The Alabama Poultry Monthly, March 2002

The Alabama

MARCH 2002• VOL. 2 NO. 3

POULTRYMonthly THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA POULTRY & EGG ASSOCIATION

2002 “Evening of Fun”

Address Service Requested

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AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101

Alabama P

presenting

th A N NIV E R S A R Y

2002

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Montgomery, AL Permit No. 796

A Tradition of Environmental Stewardship

A Message from Alabama Poultry Producers and the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Alabama Poultry & Egg Association P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 (334) 265-2732

Photo by Andy Hails (Photographed at Old Alabama Town)

BOARDOFDIRECTORS Officers Jeff Burroughs, President, Cullman* Roddy Sanders, Vice President, Gordo* Wally Taylor, Treasurer, Snead* Tommy Knight, Secretary, Enterprise* Joe Norris, Immediate Past President, Arab* Allied Industry Directors Roger Chappell, Cullman Sandi Hofmann, Huntsville Egg Industry Directors Del Brock, Cullman Harold Kelly, Arab Processors Directors Bob Cryar, Collinsville Don Wisdom, Russellville* Producer Directors Fred Barkett, Ozark Dan Smalley, Arab Mack Watson, Pineapple* Directors-At-Large Jerry Arnholt, Albertville Lyman Campbell, Montgomery Fred Cespedes, Hanceville Barry Fuller, Decatur Dorman Grace, Jasper Tim Holmes, Decatur Richard Jamison, Dothan Charlie Peacock, Albertville Bill Peterson, Cullman John Pittard, Oxford Al Rhodes, Eufaula Wendell Shelton, Boaz Steve Snyder, Athens Peggy Vardaro, Rutledge Ricky Walker, Albertville Advisors Dr. J. Lee Alley, Montgomery Dr. Bob Brewer, Auburn University Jim Donald, Auburn University Dr. Mike Eckman, Auburn University Troy Newton, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn

*Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF

EXECUTIVEDIRECTORS MESSAGE Dear Friends, Exciting things are happening in your Association. Our membership drive is going well and it will officially end on March 15. If you have not recommitted your membership or if you have a friend or colleague that is not a member, it is not too late to join for this year.

We are especially excited about this year’s “Evening of Fun” entertainment. We just recently negotiated and signed a contract with country music legend Travis Tritt. Tritt has had several number one hits over the past decade and continues to have hits on the charts even today. Our talent agent has booked him several times recently and claims that his show is one of the most popular on tour. Someone will be contacting you soon in an effort to give you the opportunity to buy tickets to the show and to join with other members from across the state in celebrating the greatest industry in the state…Alabama’s poultry industry!

The various Association committees are busy planning for the year. The Allied Committee recently met to plan their annual Allied Industry Fund-raising Golf Tournament. This event helps raise funds for their scholarship that they present to a deserving student each year. Look for more information concerning this event inside this issue of the magazine.

We are one step closer to the new poultry science building at Auburn, with the groundbreaking event scheduled for March 21. Our Auburn Poultry Science Building Steering Committee will meet soon to resume fund-raising efforts to fund equipment and furnishings needed to complete the building. So as you can see, we have a lot going on within the Association. Please let us here from you on ways we can serve you and don’t forget to make sure your membership is current.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

FEATURING THIS MONTH

Executive Director Johnny Adams

Administrative Director Wanda Linker Administrative Assistant Laura Wheatley Communications Director Elizabeth Rutland

The Alabama Poultry Monthly is published by the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association 465 South Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-265-2732 Fax: 334-265-0008 Address editorial and advertising correspondence to The Alabama Poultry Monthly Editor Elizabeth Rutland at P.O. Box 240, Montgomery, AL 36101.

Advertising rates and closing dates available upon request.

Editorial matter from sources outside AP&EA is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may or may not coincide with official AP&EA policy. Publication does not neccessarily imply endorsement by AP&EA. Layout & design DaraLyn J. McColl

EVENINGOFFUN2002

page 4

ASSOCIATIONNEWS

page 6

INDUSTRYPROMOTION

page 7

GOVERNMENTALAFFAIRS

page 8

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

page 9

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPMENT

page 11

EGGSPANDINGYOURMENU

page 15

ADVERTISINGINDEX Craftmaster Printers Inc. First South Farm Credit Fitco

pg 14 pg 10 pg 9

Katolight Schering Plough Wynco

pg 13 pg 16 pg 7

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

EVENINGOFFUN2002

Schedule of Events Convention Headquarters… …will be at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel – located in the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center Complex.

Room Reservations… …should be made directly with the hotel of your choice. To get the special “Evening of Fun” rate, identify yourself as attending the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association “Evening of Fun.” The room block will be released May 23.

Sheraton Birmingham – (205) 324-5000 Single/Double – $93 Availability…

Space is reserved for the AP&EA “Evening of Fun” at the Sheraton until May 23. After that date, the rooms will be released to the general public.

