AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 Address Service Requested
Harold Hunt Takes Charge
Officers Harold Hunt, Vice President, Gadsden* Kenneth Sanders, Vice President, Brundidge* Mitchell Pate, Treasurer, Auburn* Jason Spann, Secretary, Hanceville* Tim Esslinger, Immediate Past President, Huntsville* Directors Johnny Adcock, Woodland Lou Ayers, Jasper Sam Black, Cullman Richard Curvin, Ashland Cory Early, Albertville Dennis Gordon, Montgomery Ben Gore, Cullman Brian Hanna, Russellville Lane Holladay, Tyler Tim Holmes, Decatur Casey Jones, Hoover* Clint Lauderdale, Hanceville David Massey, Enterprise Kevin McDaniel, Huntsville Todd McMahen, Dothan Dr. Shannon Morgan, Huntsville Mike Pigg, Montgomery John Pittard, Guntersville John Roberts, Cullman Keith Rhodarmer, Collinsville Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jason Shell, Huntsville* Steve Smith, Hanceville Ryan Turner, Guntersville Stanley Usery, Athens Ricky Walker, Holly Pond Brad Williams, Troy Len Windham, Ariton Advisors Vernon Abney, Auburn Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Jacob Davis, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Ben Malone, Auburn *Executive Committee Members
AP&EA STAFF
Johnny Adams – Chief Executive Officer Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Ray Hilburn – Associate Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director/Editor Jennifer Shell – Support Director
Alabama Poultry Magazine is published by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association 465 South Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-265-2732 Fax: 334-265-0008 Send editorial and advertising correspondence to: Alabama Poultry Magazine Editor 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 necessarily imply endorsement by AP&EA.
www alabamapoultry org
President s Message It is indeed an honor and privilege to assume the role of president of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. First I would like to congratulate Tim on an outstanding year. Many of my priorities will be to continue the work that Tim has done over the past year. I would like to briefly share a few of the issues that are important to Alabama’s poultry industry: • We will continue to plan for and be ready for a potential AI outbreak (Biosecurity is crucial.) Stronger biosecurity, although we dodged AI for now, LT showed us that we need to do a better job. • We will continue to find ways to keep our farms and processing facilities secure. • We will continue to seek full funding for CAFO. • We will continue to seek funding for the new Auburn Poultry Research farm and continue to work toward completion of that project. • We will continue to assist Auburn University in creating partnerships with junior colleges thru the 2+2 program. • We will continue to support 2+2 students thru scholarships raised by our Allied Committee. • We will continue to promote the poultry industry at school fairs across Alabama as a recruitment tool for the AU poultry science department and the poultry industry. • There will likely be other issues that will arise and we will address those as they arise. This is an ambitious agenda so I will need the help of all AP&EA committees and especially you and our board of directors. With your help I know we will be successful. I look forward to serving you over the next year! Thank you!
Featuring This Issue Government Affairs Association News 2+2 Program is Growing Marshall County Annual Meeting AP&EA Annual Meeting Presidential Profile: Harold Hunt Takes Charge Industry News Practical Applications Calendar of Events
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Influenza in a Wild Mallard Duck in Alaska The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild mallard duck from a state wildlife refuge near Fairbanks, Alaska.! CDC considers the risk to the general public from these HPAI H5 infections to be low.! No human infections with Eurasian H5 viruses have occurred in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI. H5N2 HPAI has NOT been found in the U.S. – in either wild or commercial birds – since June 2015. However, anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. To
2016 Penny-A-Hen Referendum MONTGOMERY – Alabama hen owners who qualify will soon be voting to continue the state’s check-off for both broilers and eggs. The 2016 Penny-AHen referendum will be conducted by mail from November 7 through December 7. Ballots must be postmarked by December 7 and received in the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association office by December 14. Owners of hens, including breeder hens, who own 3,000 or more hens shall be subject to the assessment and eligible to vote in the referendum. Eligible Alabama hen owners who do not receive a ballot should call the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association office at 334-265-2732
facilitate such a review, a biosecurity self-assessment and educational materials can be found at www.uspoultry.org/animal_husbandry/i ntro.cfm The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and USDA are working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, back yard hobby farms, and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.! The wild mallard duck was captured and a sample tested as part of ongoing wild bird surveillance.! Since July 1, 2016, USDA and its partners have tested approximately 4,000 samples, with a goal to collect approximately 30,000 samples before July 1, 2017. Approximately 45,500 samples were tested during wild bird surveillance from July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016.
Since wild birds can be infected with these viruses without appearing sick, people should minimize direct contact with wild birds by using gloves. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.! Hunters should dress game birds in the field whenever possible and practice good biosecurity to prevent any potential disease spread. In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through the state veterinarian’s officer at 334-240-7253 or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.! Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Dr. Wallace Berry teaches Introduction to Poultry Science from the Poultry Science Building.
