Alabama Poultry, September/October 2007

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On the Go...with Jack Sherwood

Auburn Poultry Science Department Fall Workshops

House Ventilation and New Vaccines AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101

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

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Board of Directors Officers Jack Sherwood, President, Enterprise* Ken Taylor, Vice President, Anniston* Fred Cespedes, Treasurer, Hanceville* Wendell Shelton, Secretary, Boaz* Ricky Walker, Immediate Past President, Snead* Directors Johnny Adcock, Woodland Ronnie Adrian, Collinsville George Attwood, Anniston Dale Carroll, Boaz Roger Chappell, Cullman Gary Davis, Montgomery Melissa Durbin, Birmingham Randall Ennis, Huntsville Tim Esslinger, Decatur Dale Gambrill, Snead Harold Hunt, Gadsden Spence Jarnagin, Huntsville* Ted Lankford, Athens Richard Lusk, Huntsville Dennis Maze, Horton Todd McMahen, Dothan John Pittard, Guntersville* Tom Powell, Montgomery John Roberts, Cullman Kenneth Sanders, Brundidge Roddy Sanders, Gordo Phyllis Thomas, Russellville Mike Tamimi, Enterprise Stanley Usery, Athens Mack Watson, Pineapple Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Troy Newton, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn *Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF Johnny Adams – Executive Director Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Wes Cumbie – Membership Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director Katelen Ream – Support Director Alabama Poultry 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 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.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

ur nation is currently facing one of the most important domestic issues of our time. For more than 30 years, our country has absorbed immigrants at an unprecedented rate. Immigrants come to our country in search of a better life. Although some come to take advantage of the ample social programs our country offers, most come in search of work and a sustainable wage needed to care for their families.

In 1985 congress passed an immigration reform act that is totally inadequate for the immigration issues we face today. In recent years the migration of immigrant labor has drifted from the West Coast and Southwest to the deep South where our region has experienced unparalleled growth and economic expansion. The truth is our state’s economy has been fueled largely through immigrant labor. Alabama’s unemployment rate has consistently been below five percent for the most recent years. Our industry’s drug testing policies, coupled with the unusually low employee work force leaves a very small hiring pool. Alabama poultry companies and allied industries meet all the federal government requirements in their effort to hire employees. Employees are screened and identification is sent to the federal government to ensure that workers are legal. All of the appropriate taxes are collected from employees and dispersed to the proper government agencies.

It is disheartening when I hear many of our citizens (many of whom depend on the poultry industry to make their living) complain about Hispanic people living in our state. Without essential legal workers, the poultry industry could not continue to function in Alabama. The result would be farmers with no company to grow for and many businesses bankrupt. Many areas of our state would likely fall into a recession.

Congress must deal with this problem head on. We must have immigration reform that secures our borders and protects us from harm. The solution must also provide for guest workers. Those workers must be identified and be limited to those immigrants that have a clean past, free of criminal records. We need to know where these workers are while working in our country. They should pay taxes if they are to be eligible for any social services. They should respect our customs and they should learn the English language.

To do nothing will only further complicate the issue of immigration reform.

Please encourage your congressman and U. S. senators to work to find a solution to this crisis.

FEATURING Governmental Affairs Association News Fall Workshop On the Go with Jack Sherwood Auburn University Poultry Science Membership News Practical Applications Recipes Coming Events/Chicken Dreamz Alabama Poultry

THIS MONTH

pg. 4 pg. 7 pg. 9 pg. 11 pg. 13 pg. 21 pg. 24 pg. 29 pg. 30

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GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Ag Employers Face Labor Crisis and Legal Issues

By Sally Shuff, Feedstuffs, October 8, 2007

Hiring workers is a legal nightmare for agricultural employers regardless of whether those workers are in this country legally, and conflicting U.S. laws are to blame.

That message came through loud and clear as a panel of witnesses told their stories and pleaded for agricultural labor law reform during a House Agriculture Committee hearing Oct. 4.