Occupancy…

Multiple reservations in one individual’s name or in a company name will not be accepted. You must provide a name for each room you request.

Guarantee/Cancellations…

You must guarantee your room reservation with a credit card number.

Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance of arrival.

Friday, June 7 Annual Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Golf Tournament Tournament will be held at Bent Brook Country Club. Bent Brook is located in Birmingham approximately 20 minutes from the Civic Center. This year’s tournament will have tee times beginning at 8:02 a.m. and continue until we are completed.

Individuals or companies must be “Evening of Fun” ticket holders. Registration $100.

Saturday, June 8 Annual Grower Meeting and Seminar 5:00 p.m. – East Ballroom / BJCC The Annual Grower Seminar is an excellent opportunity for poultry and egg producers to learn about the latest innovations and technology available to our industry. The meeting offers producers an opportunity to not only gain valuable information, but to network with other members of the industry in our state.

In addition, the meeting includes refreshments, door prizes and the announcement of the 2002 Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. Please make plans to attend this important meeting.

“Evening of Fun” Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center 7:30 p.m. – Program and Show – Coliseum. Featuring Travis Tritt.

9:00 p.m. – Dance – North Exhibit Hall (Brown bagging and/or coolers will not be permitted by the BJCC, but cash bars will be available.)

Tickets – $150 – Children 12 and under admitted free with paying adults.

4 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

EVENINGOFFUN2002

Down the Road I Go With 12 #1 hits, two Grammy awards, three CMA awards and over 17 million albums sold, Travis Tritt has established himself as one of country music’s most talented, successful and distinctive artists. Many entertainers might be content to rest on their successful laurels with such a list of accolades but Tritt remains fiercely driven by a deep love and commitment to the music he has helped shape over the past ten years.

“Down the Road I Go.” Tritt’s first album for Columbia Records Nashville, is the singer’s first project since taking a self-imposed two-year hiatus and opens a new chapter in an already impressive career. With sales of over one million, this new album has achieved “platinum” status. This is Tritt’s seventh album to reach this level or above. The gifted singer/songwriter had a hand in writing seven of the cuts on the album including the first single “Best of Intentions,” a movingly honest song that struck an immediate emotional chord with country fans. In writing songs for the disc, Tritt decided to match his talents with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters including one of his all-time musical heroes, Charlie Daniels. Tritt’s collaborations with Daniels resulted in two of the album’s most riveting cuts, “If the Fall Don’t Kill You” and “Southbound Train.”

Tritt’s triumphant return to country music’s fold is built on a longstanding and unyielding focus on creating great music. Tritt’s deep love of country music seems to literally be a part of his DNA. At the age of three, Tritt was already showing signs of a career in country music when he would snap his fingers to Roger Miller’s classic hit “King of the Road;” by the time he reached fourth grade he was singing the song in class while accompanying himself on guitar. The budding artist also sang in church and began writing songs, many of which were based on his own life experiences. Later on, Tritt proved himself to be an insightful songwriter basing some of his most moving and personal songs on events in his life.

It was while playing music at a local black church that Tritt absorbed a soulful gospel singing influence which he soon combined with his many other music inspirations in fashioning his own unique country music style. In addition to the influences of classic country artists such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr., Tritt melded the sounds of his beloved Southern rockers Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tritt also took in the blues of Muddy Waters and the r&b of Ray Charles. Tritt’s reverence for the music of each musical genre allowed him to masterfully blend the sounds without sacrificing the

integrity of the music.

After time spent paying dues on the club circuit (and selling air conditioners on the side to make ends meet), Tritt signed with Warner Bros.

Records where he recorded eight albums before deciding to make a few changes in 1999.

“At the end of that year, I had a couple things on my plate,” says Tritt. “First, my wife was expecting our second child in June of ‘99. I knew I wanted to spend as much time as possible with her, our daughter and eventually, our new son. But I also knew when I finished my last concert in December that I wanted to take at least a year off and negotiate a new record deal. But I wasn’t sure who it would be with. I met with nearly every label in Nashville and talked to a lot of people,” Tritt confides. “I saw a lot of fear in Nashville over the last few years. People were a bit scared and concerned with the changing climate of country music, but Allen Butler, Sony Music Nashville’s president, was very relaxed and unafraid, which was a refreshing attitude. I knew Sony would be the place for me. There’s something exciting about working with new people who have fire in their bellies about music – and change can be a very good thing. In this case, it was definitely the right time and the right move for me.”