The 2+2 Program is Growing As Dr. Wallace Berry teaches his Introduction to Poultry Science class, he’s not just teaching the 33 students in his crowded classroom. He is teaching a state-wide course through the Auburn University department of poultry science’s 2+2 Program. At Wallace Community College in Dothan and Gadsden State Community College, Cherokee Campus, students are particiapting in the class by two-way video links on Mondays and Wednesdays. This gives them the opportunity to interact with the instructor just like a student sitting in the classroom. This is of particular importance to John Stevens of Midland City. His parents have been growers for Wayne Farms since 2006. They currently have four 60’x500’ houses and six 43’x500’ houses, with a bird count of approximately 300 thousand chickens. Attending Wallace on an AP&EA scholarship, John looks forward to attending Auburn in two years to complete his major in poultry science. And, he’s not alone in the class, there is also Chase Adams of Clio, whose parents grow for Keystone Foods of Eufaula. There are six students in the new class at Wallace, but it has great support. julie Fischer, director of natural sciences at Wallace said, “The poultry industry in Alabama is just booming and growing, so we wanted to provide opportunity for our students to get the first two years of the program here – get all their general studies out the way, and an introduction of what poultry production is all about.”
Wallace State Community College in Hanceville is also and active part of the 2+2 Program, however, for the first time they have a dedicated instructor, Dr. Melanie Glascock,
Wallace Community College Dothan
DVM. That program has already sent a number of students into the Auburn poultry science department. The program was developed to provide a way for students from rural schools a way to enter Auburn’s department of poultry science without having to meet the ever-increasing ACT admission requirements. It is also an economical way for students to get basic college courses out of the way before entering Auburn. Scholarship applications are available through our website at www.alabamapoultry.org. Applications are due by April 1, 2017.
AP&EA Tags Now Available!
Proceeds from these tags help to fund poultry science scholarships at Auburn and the 2+2 Program as well. So, have you ordered yours yet? You can do it today!
Marshall County Poultry & Egg Association Holds Annual Meeting
dren of growers. Tables were pile high with door prizes donated be friends of Marshall County poultry. Everyone was very excited. The most exciting event, however, was the drawing for the John Deere Gator. Tickets for the Gator go toward funding the Marshall County scholarship program.
The Gator was won by Rodney Floyd ... Receiving scholarships:Taylor Hilley, Redden Hill and Ramsey Hill
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE – On Friday, Aug. 5, the Marshall County Poultry & Egg Association held its annual meeting at Civitan Park on beautiful Lake Guntersville. A number of vendors also set up displays. There were financial institu-
tions, equipment dealers and poultry supply vendors around the pavillion. A delicious barbecue chicken supper was served to the several hundred in attendence. One of the evening highlights was the awarding of scholarships to the chil-
... but, his mother, Judy Floyd, got to drive it first.
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AP&EA Annual Meeting Time
SANDESTIN RESORT – Some of us just don’t have bodies that were designed for the beach. That’s where the early morning strolls and midnight walks come in. You get to a certain age and everyone wears a two piece to the beach – shorts and a tee-shirt. The idea of going shirtless is only for the most intrepid. Fortunately none of the poultry pros have reached the sandal and black socks stage. We were at the beautiful Sandestin Hilton Resort at a strange time. Due to a scheduling conflict, we had our Welcome to the Beach event for sponsors and board members on a Friday night, rather than the usual Sunday night. No one was complaining, however, and the fellowship was warm and inviting. The food was great, but the plates were just too small for some folks. The next morning, bright and early, especially for a Saturday, breakfast was served for business meeting attendees in the large ballroom at the Hilton. AP&EA President Tim Esslinger started the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing representatives of the various sponsors. He thanked them for their generous support of the association. He also introduced a number of past association presidents in attendance. President Esslinger, in his opening comments expressed enjoyment of his time as president. He recognized the staff for their efforts to make his tenure in office successful. He laughingly expressed relief that it had been a quiet year for the poultry industry without any avian influenza, or any other serious health problems. Our first speaker was Alabama Commissioner of Ag and Industries John McMillan. McMillan thanked the association for networking with other stakeholders to make the Souther Association of State Departments of Agriculture at Point Clear a success. He also talked expanding agricultural trade with Cuba. The next speaker on the agenda was Dr. Paul Patterson, the new dean of the College of Agriculture at Auburn University. Patterson expressed his gratitude for the association’s support and fund raising efforts on behalf of scholarships and the Charles C. Miller Poultry Reseach Facility. He expressed his excitement over the project that will put Auburn at the forefront of world poultry research and education. Following Dr. Patterson, Dr. Gary Lemme, head of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, showed a short video that was prepared for a national presentation. He had several announcements: in 2015, one in four Alabamains had contacted an Extension office; 138,000 kids are currently in 4-H, with 600 schools in 67 counties; 40 percent of schools in have a 4-H program; and that more than 2,000 kids are participating in Chick_Chain. He also stated that he wants to work with integrators to develop a poultry credentialing program as part of a Workforce Development Plan for high school students who are about to enter the the job market. This credentialing program would let potential employers in the poultry industry know that these graduates have had some documented experience. Next on the agenda was a presentation by Nath Morris of the U.S. Poultry &
Egg Association. He talked about the upcoming IPPE, scheduled for Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2017, in Atlanta. Morris said that this will be the largest ever, with more that one half million feet of exhibition space and 1,050 exhibitors. Poultry will take up 83 percent of the floor space in halls B and C. They are expecting more that 30,000 attendees. There was a brief discussion of this year’s “Evening of Fun,” and the date for the 2017 “Evening of Fun” was announced. Due to the “Senior Games” being held in Birmingham over the first weekend in June, we have scheduled the concert and dance for Saturday, May 27, 2017. We will announce the entertainers in January. It was announced that the association has an upgraded website. Nathan Kelly, one of the designers previewed the site, showing the new more sophisticated look. Randall Ennis gave a report on the progress of fund raising for the poultry research farm relocation. He reported that though the project’s original goal of raising $600,000 had been far surpassed. With $5 million raised, Ennis said, “Our concept has become a reality.” The next phase of the project is in the planning stage. Later, Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn department of poultry science would report that the scheduled date for the dedication of the new Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research Facility would be Nov. 4. Conner also reported that the department would have 60 to 70 students enrolled in poultry science, as well as a number of students taking advantage of the 2+2 Program. In order to provide scholarships for these students the Allied Committee holds a number of fund-raising events throughout the year. Casey Jones reported that those events, including the “Big Bass” fishing tournament, smoked chicken sale and the EOF Golf Tournament had gone well. He announced the date for the the Allied Scholarship Golf Tournament as Thursday, Oct. 20, at Chelsey Oaks Golf Course in Cullman. There were several other committee reports and advisory reports given. AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams reported briefly on the upcoming legislative session and thanked President Esslinger for an outstanding year as association president. Later that afternoon, at the official annual meeting, Harold Hunt, Koch Foods Gadsden, was elected association president for 2016/2017. With that, everyone headed off to get ready for the evening festivities.