The witnesses did not disguise an even more disturbing problem: Without a depend-able labor force in the United States, some U.S. agricultural operations will and already are moving south.

It is no secret that a large percentage of farm workers — at least 53 percent — Bob Stallman of the American Farm Bureau Federation testified, are undocumented immigrants (Figure and Table, this page).

However, employers on the farm and in processing plants who are charged with verifying workers' documents are whipsawed by conflicting regulations, the witnesses reported.

Stallman testified that agricultural employers "do not turn a blind eye to the law." Rather, conflicting government regulations derail compliance.

"Go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture web site today, and you can see for yourself what advice they are giving farmers," Stallman urged the lawmakers.

To illustrate this, he quoted USDA. "Employers with four or more employees are prohibited from committing document abuse," USDA said.

"Document abuse occurs when an employer requests an employee or applicant to produce a specific 4

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document or more or different docu ments that are required to establish employment eligibility or rejects valid documents that reasonably appear genuinely valid on their face.

Applicants should not be asked where they were born or if they are reasonably entitled to work in the U.S." Pay is not the main issue, either.

Stallman discounted theories that higher wages would solve the problem.

"Look at the facts," he said.

"We're paying farm workers more now than we ever have. The average farm worker wage in 2005 was $9.50 an hour. With benefits packages, the range was $11-12 an hour.

For farmers who use the H2A program, the costs are even higher."

Hiring legal workers through the federal H2A program, established in 1986, does not guarantee that employers will be immune from lawsuits and prosecution over labor issues, according to Lee Wicker, deputy director of the North Carolina Growers Assn., the largest H2A user in the nation. Members of Alabama Poultry

that group use legal H2A workers exclusively but still face labor issues, he said.

Wicker urged the House Agriculture Committee to fix the H2A program so it is workable — and so growers will use it — rather than adopt reforms with amnesty.

"Unfortunately, the issue of farm labor has become hyperpoliticized," he testified, "due in part to the amnesty provisions contained in the AgJobs bill. Farmers need workers to grow food, not amnesty."

Wicker noted, "H2A is too litigious, too expensive and too much of a bureaucratic morass at three federal agencies that oversee the program."

He made four specific recommendations, including adding mandatory mediation and arbitration to H2A reforms.

"Since 1989, the growers of North Carolina Growers Assn. have been sued more than 30 times and have paid more than $5 million in attorneys fees and settlement costs.

This is a common experience among H2A program users around the country," Wicker said.

He charged that the lawsuits stem from "a political and social agenda" and condemned actions against "growers who are making a good-faith effort to do things legally and responsibly."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a program of issuing "no-match" letters to employers, and when employee re-cords do not match Social Security records, that will cause additional jeopardy for employers, Stallman testified.

The no-match program currently remains in litigation and has not yet gone into force, but Stallman said

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the rule "raises significant concerns."

An employer who receives a no-match letter would have to follow prescribed steps "if he wants to avoid having DHS charge him with knowingly employing an illegal worker," Stallman said.

If the employer follows the steps and keeps the employee, DHS "can charge the employer with breaking the law, but if he follows those same steps and discharges the employee, he can be sued by the employee.

DHS said it won't even shield employers," Stallman reported.

Mike Brown, American Meat Institute (AMI) senior

vice president, testified that U.S. employment and hiring laws "are dysfunctional and in urgent need of reform."

AMI, which represents the nation's largest meat and poultry processing companies, is urging Congress to extend — but still reform — the "Basic Pilot" program the government uses in an attempt to verify worker documents. It is set to expire in 2008.

"In the mid-1990s, AMI members in the Midwest had their meatpacking operations disrupted when they were audited by the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) and informed that many of their experienced employees who were vital to their operations had provided fraudulent documents," Brown testified.

As a result, the companies "had to terminate large numbers of employees in whom they had invested substantial training costs," he added. "They also suffered economic losses due to worker shortages."

When the companies then gave more scrutiny to employment documents, "ironically, they faced discrimination charges for being too vigilant in seeking to employ authorized workers," Brown told the committee. "Employers are forced to walk an impossible legal tightrope due to the failure on immigration laws to provide bright lines for compliance."