The release of “Down the Road I Go” is only part of Travis Tritt’s re-emergence. He can be heard singing background vocals on Patty Loveless’ new album, and plays banjo and sings on “Big Mon – The Songs of Bill Monroe.” He has also become a formidable acting presence with major roles in both feature films such as “Cowboy Way” with Keiffer Sutherland and “Blues Brothers 2000” and television shows “Diagnosis Murder,” “Touched by an Angel” and “Arliss” to name just a few. There are also discussions of spinning the character Tritt created in several videos, Mac Singleton, into a fulllength TV movie. But Tritt’s attention is clearly centered on his new album – and a new round of touring in support of it that will keep him on the road.

“I have a new band with two of the old band’s members in it, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing some music,” he says.

Indeed, this new album returns Tritt to his rightful place at the forefront of today’s country music. At a time when country audiences are looking for someone worthy in whom to invest their time and money, Tritt’s return with “Down the Road I Go” is heaven sent. A powerful natural born artist whose pure joy in creating music has never been more evident. Travis Tritt is back, in other words, with a vengeance.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 5

ASSOCIATIONNEWS 11TH ANNUAL ALLIED INDUSTRY FUND-RAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT Lake Guntersyille State Park • Friday • April 19, 2002 Proceeds to benefit poultry science scholarship funds at Auburn University, Snead State Community College and Enterprise State Junior College.

Handicap Scramble - Registration - 11:00-11:30 a.m.; Shotgun Start - 12:00 Noon All golfers who have registered for the tournament must check in at the AP&EA tournament registration desk by 11:15 a.m. or their spot will be made available to others on the waiting list and they will not be eligible for prize money.

Computer-paired Foursomes - All foursomes will be generated by computer, based on handicaps. No exceptions will be made.

Tim Esslinger, David Ozment and Sandi Hofmann discuss plans for the 2002 Allied Golf Tournament.

Lunch and Dinner Included Lunch served beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Sponsored by First South Farm Credit Post tournament meal Sponsored by Wynco, LLC Soft drinks Sponsored by Aviagen, N.A. Tournament Tent Sponsored by American Proteins, Inc.

Prizes First Place Foursome $200 Cash Prize Per Player Second Place Foursome $150 Cash Prize Per Player Third Place Foursome $100 Cash Prize Per Player Fourth Place Foursome $ 50 Cash Prize Per Player Registration Fee - $45 per person before April 12 – After April 12 $50 per person

(Detach and Return) SPONSORSHIP & REGISTRATION FORM — Allied Industry Fund-raising Golf Tournament

Due to space limitations, allied companies must be sponsors for representatives to play in the tournament.

NAME

TITLE

COMPANY

HANDICAP

ADDRESS

PHONE

CITY

STATE

FAX ZIP

(List additional players on the reverse side of the form)

SPONSORSHIP:

My company ( )can ( )cannot contribute $200 to help sponsor the 2002 golf tournament to raise funds for poultry research, development and education. ( )Check Enclosed ( )Invoice

REGISTRATION FEE: $45 per person

Number Attending

TOTAL ENCLOSED

NOTE: (Please make checks payable to: Alabama Poultry Foundation) PLEASE RETURN TO: AP&EA • P.O. BOX 240 • MONTGOMERY, AL 36101 • 334-265-2732 • FAX 334-265-0008 6 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

ASSOCIATIONNEWS CALENDAROFEVENTS AP&EA Legislative Omelet Breakfast April 4, 2002 Montgomery, AL AP&EA Board of Directors Meeting April 4, 2002 Montgomery, AL AP&EA Annual Golf Tournament June 7, 2002 Bent Brook Country Club Birmingham, AL AP&EA “Evening of Fun” June 8, 2002 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center AP&EA Annual Meeting July 14-15, 2002 Sandestin Beach Hilton Alabama Processors Workshop September 11, 2002 Birmingham Marriott Alabama Broiler Industry Seminar October 1-2, 2002 Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center National Poultry Waste Management Symposium October 27-29, 2002 Sheraton Birmingham Alabama Breeder / Hatchery Workshop November 12-13, 2002 Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center

INDUSTRYPROMOTION

Poultry & Egg News Inc. Launches Website Poultry & Egg News Inc., publishers of

venture, Poultry Today.

respective issues, including business items,

Poultry Times and Poultry & Egg Marketing,

Poultry Today offers daily news summaries

launched its web site January 18 during the

(Monday through Friday) of events occurring

International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta.

in the poultry industry, as well as poultry and

The Resource Center offers links to

“The launch of our web site is the next

egg market information. Along with news

advertiser, industry association and university

step in our efforts to serve the information

summaries covering the entire range of the

websites.

needs of the poultry industry,” Publisher

poultry industry from production to process-

“We’ve designed the site to be a compre-

Randall Smallwood said. “We are answering

ing, Poultry Today offers stock reports and

hensive source for the poultry industry

our readers who have been asking us for a web

summaries of egg, turkey and broiler prices,

person,” Editor and Production Director

site for quite some time.”

trading volumes, chick placement figures and

Chris Hill said. ‘‘Poultryandeggnews.com

slaughter statistics.

covers every aspect of the industry.”