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The Awards Banquet
After the silent auction was finished and the meal was served, it was time to pass out the awards. These awards represent The Distinguished Service Award was presented to incoming AP&EA President Harold Hunt, for his years of President Tim Esslinger presents Harold Hunt with the Distinguised Service Award. service to the association and to the industry. Harold has served on many com- being out in the field more than he does mittees and played and induring role in being in the office. The Presidential Award went to the association. He is very involved with his company and growers. He prefers Kenneth Sanders for his service during
President Tim Esslinger presents Kenneth Sanders with the Presidential Award.
the present year. He has been instrumental in promoting the development of local associations throughout the state, and educational programs for growers.
“Evening of Fun” Ticket Sales Awards
Top Salesman for $200 tickets, Steve Smith, American Proteins. He was also the Top Rookie Salesman.
Top Salesman to Broiler Growers, also known as the Rhonnel Word Award – Judy Dutton, Tyson Foods, Snead.
Top Salesman to Breeder Growers, also known as the Harold Robinson Award – Barry Smith, Tyson Foods, Snead.
Top Salesman to New Ticket Purchasers, Connie Bryant, Koch Foods, Ashland. She is also captain of the quota meeting Koch Foods, Ashland team.
Team Selling Most Tickets, Tyson Foods, Team Captain Dale Gambrill, David Pruett and Danny Hughes.
Top Team Most Ticket Sales Based on Quota, Keystone Foods, Captain Christie Stockberger. They sold 144 percent of quota.
The Allied Team, captained by Jason Shell, made its quota.
Koch Foods of Collinsville, captained by Keith Rhodarmer, made its quota.
Mar-Jac Foods, captained by Keith Martin, made its quota.
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President Tim Esslinger gives his last speech as association president
Tim Esslinger trades the gavel for the big bird.
New AP&EA President Harold Hunt delivers his first speech as president.
The Gavel is Passed to Harold Hunt
After everyone had perused the silent auction itens and written down their bids, the incredible buffet dinner was served. Every food group was well represented as the Hilton kitchen outdid itself. It is safe to say that no one left hungry. Even as folks were finishing their meals, AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams introduced association President Tim Esslinger by thanking him for his outstanding leadership as president. Esslinger, in-turn, thanked the association for its support and encouragement. He said that he had greatly enjoyed his tenure. He pointed with pride to the development of the 2+2 Program and the continuing progress of the Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research Facility at Auburn. He also remphasized the association’s committment to improving our internet presense and social media awareness. Then the gavel was passed. President Elect Harold Hunt took to the podium to give President Esslinger the bronze rooster as a token of his year’s service and a scrapbook with letters of congratulations from state officials. His
wife, Sue, was invited on stage and presented a gift of appreciation. It was then that Harold Hunt assumed the office of president. He congratulated Esslinger on an outstanding year. In a brief statement, he spoke of being honored to serve as association president. He pledged that he would continue the programs that had been started under Esslinger. High on his list was continuing to emphasize biosecurity. “We dodged a bullet this year, “ he said in regards to avian influenza. He also pledged continued support for scholarships and the 2+2 Program. Then it was time for the live auction. But first there was a drawing for the wine or cigar package. It was won by Tracy Cohen of Albertville. Auctioneer Kent Stanford began the auction. There were trips to great places and hunts for a variety of critters. There were several guns that were on the auction block. When it was all done and the receipts tallied, the association has raised more than $25,000. It was a good evening and a good time.
Connie Bryant also became the lastest member of the Alabama Poultry Fraternity, signifying 15 years of meeting quota.
The silent auction attracted lots of positive attention.
Tim Esslinger and his wife, Sue
Kent Stanford, once again, had the auction call going strong.
After the auction, it was time to settle-up with Wanda.
The food at the banquet had everyone lining up. Calorie counting was totally forgotten.
