicated elevated plasma alpha-ketoglutarate, urate, and beta-hydroxy butyrate concentrations, suggesting a greater reliance on gluconeogenesis for the High group. Posthatch growth was significantly positively correlated with hatchling blood glucose concentrations in toms but not in hens. Tom poults hatching with elevated glucose were heavier than low glucose hatch mates until 22 wk of age, but hen poults displayed no differences until 16 wk when High hens weighed less than Low hens. These data suggest that the negative correlation between rapid growth and embryonic survival is related to egg-shell conductance constants and embryonic energy metabolism.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the feasibility of utilizing poultry litter as a source of microorganisms, C co-substrate, N, and P to enhance the biodegradation of petroleum compounds in contaminated soil. An initial laboratory-scale study utilized soil contaminated with approximately 3,000 mg/kg (ppm) total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHC) as diesel fuel. Biotreatment units, each containing 10 L of contaminated soil, were supplemented (0, 1, 10, and 20%, total weight basis) with broiler litter containing 3.65% N and 1.89% P. Petroleum-degrading microorganisms previously enriched from broiler and turkey litter were also inoculated into the litter-treated units. A significant first order rate of TPHC biodegradation was measured for all treatment units containing broiler litter (P0.05). Based on these results, a subsequent study was conducted at the site of a commercial facility permitted to treat soil (ex situ) contaminated with hazardous compounds. Soil treatment plots, each containing approximately 1 ton of soil contaminated with approximately 1,200 to 1,600 mg/kg diesel fuel were established. Each plot was replicated four times and the experiment was conducted for 35 d. Treatments were as follows: control, soil only; soil + commercial blend of bioremediation nutrients; soil + commercial fertilizer; soil + poultry litter (1% by volume); soil + poultry litter (10% by volume); soil + pelleted poultry litter (10% by volume). The results showed that the remediation of soil contaminated with petroleum compounds is significantly (P0.05) enhanced when supplemented with poultry litter (pelleted or nonpelleted) in concentrations of 10% soil volume. These results demonstrate the potential for a specialized market for the use of poultry litter.

Two trials, one using chicks and the other poults, were conducted to determine the efficacy of an enzyme designed to enhance the utilization of wheat non-starch polysaccharides in two sources of wheat. There were five treatment rations: corn-soybean meal (CSBM) and four other diets containing 40% wheat from two locations (North Carolina, NC, and western Canada, CN) supplemented with and without enzyme. Intestinal viscosity was decreased for both chicks and poults with enzyme supplementation of both wheat sources. Body weight gain was improved for both chicks and poults fed NC wheat. Birds fed NC wheat did not grow as well as birds fed CN wheat or corn-based diets. It was concluded that 1) supplementation of wheat sources for both chicks and poults lowered intestinal viscosity; 2) enzyme supplementation of NC wheat diets improved performance of chicks and poults; and 3) source of wheat affected chick and poult performance.

The efficacy of turkey semen filtration was tested in six trials utilizing 63, 90, or 180 μm (M2, M3, CF) filters. Nonfiltered semen was compared to filtered semen using the modified ethidium bromide test for fresh and 24-hr stored semen in control buffer (100%) and stress buffer (20%) for all six trials. In the first four trials, filtered semen sometimes had higher sperm viability (P

Ammonia (NH 3 ) in broiler houses can degrade bird performance. Acidifier such as, sodium bisulfate (SBS) applied to litter inside broiler houses can reduce NH 3 release and thus improve bird performance. While there are multiple studies on acidifier effects on inside NH 3 concentrations in broiler houses, there are no studies in roaster houses where big broiler birds are grown for 8 to 12 wk. The impact of different SBS application rates - High (1.46 kg/m 2 , whole house), Medium (0.73 kg/m 2 , whole house), Low (0.49 kg/m 2 , whole house), and Control (0.49 kg/m 2 , brood chamber) on inside NH 3 concentrations was evaluated over six flocks of roaster chickens (~4 kg ea.). Ammonia concentrations were measured with acid scrubbers that sampled air at two locations (mid-house, end-house) 0.15 m above the litter. Inside NH 3 concentrations were much higher in the cool-season versus warm-season flocks. Generally, higher acidifier application rates provided better NH 3 suppression. Ammonia concentrations were ≤10 ppm during brooding, as well as for the entire duration of most warm-weather flocks with the High and Medium treatments. In the Low treatment, NH 3 concentrations were ≤25 ppm during brooding but approached or exceeded 25 ppm with the Control treatment. During brooding, the High, Medium, and Low treatments resulted in significantly lower mid-house NH 3 concentrations of 3, 6, and 14 ppm, respectively, versus the Control treatment (24 ppm). For a 62-d flock, mid-house NH 3 concentrations were significantly lower in the High and Medium treatments versus the Control treatment; concentrations in the High, Medium, and Low treatments were reduced by 47%, 32%, and 20%, respectively, versus the Control treatment.