The website, www.poultryandandeggnews.com, includes online versions of the

The Poultry Times and Poultry & Egg

company’s two publications, plus its newest

Marketing sites offer news from the latest

focus material that differs from each issue, calendar items and viewpoint articles.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 7

GOVERNMENTALAFFAIRS

AP&EA Continues Effort Against Litter Spreading Prohibition

Poultry producers Dorman Grace and Dan Smalley challenge ADEM’s CAFO regulation concerning the winter spreading ban in north Alabama.

R

epresentatives from the poultry industry, ADEM, NRCS and Auburn University met on Wednesday, January 23, in Birmingham to discuss the ADEM’s CAFO regulation that prohibits the spreading of poultry litter in north Alabama between November 15 and February 15.

Auburn University representative, Ted Tyson, and NRCS representative, Ken Rogers, didn’t waiver in their support of a “no winter spreading

border”across the state, nor did they support reducing the moratorium on numbers of weeks of spreading litter.

They actually suggested that if the line was moved, that it should be moved further south. Richard Hulcher and Steve Jenkins, ADEM representatives, indicated that if NRCS changed their recommended standards then EPA would challenge Alabama’s CAFO regulations. Industry representatives Dan Smalley and Dorman Grace gave

arguments regarding the set border, definitive dates and special circumstances of breeder growers. They also argued that at no time in the three-year process of developing the CAFO rule were they told that there would be a line across that state or that there would be a specific period that litter could not be spread.

The meeting concluded with recommendations that industry representatives gather the following information: number of breeder houses there are in the state, particularly north of the set line; number of tons of litter produced per house per year; number of houses with wet litter compared to dry litter; and the estimated cost, broken down by each process or input, of cleaning out, storing, spreading and adding sawdust. This information is being processed and will be delivered to the regulators.

AP&EA will continue to work to bring this issue to a reasonable conclusion.

We especially thank Dorman Grace and Dan Smalley for their continued efforts to resolve this matter.

Legislature Stalls In First Half of Session The Alabama Legislature has accomplished very little in the first half of it’s regular legislative session. The House has been bogged down in procedural delays over the House Republicans’ accusation that they were denied due process in the speaker’s interpretation of the House rules during debate and passage of new congressional districts. The Senate, on the other hand, has tied up several legislative days debating how proceeds from a jury verdict favoring the state in a case involving the state and Exxon Oil Corp would be spent. Ironically, the state has not received the $3.5 billion settlement and may not in that the case is under appeal.

At the time of this writing, the impasse 8 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

in both chambers seems to be breaking and progress may resume shortly. The Legislature has not debated the state’s education and general fund budgets thus far. A bill for a state employee pay raise has been introduced but it is unclear where the money to pay for it will come from since there is a predicted shortfall in the general fund budget in excess of $60 million. Needless to say, very little controversial legislation has been taken up and with only 15 legislative days left in the session, little is expected to pass this session.

We are currently monitoring or negotiating several bills including the Family Farm Preservation Bill (would provide a limited remedy from certain civil suits);

Farm Animal, Crop, and Research Facilities Protection Act (provides penalties for the destruction of scientific research as it relates to animals and crops); and finally, legislation authorizing the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources to prohibit certain birds, animals, reptile and fish from coming into the state. In addition, we are involved in various other legislation that impacts the industry.

Again, it does not appear that a lot of legislation will be enacted this session. If you have a question about legislation or the legislative process please don’t hesitate to call us.

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

Brock Pulls out of Processing after Fire Destroys Business

B

rock’s Miracle Egg owner, Del Brock, said a decision has been made not to go back into the processing business, three weeks after fire destroyed the office, processing plant and two poultry houses.

Instead, the farm is selling the estimated 216,000 (18,000 dozen) eggs being produced on an average to three companies which have agreed to grade, inspect, process and ship them to retailers who are under contract with Brock.

“We’re strictly a nest-run business today,” Brock said. “The chickens are laying the eggs, we crate them up and sell them to one of three processing plants. The eggs are just as good and the quality is just as good. The only difference is that we no longer grade them.”

The decision to stay in the poultry business as a producer and not a processor is a gamble. “Anyone involved in food production

will tell you there are a lot of variables which come into play and none more important that supply and demand,” Brock said.

The only negative factor is the loss of employees who Brock said, “have been loyal to us for so many years. Out of 30 employees our company had, including our mill in Cullman, before the fire, we now have a total of nine,” Brock said. “Those we weren’t able to find employment for received their last pay check last Tuesday. It was a hard day for me.”

Brock says he’s slowly beginning to catch up on all those hours of lost sleep. “The outpouring of support from the community was amazing and I’m so thankful for the local chapter of the American Red Cross,” he said.

An investigation into the cause of the January 3 fire at the plant located on County Road 1568 has been completed. The cause is listed as undetermined.