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BAYTOWNE GOLF CLUB – Know more for high jinx and having a good time than sterling golf accumen, the foursome of Mark Wilton, Mitchell Pate, Randall Ennis and Johnny Adams never-the-less stunned the poultry pros by winning the AP&EA annual meeting golf tournament. Questions were flying ...was it their cummulative handicap ... or was it THE GLOVES? Like their lycra clad Power Ranger counterparts, Pate and Ennis were sporting new matching golf gloves. Where did they come from?
Could there have been something mystical about those gloves – something like Frosty the Snowman’s top hat? Whatever the case, the foursome took home the prize, even though they were tied with second place finishers: Jones, Brooke, Bowen and Sadler, Their handicap, when factored in, gave them the win.. Yeah? I still think that it was the gloves. The team of Outlaw, Pigg, Boston and Spann finished in third place.
2nd Place Winners
Your AP&EA 2016-2017 Officers
AP&EA President Harold Hunt, Secretary Jason Spann, Director Jason Shell, Immediate Past President Tim Esslinger, Treasurer Mitchell Pate, Vice President Kenneth Sanders and Director Casey Jones.
Presidential Profile
Harold Hunt Takes Charge of AP&EA Dr. Bob Brewer once asked Harold Hunt, “Son, do you have sand in your shoes?” Harold wasn’t sure of the question. Brewer laughed and continued, “ I never met a fellow from Sand Mountain that didn’t have sand in his shoes and want to get back up there.” That was in the late spring of 1986, and Harold was about to graduate from Auburn with a degree in ag The Hunt Clan (left to right) Son-in-law, Hank Harbour, daughter, Haley, grandson, Hunter, economics, but he had gotten some Harold, Suzanne, daughter, Caitlyn, and son, Will. bad news that previous December. The job that he had enough to be his parents or grandparents. And, while been offered with Federal Land Bank in Cullman, where Harold was young, he had the experience that gave him he had interned the summer between his junior and sen- credibility with those growers. Several years before, Harold had met a young lady ior year at Auburn, had been withdrawn when Federal Landbank merged with Production Credit to form Ala- from Collinsville. Her name was Suzanne, and she was a majorette at Collinsville High School, and he had been bama Farm Credit. Harold, the son of Crossville broiler growers, a football player at Crossville, but they met at a junior needed a job. He had just finished a commercial egg high school football game. They began dating. A couple production course under Brewer and went to him for of years behind Harold, Suzanne had attended Jackhelp. That’s when Brewer asked him about his willing- sonville State University, majoring in math and minorness to move away from Sand Mountain. Brewer then ing in computer science. She, at first thought she might told him about a broiler job opening in Elijay, Ga. with like to work in Huntsville at Redstone Arsenal, but something happened – Harold proposed. She said yes. Gold Kist. In early December, Harold got some really good Harold’s parents had built their first poultry houses when he was 12. They grew for Gold Kist, and he had news. Suzanne was moving to Calhoun. She had worked side-by-side with them in those houses. The worked very hard and graduated early. Then something miraculous happened. She had come to Calhoun to put family also raised cows and hogs. There at the Gold Kist offices he met a number of in job applications at various places. Knowing that most people who were interviewing for the same job. There teaching jobs do not become available until just before were University of Georgia poultry science graduates school starts in the fall, she had gone into the Gordon and Auburn poultry science graduates interviewing, and County Board of Education office. As she was talking Harold was the only applicant without a degree in poul- with the people in the office, she was asked if she was try science. Still, he had the experience of working daily applying for the math teaching position that had just with his parents in their houses. That experience was come open. She answered in the affirmative, and startsomething that Gold Kist must have been looking for ing in January of 1987, she began teaching at Redbud High School. so they hired him. She met a young lady that was living in Harold’s Shortly thereafter he went to work as a broiler tech apartment complex and they became friends and then servicing broiler farms out of Calhoun, Ga. He quickly found why his experience with his parents was so im- roommates for a few months. That all changed in June, portant to Gold Kist. He had been hired to replace a 70 when Suzanne and Harold were married. It was exactly year-old man who had just retired. The man had built one year after his graduation from Auburn. After two years as a broiler tech, he began servicing close relationships with many of his growers, who were pullets and hens. That lasted for four years, and then he also older. A number of them, Harold recalls, were old
was promoted to hatchery manager in Talking Rock, Ga. Five years later, in 1997, the family, now with three young children, headed to Live Oak, Fla., where Harold served as broiler manager for five months before being promoted to breeder hatchery manager. A year and a half later he was promoted to live production manager. He stayed in that position for six years, until Barry Boyers, live production manager in Boaz, Ala., at Gold Kist’s largest complex, retired. Harold was asked to take the job, and he agreed. In 2006, Harold was back on Sand Mountain. He and the family moved into their new home in Crossville. During that year Gold Kist was purchased by Pilgrim’s. Four months into his stint with Pilgrim’s a job offer came from Koch Foods. Koch Foods had just acquired the Tyson Foods complex in Gadsden and they needed a complex manager, especially one who Little Hunter is a walking man
Continued on pg. 30
Industry News
Aviagen Hosts 53rd Annual Production Management School
More than 30 students from 23 countries flocked to Alabama for the 2016 school HUNTSVILLE, – On Sun. June 5, 34 students from 23 countries flocked to the Aviagen 53rd annual Production Management School in Huntsville, as they prepared for a future of success in the global poultry industry. Four weeks later on Thurs., June 30, Aviagen graduated these same students, but with one difference. They now have been schooled in the latest innovations in poultry science, as well as proven best practices for successful broiler and breeder management. Participants from five continents made the trek to Huntsville for the school, which is the first and longest running of its kind in the global poultry industry. Curriculum of rigorous learning Throughout the month students benefited from advice and instruction offered by more than 40 experts from Aviagen, the poultry industry and academia. These experts will serve as resources for students to reach out to when they return to their daily jobs. The course maintained a rigorous pace and comprehensive format of nearly 75 lectures, hands-on workshops, labs and production facility visits. In addition to more – learning to optimize