Large White turkey breeder hens from a strain exhibiting poor hatchability were fed thyroid-altering diets. The following dietary treatments were fed to randomized groups of hens for 15 wk of egg laying: 1) 16.5% protein turkey breeder diet (control), 2) the control diet containing 2.1 ppm supplemental iodine, 3) the control diet containing .1% thiouracil, and 4) the control diet containing .5 ppm triiodothyronine (T3). Blood samples were taken from hatching embryos from hens fed each diet. Embryonic hearts and livers were weighed prior to and during pipping as well as after hatching. Blood plasma was analyzed for thyroxine (T4), T3, and glucose. Livers were assayed for glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Supplemental maternal dietary iodine elevated embryonic T4 concentrations prior to pipping. Dietary T3 and iodine increased hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity and blood plasma glucose concentration prior to pipping. Feeding thiouracil increased embryonic liver weights but decreased heart and body weights. Blood plasma T4 was elevated in embryos from hens fed thiouracil but blood glucose levels were depressed because of a lack of increased glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Feeding iodine decreased the enzyme activity at internal pipping. It is suggested from the data that maternal thyroid metabolism may influence hatchability via embryonic thyroid and carbohydrate metabolism during hatching.

Broiler production results in the production of ammonia, and at high concentrations, ammonia can affect bird performance, and hence, productivity. When released into the environment through ventilation, ammonia can adversely affect public health and the environment. Because of its environmental and health impacts, ammonia emissions from animal feeding operations may be regulated by the EPA. Acidifying amendments have been shown to be effective in reducing ammonia emissions from poultry operations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate in-house ammonia concentrations and emissions from four commercial heavy-broiler houses in eastern North Carolina receiving four levels of PLT® (a commercial amendment): control (0.37 – 0.49 kg/m2 center brood area), low (0.37 – 0.49 kg/m2 whole house), medium (0.73 kg/m2 whole house), and high (>0.73 kg/m2 whole house). Ammonia concentrations were measured with acid scrubbers and ammonia emissions were calculated from exhaust ammonia concentrations and ventilation volumes. Based on monitoring of three flocks (September 2007 to May 2008), in-house ammonia-N concentrations decreased with increasing PLT application rates. A medium application rate was adequate for maintaining ammonia levels at or below 25 ppm for 9-wk grow-out period during the spring. Based on data from three flocks, ammonia emission factors (only grow-out) for the control, low, medium, and high treatments were 1.06, 1.12, 0.97, and 0.92 g/bird-d, respectively. These emission factors are mostly higher than those reported in the literature mainly because they represent heavier (>4 kg) and older (9-wk) birds fed a higher protein diet. Acid scrubbers proved to be suitable for measuring time-averaged ammonia concentrations for a wide range of values. Emissions data will be collected for four more flocks and PLT impacts on bird performance and energy use will also be quantified.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary P levels and dietary phytase enzyme (E) inclusion on Large White turkey breeder hen reproductive performance from 31 to 62 wk of age. Hens were placed in a curtain-sided house with 48 pens (10 birds per pen; 8 pens per treatment) at 31 wk and were fed a breeder ration with treatments as follows: HP, dietary available P = 0.55%; HPE, HP + E; MP, dietary available P = 0.35%; MPE, MP + E; LP, dietary available P = 0.17%; and LPE, LP + E. Feed and water were available ad libitum for 28 wk of lay. Diets were fed in mash form, and all other nutrients were formulated to meet or exceed NRC requirements. All hens were photostimulated in January (31 wk) with 15.5 h of light daily. Production data were recorded on a pen basis. Individual bird BW and feed consumption, by pen, were determined at monthly intervals from 31 to 62 wk. Hens were observed for weekly reproductive performance for hen housed egg production, hen-day egg production, settable eggs, cumulative settable eggs, hens out of lay, and hen mortality and for biweekly performance for egg fertility, hatchability of all eggs, hatchability of fertile eggs, egg weight loss, conductance, conductance constant (k), and embryonic mortality. Egg weight, eggshell thickness, egg components, and albumen and yolk P were measured monthly. At 62 wk of age, hen tibia P, plasma P, total fecal P, and water-soluble fecal P were determined. Decreasing dietary P resulted in no decreases in reproductive performance for turkey breeder hens to 62 wk. Additionally, decreased dietary P resulted in decreased total fecal P and water-soluble fecal P. Feeding turkey breeder hens dietary phytase enzyme resulted in significantly fewer hens going out of lay; however, this was not reflected in hen housed egg production. It was concluded that phosphorus could be lowered in turkey breeder hen diets, compared with current surveyed industry levels, without impairing reproductive performance.