AP&EA Membership Drive Ends March 15 If you have a friend or neighbor that has not yet joined, please encourage them to do so. The poultry industry touches almost everyone in our state. Working together, we can improve opportunities for everyone to succeed.

For more information please call AP&EA at 1(800) 254-

2732.

Call: 256-835-3217 Fax: 256-835-3277 103 National Drive, Anniston, AL 36207

Vanessa H. Elrod Joins Gold Kist Vanessa H. Elrod has joined Gold Kist Inc. as grower relations manager. Elrod will work as a liaison between growers and the company. She will be responsible for gathering information on grower problems and concerns, working with field operations personnel on developing proactive solutions to issues, facilitating training programs for field operations personnel on grower relations, and serving as a communication channel to growers on company information.

Elrod is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and a master’s degree in agricultural economics.

She served as communications and public affairs director for the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association for five years, and prior to that was editor of two state Rural Press USA publications. Most recently, Elrod was online communications specialist for a healthcare software company in Birmingham.

Spann Promoted to Plant Manager at the Northeast Alabama Division of Gold Kist Inc. Jason E. Spann has been promoted to plant manager at the Guntersville, Ala., processing plant, which is a part of the Northeast Alabama Division of Gold Kist Inc. He will be responsible for maximizing production yields, coordinating production schedules and maintaining plant sanitation, waste treatment and safety programs that comply with regulatory standards. The Guntersville plant processes 1.2 million birds per week and employs 1,100 people.

Spann joined Gold Kist in 1995 as a management trainee. He has worked as a processing plant supervisor and further processing quality assurance manager at the company’s Boaz, Ala., plants, and most recently was the food safety manager at Guntersville. He has a bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Auburn University.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 9

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

H o d g e s Fa r m R e c e i ve s Fa m i l y Fa r m E n v i r o n m e n t a l E x c e l l e n c e Aw a r d On Thursday, January 17, David and Martha Hodges of Guntersville, Ala. were awarded the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award for 2002. They received the award along with five other recipients at a ceremony held during the International Poultry Exposition at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. Hodges Farm consists of six poultry houses and manages over 700 acres of owned and leased land. The farm setting, nestled one mile from beautiful Lake Guntersville and the scenic State Park, made environmental stewardship a pre-requisite in the family’s

10 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

mind when they purchased the farm in the mid-90s.

The hallmarks of Hodges Farm are forethought, creativity, and attention to detail. Available land was leased to ensure an agronomical sound use of litter.

Creative in-house composting techniques were employed to reduce litter volume and accurate and complete records are made on all aspects for farm operation, with particular emphasis on nutrient management.

Six regional winners were chosen from applicants across the nation. A review committee carefully screened each application package. They then selected six semi-finalists in each region. Representatives of the review

committee then conducted an on-farm visit to each of the semi-finalists, and selected the award winner in each region.

Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in educational or outreach programs. The growers and producers recognized in this award are those who have gone “above and beyond” with respect to environmental stewardship.

David and Martha Hodges are deserving recipients of the award for the Mid-South region and AP&EA would like to congratulate Hodges Farm on this well-deserved award.

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPEMENT

Good Management Practices Help Defend Broilers Against Disease

By Mike Eckman, Extension Poultry Scientist Jim Donald, Extension Engineer Gene Simpson, Extension Economist Auburn University

I

nfectious disease is one of a number of factors that can affect performance in broiler flocks. Modern industry practices such as stringent hatchery sanitation programs, widespread vaccinations, use of feed additives and bio-security precautions have evolved to provide in most cases an effective shield against serious losses caused by disease.

However, growers must still be on guard against outbreaks of infectious diseases. The purpose of this article is to outline the basic facts Alabama growers need to know about the most common broiler flock diseases and the management practices that are most helpful in preventing disease problems.

Types of Diseases Four basic categories of infectious diseases are seen on broiler farms. They are classified according to the organisms that cause the diseases, as viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic.

Some of the categories are represented by only a few significant species or strains, others by several to many.

Viruses can only reproduce in the chicken, whereas most fungal and bacterial species may reproduce in the environment as well as in the chicken. Parasites must leave the host in order to complete their life cycle in the litter and then may re-infect other chickens. The viruses in particular, and most bacteria, are contagious and may move directly from bird to bird. This is not true of the fungal and parasitic infections. Fungal infections are seen primarily in young chicks, whereas all other categories may infect broilers at any age.

Only laboratory analysis can provide reliable diagnosis of specific diseases. Some infec-

tious diseases result in unique signs or symptoms, but many do not. Further, some symptoms may arise from multiple causes. What growers can do and need to do is maintain careful observation of the flock and of bird behavior. If any abnormalities do arise, the general category of the disease problem usually can be identified. Steps then can be taken to suppress or at least limit the spread of the disease problem.