poultry performance through proven management techniques, students were immersed in lessons on poultry nutrition, hatchery practices, veterinary science and genetic selection. The curriculum was designed for Aviagen’s customers and their employees, who include veterinarians, production managers, hatchery specialists and a host of other professions encompassed by the broad poultry industry. “As long as customers buy breeding stock from us, we are dedicated to helping them make the most of their flocks. The annual Production Management School is an ideal forum for accomplishing this goal,” says school Director Mark Wright. “The Production Management School combines theory with hands-on training in today’s most successful poultry management practices. Our wish is that students employ the knowledge and insights gained from the school to improve their performance and productivity back home.” Wright adds that Aviagen is committed to continue the school for decades to come. The school is a major part of Aviagen’s customer service training portfolio, and Aviagen staff works throughout the year to improve the experience for future students. United Nations of Poultry “The Production Management
School was like the United Nations of poultry, with so many diverse nationalities represented. Together we gained not only invaluable theory, but also practical experience in topics like basic brooding in a real-life setting. However, it was as much about the people as it was about poultry. Given the intimate setting of the school, I felt like I was back at the university, and I even showed my classmates how to do laundry, a necessary skill during the monthlong class,” says student Zain Randhawa from Hitech Poultry Breeders in Pakistan. First-place achiever Hugo Urso from BRF in Brazil shared similar sentiments concerning the school. “It provided a special opportunity to team up with colleagues in the industry from other countries and together participate in a learning experience that will enhance my contribution to the Brazilian poultry industry.” Five-decade Production Management School history The Aviagen Production Management School has grown in size and scope over the years. Since it was founded in 1964 as the Arbor Acres® Production Management School, more than 1,500 poultry professionals representing 62 countries have successfully completed the program.
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Blackhead in Broiler Breeder and Commercial Table Egg Pullets
Joe Giambrone, Ken Macklin, John Roberts, Tami Kelly and Joe Hess, Poultry Science Department, Auburn University and Alabama State Diagnostic Lab System
Figure 1. Darkened dehydrated head.
Blackhead is a disease that is on the rise as noted by veterinarians associated with the Alabama State Diagnostic Laboratory System. This disease is called blackhead, because affected birds typically have a dark discolored head (Figure 1). Turkeys and chickens (pullet replacements), quail, pheasants, grouse, chukar partridges and guinea fowl are all affected by this disease and it is particularly damaging in turkeys. Recent Alabama cases have been reported in both broiler breeder and layer pullet flocks. Most outbreaks occur between two and seven weeks. The disease may last four to six weeks. Outbreaks are less common in summer months and it may spread to nearby farms if good biosecurity practices are not followed. Blackhead has a three to four day incubation period before any clinical signs appear. Sick birds may have drowsiness, dropping of wings, sulfur (yellow) colored diarrhea, problems walking and standing, closed eyes, head down, and poor appetite. Affected pullets have an increase in mortality (0.25 percent to 7 percent) that may last over several weeks. The disease has no effect on egg production or hatch. When birds are opened and a post-mortem examine performed, the ceca may have a cheesy core. Bulls eye “crater-like� changes (lesions) in an enlarged green colored liver can also be seen and they along with an enlarged ceca are suggestive of this disease. However, confirmation for Blackhead does require sending birds to the State Diagnostic Laboratory System. The veterinarian must eliminate coccidiosis, Salmonella, and E. coli, from the diagnosis as blackhead simulates both diseases and distinguishing between them can be difficult during posting without the presence of the bulls-eye like liver lesions (Figure 2). At the lab, clinical signs, especially yellow diarrhea, gross lesions (intestine and liver lesions), and histopathologic (microscopic) observation of the lesions or droppings for the presence of the (Histomonas) would indi-
cate that blackhead is the cause of the problem. Blackhead is spread when poultry consume cecal worms (Heterakis gallinae) or their eggs during their growing period. Often times this worm will contain Histomonas protozoa. Earthworms also consume Histomonas oocysts, which means they too can spread the disease if consumed by poultry. Dewormers can be used to control cecal worms; however their efficacy may vary depending on the severity of the worm outbreak and how resistant they are to the drugs used. Controlling worms in the litter is the only approach to prevent blackhead from reoccurring in future flocks. In this instance, controlling worms encompasses both the internal parasites (cecal worms) and earthworms. Internal parasite control programs must be coordinated with live production personnel and the company veterinarian so that coordinated programs across the complex are uniform and do not expose the birds to anything that would raise questions from a food safety standpoint. If earthworm populations cause blackhead to occur, a total cleanout may reduce worm numbers. Treating the pad prior to spreading new litter will help reduce viability of earthworm eggs and will make the cleanout more effective. Disinfectants can be sprayed on the pad and may reduce worm numbers. Acid treatment of the pad using either muriatic acid or a acidifying litter treatments at a higher than normal level has been shown to reduce worm numbers as well. Lime, boron compounds, and salt have also been used effectively. If economically feasible, placing black plastic over the pad and then adding clean shavings is effective in reducing worms, protozoa and bacteria in the house. The best course of action is to keep it out of the poultry house to begin with. Also, once it gets into the house it is difficult to remove, because it is very hardy. So maintaining a good biosecurity program is a good first step in keeping this disease out.
Figure 2. Bulls eye lesions on the liver.
Getting Ready For Colder Weather National Poultry Technology Center
Cold weather will soon be here. Managing broiler houses in cold weather shifts us into a much lower ventilation rate than in warmer weather. Our goal in cooler weather is to ventilate for moisture control and air quality. Done right, this will improve many other aspects of the bird environment, such as ammonia exposure and litter quality. However, if we get behind on ventilation, houses and litter can get wet very quickly. The key to good litter moisture management is to start the flock off with good litter moisture levels and run increasing ventilation as the flock progresses to keep up with the moisture that is being deposited daily by the birds. It is that simple. If we don’t keep up with a proper ventilation schedule, things can seem to get out of control very quickly. The house may seem dry enough today, but almost overnight turns slick and wet. When this happens the underlying reason is not that we weren’t adequately ventilating for the past 24 hours, it is because we have not been ventilating properly for some time, perhaps five days to a week. During this time moisture has been gradually building up in the litter pack. We don’t see it until the litter pack reaches capacity and can’t hold any more moisture, so it slicks over. Many growers now rely on humidity meters to help in monitoring litter moisture. Keeping house relative humidity between 50 percent and 70 percent by ventilation for moisture removal, in most cases will move enough moisture out of the house to keep the litter from getting too wet. Managing litter moisture during the flock with good ventilation rates reduces wetness, ammonia, slicking, and foot pad problems. Since the US industry has found a profitable market for quality paws, keeping these paws in good condition is another reason to manage ventilation and litter quality.
Every grower and flock supervisor knows that when ventilation fans are run in cold weather it causes brooders and heaters to run, which increases fuel costs. It is somewhat less immediately obvious that failing to provide enough ventilation can also be very costly in terms of lowered flock health and performance brought on by problems caused by excessive wetness of the house. Essential Facts Managers Should Understand About Moisture Management 1. For every pound of feed a bird eats, it will drink about two pounds (about a quart) of water. Only about 20 percent of that water is retained and goes into bird growth. The rest of the water goes through the bird, most of it into the litter in the form of manure, but a part enters the air through respiration. This means a large amount of moisture is being added to the house, mainly in the litter, and the amount added each day increases throughout the growout. During week one, a thousand birds may add around 1.5 quarts per hour; during the 7th week, they may add around 11 quarts per hour. Figure 1 shows typical amounts of water added to a house by 24,000 birds during a 7-week growout. Note that in this example, the estimated amounts of water added to the house daily follows the bird growth curve, ranging from about 200 gallons/day in week 1 to almost 1,600 gallons per day during week 7.
2. The only practical way to remove excess moisture from the house is through ventilation. To understand how ventilation air can carry water out of the house even in cold, rainy, or snowy weather requires understanding of relative humidity (RH). The amount of moisture a given volume of air can hold varies considerably according to the temperature of the air. Warmer air can hold much more water than cold air. That is, the moisture-holding capacity of air is relative to its temperature. For example, at 40°F, 1,000 cubic feet of saturated air (100 percent RH) will hold about 6.3 ounces of water. If we warm that air to 60°F it now is capable of holding almost 12.8 ounces. Since it still contains that 6.3 ounces, it is now holding only half of its total capacity. This means its relative humidity has been reduced from 100 percent at 40°F to 50 percent at 60°F. As a rule of thumb, every 20-degree Fahrenheit (11degree Celsius) increase in air temperFigure 1. Approximate Water Added to a House During a Growout by 24,000 Birds ature doubles its moisture-holding capacity. Source: M. Czarick, University of Georgia
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Figure 2. Ounces of water in 1,000 cubic feet of air at different temperatures and relative humidities
This characteristic explains why warming up cold and wet outside air enables it to absorb moisture from the inside air and the litter. It’s the same principle that makes an ordinary clothes dryer work. Figure 2 shows how cold outside air at 30°F and 100 percent RH will contain 4.3 ounces per 1,000 cu ft, but will have its moisture-holding capacity increased to 24.3 ounces per 1,000 cu ft when it is warmed to 80°F. Its RH would then drop to under 20 percent , but what happens is that it absorbs another 12.7 ounces of water from the air and litter on its way to being exhausted out of the house at 70 percent RH (12.7 oz. + the original 4.3 oz = 17 oz, which is 70 percent of capacity at 80°F). Ventilation Management to Control Moisture From a ventilation management standpoint, there are two basic steps essential for keeping relative humidity levels in the 50-70 percent range and keeping litter moisture at acceptable levels. 1. Provide at least enough air volume flowing through the house so that when the air is exhausted it will have picked up sufficient moisture to maintain the house moisture balance at a desirable level. In other words, each day as birds grow and more moisture is deposited into the bedding and exhaled into the air, the ventilation rate must be adjusted to provide the additional
Figure 3. Example per-bird ventilation rates for moisture removal