Viral Infections A typical broiler flock will be exposed to many viruses. Planned immunization has been very successful in reducing their impact in broilers.

Vaccines for the most significant viral diseases are administered to the parent flocks and their protective antibodies are passed in the egg to the hatchling broiler chick. The chicks are then usually hyper-immunized at the hatchery and also again in the field.

“Airsacculitis” is one of the more common conditions, and may be caused by a combination of viral and bacterial causes.

Watery eyes, coughing, and generalized respiratory distress are common symptoms.

Severe cases may spread to the gut and result in condemnations and mortalities. Although improper vaccine selection or administration may be involved in triggering airsacculitis, it is usually the result of poor air quality, improper temperatures, poor drinker management, and/or severe environmental stress.

Some viral diseases also can have the effect of suppressing the bird's immune system. As a result, a flock may develop other unrelated infections. A damaged immune system can also make vaccinations ineffective.

Preventing this serious situation from developing starts with the vaccination program.

However, good flock management to eliminate stress is also extremely important.

Adequate ventilation in terms of air quality and quantity dilutes virus particles and reduces litter moisture for controlling the secondary bacterial infections. Removal of dust and feather follicles from house equipment between grow-outs also helps reduce viral causes.

Growers should be aware that viral infections tend to be highly contagious and may move from bird to bird, house to house, or farm to farm. Bio-security and sanitation precautions are very important in combating viral diseases. Continued poor performance in successive flocks, lack of bird uniformity, and excessive disease problems from a variety of infections are signs of immune-suppressive viruses. The integrator usually conducts testing to assess the immune status of representative flocks on a complex basis.

Bacterial Infections Most bacteria are opportunists by nature and may infect the chicken through any point of entry and then invade a variety of tissues or organs. Often the symptoms produced by bacterial infections are not unique and their exact identification requires lab diagnosis.

Massive infections, which are rare, may produce generalized infection among different tissues and organs, resulting in mortalities, often with an extremely putrid odor. Good litter management and removing dead birds as soon as possible are effective in avoiding or limiting problems from these bacteria.

Bacterial infections that originate in the hatchery are most commonly found in the navel area or respiratory system (lungs). Navel infections in day-old chicks are usually characterized by a foul odor, excessive culls, and occasionally high mortality in the first three days. Respiratory tract infections may result in MANAGEMENT continues on page 12

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 11

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPEMENT MANAGEMENT continued from page 11

high early mortality and severe reactions to respiratory vaccines. Such infections may be caused by a variety of bacteria and usually, but not always, originate at the hatchery. Low litter moisture, water sanitation, proper brooding temperatures, and enclosed drinker systems are effective in reducing these bacterial infections on the farm.

Fungal Infections Although fungus spores from a variety of species are common in the broiler house environment, serious infections are usually confined to the baby chick and most often originate in the hatchery. The most significant fungal infection in the chick is aspergillosis, which usually involves the respiratory system.

Common signs in the hatchling chick are gasping, sleepiness, and increased mortality.

Hatcheries make a concerted effort to prevent aspergillus in the incubation and hatching environment. When aspergillosis is suspected in baby chicks, good brooding practices and culling will help.

Parasitic Infections Only one type of parasite, the coccidia, is of economic significance in broiler production. The coccidia are parasites of the cells lining the intestine. Their greatest impact is on growth, feed efficiency and skin coloring.

Additives are usually put in the rations for prevention and control of these parasites. The parasites survive in the litter as very resistant cysts and infection occurs when birds peck into the litter. Symptoms may include loss of skin color, diarrhea, passage of undigested feed, and occasionally by obvious blood in the fecal material. Mortality as result of coccidial infections is rare. Water and litter management, especially in limiting litter moisture, are very effective in reducing economic losses from this group of parasites.

12 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

Exotic Diseases Certain exotic diseases must be prevented from entry into any commercial flocks in the United States. These include, but are not limited to, exotic Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza. Extensive surveillance and avoidance programs are in place at both the state and national levels. For broiler growers, bio-security at the farm level is the best insurance for reducing the threat of introduction of exotic diseases. Limit entry and traffic on the farm to only what is absolutely necessary for routine operations. Both diseases mentioned can be devastating in large flocks and could compromise an entire industry.

Farm Management for Disease Control In most instances the presence of infectious organisms does not result in specific or obvious disease on a flock basis, but rather results in an added burden on body maintenance requirements of the broiler. In other words, continuous low level exposure can cause a broiler flock to have to expend some of their nutritional intake on limiting the impact of low-grade infections. These nutritional expenditures can be in the form of mounting an immune response, abnormal body temperature swings, reduced consumption and absorption of feed, and general responses to stress.

Generally speaking, our past experience in large-scale broiler production over the years allows us to predict the presence of the significant disease-causing organisms and the industry has developed integrated health programs that target each of the categories.