ventilation volume needed to remove that moisture. Minimum ventilation rates are based on the amount of moisture added to the house by birds at different ages, as explained above (see Figure 1), and the amount of moisture that a given volume of air can absorb, given its initial temperature and moisture content (outside air conditions) and its moisture-holding capacity (RH) at the temperature it will be warmed to as it is brought into the house (see Figure 2). In practice, instead of continually doing the arithmetic to make such calculations, growers typically rely on tables giving perbird ventilation rates (cubic feet per minute) needed for moisture removal during each week of a growout, as shown in Figure 3. Ventilation rates shown in Figure 3 would be considered more than adequate in the Southeast U.S. for outside temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F, and could be adjusted 10-20 percent lower for lower outside temperatures, and 10-20 percent higher for higher outside temperatures. Good litter conditions would also allow ventilation rates to be slightly lowered. The total ventilation rate needed is given by simply multiplying the per-bird rate times the number of birds in the flock. Since during minimum ventilation, a small number of fans are normally cycled on and off, the percentage of time they would need to run to provide the total ventilation rate needed is given by dividing the total cfm’s needed by the cfm capacity of the fans being used. For example, in a house with 20,000 birds during week 2, the ventilation rate needed is 0.25 cfm X 20,000 = 5,000 cfm. If the fans to be used have a combined capacity of 30,000 cfm, then the fans need to be run one-sixth of the time or 5,000 cfm ÷ 30,000 = 0.167. Using a five-minute timer, this would mean fans would be on for 50 seconds (0.167 X 300 seconds = 50 seconds). Although ventilation rates determined as explained above are extremely helpful, managers must realize that they provide only a starting point for effective ventilation management for moisture removal. Monitoring the house to keep track of actual conditions and modifying the ventilation rates to suit those conditions are essential to achieving top flock performance and reducing the incidence of Food Pad Dermatitis. Managers are well advised to have and use a high-quality hand-held humidity meter (humidistat or hygrometer), as well as visually and physically inspecting the barn and litter for signs of increasing wetness. It is paramount to remember that by the time wet litter is observed, conditions favoring Food Pad Dermatitis have been developing for several days. 2. Manage ventilation airflow so incoming air is conditioned before making contact with birds or litter. Cold air in contact with warm litter does a very poor job of removing moisture from the litter. Incoming minimum ventilation air must be brought into the house high,
through either ceiling/attic inlets, ridge inlets, or perimeter inlets at the top of the wall. Air also must be directed across the top of the house at sufficient velocity so that it will mix with warm house air before making contact with birds or litter.
good litter quality. Growers can be doing a good job managing ventilation and quickly shoot themselves in the foot with poor drinker management. Improper drinker line height adjustment and pressure regulation can be major contributors to increased litter moisture. Also the sporadic leaking nipple can put large amounts of water in the litter (see fig 5). It takes very few of these to add up and place an
Figure 4. Minimum ventilation airflow to achieve adequate conditioning of air
Figure 4 shows an adequate minimum airflow pattern, with cold outside air coming in through perimeter inlets warming and drying as it travels across the top area of the house, then picking up moisture from the lower part of the house. Note that air movements and mixing in the house will be more complex than can be shown in this simplified graphic, and that in the US and in Europe there are several variations of minimum ventilation inlet arrangements (some fan-assisted) in use. What they all have in common is keeping incoming air high in the house and drying it out as it is warmed by thorough mixing with the inside air. Achieving good minimum ventilation airflow requires proper adjustment of air inlets and maintaining adequate static pressure, typically around 0.10 to 0.12 inches WC. It is the pressure difference between inside and outside that generates enough incoming air velocity (or “throw”) to get good mixing high in the house. For this reason, the house must be “tight,” with no unplanned openings that will allow cold outside air to leak into the house. Such air leaks will result in lowered air velocity through the air inlets and are likely to cause condensation on litter and sidewalls. Common sources of leaks are poorly closing fan shutters, unsealed wall plates, and unsealed tunnel or sidewall curtains.
Figure 5. One leaky nipple can put a lot of water in the litter in a short amount of time. It doesn’t take many of these to place an undue burden on the ventilation system and be a major contributor to poor litter quality overall. Addressing drinker issues like leaking nipples quickly and keeping drinker line heights and pressures adjusted regularly can go a long way to insuring quality dry litter in the house.
Additional Considerations In many locations litter moisture can be lowered and humidity reduced through the use of simple stirring or air recirculation fans installed in the top of the poultry barn. Unlike minimum ventilation fans, stirring fans are usually on all the time instead of being cycled on and off, so that they can considerably reduce temperature stratification by keeping in-house air constantly moving. Many variations of stirring fans, which stir approximately 10 to 15 percent of the building volume and are located in such a manner not to put cold drafts on the birds, have been proven immensely valuable in many areas of the U.S. Also, good drinker management is critical to maintaining
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undue burden on the litter and ventilation system. Go to www.poultryhouse.com to review the newsletter “Is Poor Drinker Management Costing You Fuel Dollars?” to see more on proper drinker management. Finally, the best time to insure you have good litter to start the next flock is between flocks. Out-time house management is often overlooked, but it represents an excellent opportunity to get your next flock off to a good start with good, dry litter. Remove caked litter ASAP after a flock leaves. Always run ventilation fans between flocks to help remove moisture out of the litter. Typically, depending on house size and current litter condition, 2-4 fans on a 2 minutes out of 5 cycle during daylight hours is a good starting place for out-time ventilation. Just leaving the end doors open or curtains down for “natural ventilation” is not enough. Pulling air through the perimeter or attic inlets is best during out times. You want to get an even flow of air over the litter. This out-time ventilation is important even if you are windrowing the litter (fig 6.) If you are only tilling the cake, then you must increase the ventilation levels 2-3X in order to remove excess moisture, and multiple tills may be needed.
2. Check your air inlet openings and static pressure. A modern house relies on the proper inlet opening and the proper static pressure to throw air to the center of the house. In winter, a static pressure of about 0.10 with inlets opened to about 1 to 1-1/2 inches are what is needed. Failure to do this results in poor air mixing. 3. Check your house for cracks and air leaks. Since cold air falls and warm air rises, cold air coming in through a crack or around a curtain will drop straight to the floor. Stop up all cracks. This reduces sweating and litter caking, and improves the bird environment. 4. Consider using stir fans. The more we can stir the air without causing drafts on the birds the better able the air is to pick up litter moisture. Stir fans also lower heating costs. 5. Take a hard look at your tunnel inlet and end doors. Most tunnel inlets are not sealed well enough. Consider a flap, an interior curtain, or other cold air barrier. Cold air leaking in at the tunnel inlet end causes sweating, condensation, and cake. Sealing this up is the solution to this problem. 6. Take a hard look at tunnel fans. Even the best shutters don’t seal perfectly. In very cold weather installing bonnets or plastic over shutters that are not in use is a must, otherwise cold air hits the warm floors and causes condensation and caking.
Figure 6. Proactive between flock litter management is the best way get the litter pack off to a good start for the next flock. De-caking and/or windrowing are good first steps. It is also very important to run power ventilation during the out time between flocks to remove sufficient moisture and set up the house with good, dry quality litter for the following flock. Since it will take increased ventilation during the flock remove moisture not removed between flocks, out-time ventilation can actually be a gas saving management tool for winter time grow outs.
TEN STEPS TO DRIER HOUSES 1. Run heating and ventilation to keep house air relative humidity at 70 percent or lower in cold weather. Get a relative humidity (RH) meter and use it. Humans cannot judge relative humidity very well. Start your flock with sufficient litter that has been conditioned and is not wet. (see #10)
7. Take a hard look at your fan run times. Too many folks cheat on fan run times. Insufficient run times lead to higher humidity, sweating, and higher litter moisture. 8. To stop sweating and fog in the back half of a tunnel house during brooding, quit pulling all the air to the back and exhaust some air from a side wall or front wall fan in the brood chamber. This reduces the amount of moist air going through the back of the house. Also turn on heat in the back of the house to 55-60°F. 9. Pay close attention to drinker management. The typically lower ventilation rates in winter make this even more important. Stop all leaks and keep height and pressure adjusted properly. 10. Optimize your between-flock litter handling routine. Remove excess caked litter ASAP after birds leave. Always provide plenty of power ventilation during out times to help remove moisture for the next flock to get a good start.
Continued from pg. 20 had live production experience. Harold Hunt was the man. So, in 2007, Harold Hunt became the complex manager at Koch Foods Gadsden Complex. It was about this time that he started a dialog with Johnny Adams about getting involved with the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. At the time, Koch Foods was not a member, but he saw the outstanding work that the association was doing for both growers and industry. He was able to convince his bosses as well, and Koch Foods joined the association. As complex manager, he works with 200 growers, including breeder and pullet growers, covering eight counties. Handling grower relationships is important to him. “I try to put myself in the growers place. ‘ But he also acknowledges, “I realize that we have orders to fill and customers to satisfy.If we don’t grow the size bird that our customer wants, then he doesn’t need us.” “With the cost of getting into the poultry business today, poultry producers have to be very intelligent.” He adds, “You’ve got business people building these farms, they understand the importance of keeping good customer relationships.” He also supervises the work of 800 plant employees, as they process 405,000 chickens a day in two shifts. The plant runs three production lines and other specialized services for customers, including custom marinade injection.
When he’s not involved in the poultry business, Harold is all about family. Several times a week the family gathers at his and Suzanne’s home. It’s not hard, they all live close by. Haley teaches 2nd grade at Crossville Elementary, while her husband, Hank, is a broiler tech for Wayne Farms. Baby Hunter was born in Feb. 2016. Will, 22, will be entering pharmacy school at Auburn this fall. Caitlyn, 20, will be entering Auburn also this fall, after two years at Snead State to study wireless engineering. Dedicated Christians, Harold and Suzanne teach a young couples Sunday School class at Crossville First Baptist Church. They have also started a van ministry, picking up kids and bringing them to Sunday School. Harold is celebrating his 31st year in the poultry industry and we are celebrating having Harold Hunt as Alabama Poultry & Egg Association president.
Harold shows Commissioner John McMillan the process of poultry production.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Allied Scholarship Golf Tournament Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 Chesley Oaks Golf Club Cullman, AL Alabama Poultry Industry Seminar Tuesday - Wednesday, Nov. 1-2, 2016