However, it remains a common misconception that the various health programs (i.e., feed additives, vaccines, sanitation chemicals, etc.) provided at the hatchery, in the feed, or administered to the chick bear the sole responsibility for flock health. In fact, meeting the needs of the modern-day broiler through proper flock management is at least as important, or probably more so, than the integrated

health programs in limiting losses to infectious diseases.

Often, the difference in broiler performance among houses or farms is the percentage of feed nutrients that go for body maintenance requirements versus growth. In general, feed goes to body maintenance and feather development first and what is left over is available for growth. Therefore meeting the needs of the flock via optimal management limits nutritive requirements for maintenance and maximizes flock performance. Marginal management in terms of improper house temperatures, poor air quality, excessive litter moisture, and generalized stress, will increase disease susceptibility in most flocks and shift feed ingredient utilization from growth to body maintenance. This is why proper management in the grow-out is so important to complement the integrated health programs and provide an environmental foundation for the flock that will optimize the effectiveness of feed additives, vaccines and sanitation chemicals.

The brooding phase is especially important. Upon arrival at the farm, the chick must eat and drink immediately. Why? Because rapid feed and water consumption provide the critical nutrients necessary for the development of tissues and organ systems that allow maximum performance and health. In most instances the chick will have been vaccinated with various live viruses that will produce some degree of infection. This is necessary in order to encourage development of the immune system. However, it is critical that the brooding environment provide stress-free, optimal conditions in terms of feed, water, air quality, house, and litter temperatures, so that chicks can get through this stage as quickly as possible and start growing rapidly. Flocks that are started well will continue to make good growth and fend off disease problems as long as they are given the proper environment for growth.

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPEMENT Conclusion Vaccination, feed additives, sanitation and bio-security programs provide a solid first line of defense against disease in broiler flocks.

But grower management in terms of facility and equipment, feed and water availability, temperature regulation, air quality, litter quality, and sanitation is equally important and has an enormous impact on poultry health. Management and health programs are inseparable and must be considered in combination with all facets of live production in the grow-out. The proper blend of health and management programs will provide an environment that will offer the best opportunity for sparing nutrients in the feed for growth, instead of expending them on body maintenance beyond what is necessary for best bottom-line performance.

Keeping Birds Stress-Free Prevents Disease and Promotes Growth These pie charts show that as birds grow the percentage of their feed energy that must go to body maintenance (instead of growth) gets larger and larger. The lesson to be learned is that flocks must be kept as free of stress as possible, so that they are less susceptible to disease and their energy demands for body maintenance are kept as small as possible. This allows the greatest possible feed energy to produce growth, and produces the best feed efficiency numbers. Maintaining consistently good in-house conditions helps healthy birds stay healthy and gain weight rapidly.

Bio-Security: Essential Steps to Prevent Disease Outbreaks on Your Farm Many chicken diseases, including exotic Newcastle's disease, avian influenza, and laryngotracheitis (LT), could be devastating to individual growers and to the industry as a whole. While integrators take all possible steps to prevent disease outbreaks from their operations, the grower must realize that the ultimate responsibility for keeping diseases off the farm rests with the individual grower. Here are the most important precautions you should observe: 1.

Do not allow unauthorized or unnecessary visitors to come onto your farm or into your houses. No one should enter one of your houses except by invitation for a specific purpose.

2.

Do not yourself visit other poultry houses except for specific need and on invitation, and if you do be sure to take proper bio-security precautions.

3.

Require all visitors and employees to wear disinfected rubber boots or 6-mil disposable plastic boots to enter a house.

Keep a supply of plastic boots on hand.

4.

Make your houses wild bird-proof, discourage other fowl from coming onto your premises, and avoid contact with other birds by yourself and your employees.

5.

Keep your houses clean and free of rodents.

6.

Do not use a pond or lake as a water source for your flocks.

7.

Pick up and properly dispose of dead birds promptly.

8.

Make sure all equipment, such as cleanout equipment, is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before coming onto the farm or being used in your houses. This rule must be applied both to your own equipment and to equipment used by any contractor.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 13

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPEMENT

Auburn University Names New Head of Poultry Science Department effective February 1, 2002. He is a native of

in microbiology and food safety. He is a certi-

Virginia and has been a professor at the

fied lead HACCP instructor, and has been

university since 1989. He has served as

heavily involved in HACCP training since

interim director of Auburn University’s is

1996. Conner received his B.S. degree in

Poultry Product Safety & Quality Program

environmental health science from the

and is a core member of Auburn University's

University of Georgia. He holds M.S. and

Program in Detection & Food Safety. His

Ph.D. degrees in food science from UGA. He

research has focused on microbiology as

is a member of the Institute of Food

related to poultry with primary interests in:

Technologists;

food safety and preservation of poultry prod-

Microbiology; Poultry Science Association;

ucts,

Worlds

sanitation, food and feed mycology,

American

Poultry

Science

Society

for

Association;

Donald E. Conner, Ph.D., was named

rapid detection methods, and waste manage-

and International Association for Food

head of the poultry science department,

ment. His teaching responsibilities have

Protection.

College of Agriculture at Auburn University

included graduate and undergraduate courses

AU Poultry Science Building Breaks Ground March 21 Auburn University’s poultry science department invites you to join them in the groundbreaking of their new poultry science building! The groundbreaking ceremony and reception will be held on March 21 at 2 pm in close proximity to the construction site on Lem Morrison Drive. For more information, please call the AU poultry science department at 334-844-2600.

14 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002

Eggspanding Your Menu

Eggs and vegetables – both natural wonders – are the perfect start to many scrumptious baked dishes as well. So plan on eggspanding your menus today. Even the mention of souffle strikes terror in some hearts, but building from a base of instant potato flakes produces a version that comes out puffy and delicious every time. Let the egg whites come to room temperature to produce the most volume. Then stir in some asparagus, Parmesan cheese, lemon peel, and parsley for a distinctively fresh taste. Baked in individual dishes, you’ll see just how easy and foolproof souffles can be. Crave something creamy?

Think herbal onion timbale with a melt-inyour-mouth texture.

Chock-full of Neufchatel, green onions, and herbs, it’s a delightful dish. If you’re looking for something elegant for brunch, lunch or as an appetizer, savory cheesecake is the answer. Eggs make it light and fluffy. A mixture of sundried and cherry tomatoes laced with a bouquet of herbs helps to make it marvelous.

Garnished with more cherry tomatoes and herbs, it’s a picture-perfect dish that screams “springtime.”

evenly into prepared dishes. Set aside.

Set out egg whites to come to room temperature in a clean large bowl – no more than 30 minutes. In small bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. In small pan, stir together milk, flour, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and is smooth and thickened. Stir in remaining cheese, asparagus, and instant potato. Set aside.

Beat egg whites at high speed with cream of tartar until stiff but not dry peaks form. Stir egg yolks, lemon peel, and parsley into milk mixture. Gently fold egg yolk mixture into whites. Carefully spoon about 1 cup mixture into each of the prepared dishes. Bake until set in center and puffy and delicately browned, about 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately.

crumbs until well blended. Stir in milk mixture until thoroughly blended. Spoon about 3/4 cup mixture into each ramekin. Bake until nearly set, about 25 to 35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with additional green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note: All microwave cooking times are based on a full power output of 600 to 700 watts. For a lower wattage oven, allow more time.

Cherry Tomato Cheesecake Makes 6 servings

Springtime Herbal Onion Timbales Makes 4 servings

Individual Asparagus Souffles Makes 4 servings

Cooking spray 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 4 divided eggs, separated 1 1/4 cups skim milk 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup finely chopped cooked asparagus 1/3 cup instant potato flakes 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350o F. Evenly coat four 10-oz. ovenproof baking dishes with cooking spray. In small bowl, stir together bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons cheese. Sprinkle

Cooking spray 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup skim milk 1 package (3 oz.) Neufchatel, softened 4 eggs 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 cups chopped green onions and tops 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or 2 tablespoons dried 2 tablespoons minced parsley 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup bread crumbs Additional green onion tops, optional

Preheat oven to 350o F. Evenly coat four 10-oz. ramekins with cooking spray. Set them in a 13x9-inch pan. Fill pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. In a 2cup glass measuring cup, heat butter and milk in microwave oven on HIGH until milk is heated, about 2 minutes (or heat in a small saucepan over low heat). Stir in Neufchatel until well blended. In a large bowl, beat together eggs and mayonnaise until well blended. Stir in onions, seasonings, and bread

Cooking spray 1/2 cup cracker crumbs 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest 2 packages (8 oz. each) Neufchatel, softened 4 eggs 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, or 2 tablespoons dried 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon crushed, finely chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried 3 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained 1/4 cup finely chopped seeded cherry tomatoes Fresh herbs, optional Cherry tomatoes, optional

Preheat oven to 350o F. Evenly coat 8- or 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix together crumbs and lime zest. Press mixture evenly on bottom and sides of prepared pan. Set aside. In medium bowl, stir together Neufchatel, eggs, flour, lime juice, and seasonings. Beat until well blended.

Stir in tomatoes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until mixture is firm and set in center, about 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan and garnish with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes, if desired.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002 15

Performance Maximize your output with Schering-Plough Animal Health.

• Proven vaccines such as Coccivac®-B, Univax® Plus, Enterovax® and F VaxMG® that deliver broad range of protection against coccidiosis, IBD and respiratory diseases.

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Disease management programs are just a call away. For Technical Service, call 1-800-219-9286.

The Poultry Health Experts • www.spah.com

Copyright 2001, Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation. All rights reserved.