Brown said the Basic Pilot program "recently has been renamed as E-Verify by DHS, which now is responsible for administering it as the successor agency to INS." The results have been mixed. The program does not have the ability to detect cases of identity thefts, which Brown said are "widespread." Nor does it address cases where an employee is on the payrolls of several companies. Nor does Social Security update its databases to real time so information is always current, he said.

AMI is urging Congress to shield employers from enforcement actions and discrimination lawsuits if they have complied with the Basic Pilot/E-Verify program.

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GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 2007 Census of Agriculture Coming Soon America‘s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard and help shape the future of agriculture for years to come.

That opportunity will come to their mailboxes in the form of the 2007 Census of Agriculture.

Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the census is a complete count of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation.

NASS will mail out census forms on Dec. 28, 2007, to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by Feb. 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the convenient option of filling out the Census online via a secure web site.

From the 2002 Census

For more information about the 2007 Census of Agriculture, please contact the NASS Alabama Field Office at 334-279-3555 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov online.

Alabama Agricultural Development Authority Announces Pilot Well Program

Water ... recognizing the essential nature of this resource, the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority recently developed a Pilot Well Program to assist specifically located poultry producers in the Vinemont, area of the state. The particular need for these producers was to develop on farm resources to counteract an elevated water cost from their supplier.

The program is now being expanded statewide. The AADA Poultry Well Program provides low cost, three percent, funding for 80 percent of the water system cost up to a maximum of $12,000. These threeyear loans must be adequately secured and the poultry producer must comply with the ADEM/NRCS Buffer Distance Guidelines and either have a plan in place or have 6

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made application with NRCS for a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP.) Once an application and other required documents have been received, the poultry producer will be contacted by a technical representative to verify the proposed well location and to check the individual’s CNMP status. The offered security value will be verified and an informal credit check will be made with the producer’s lender ... this whole process is fairly simple and quick.

For those poultry producers with water needs, this program provides a low cost option that is worthy Alabama Poultry

of consideration. For more information, contact: John C. Gamble Alabama Agricultural Development Authority P. O. Box 3336 Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: 334-240-7245 E-mail:john.gamble@agi.alabama.gov

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

DeKalb County Association Holds Annual Meeting

Rainsville, Ala. – Aug 23, 2007––The DeKalb County Poultry & Egg Association held its annual meeting at the Tom Bevill Center. A crowd of more than 200 came to eat barbeque chicken, sponsored by Jamie Brothers and First South Farm Credit, and enjoy fellowship. Sponsors ringed the auditorium as association president Kenneth Smith and Roger White led the meeting.

First on the agenda was recognition of two outstanding recent $1500 scholarship winners. John Word of Crossville is studying poultry science at Auburn University. He is the son of Marshall “Shorty” and Robyn Word.

Derrick Williams of Geraldine is the son of Van and Patty Williams. He is studying computer science at Snead State Community College. John Word’s father installs poultry house equipment and his mother has chicken houses.

Derrick Williams’ parents have four broiler houses.

Featured speaker for the evening was DeKalb County Extension Agent Danny Miller. Miller’s topic was “How Well Do You Know Your Chickens” and featured a multimedia presentation. The presentation was as humorous as it was informative. Some random points that he brought up were: • Over 8 billion chickens are consumed annually in America • The parent species of all domestic chickens is gallus gallus or gallus domesticus At the end of the program, new association officers were introduced: new president, Nathan Jacobs, and new secretary/treasurer, Janice Smith.

Outgoing president Kenneth Smith received a plaque and outgoing secretary/treasurer Shelia McElmoy received a special plaque in recognition of her 12 years of service to the DeKalb County Poultry & Egg Association.

The meeting concluded with a drawing for a riding lawn mower. The proceeds of ticket sales will go toward next year’s scholarships. The lucky winner was Danny Ritchie of Geraldine.

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TO THE INTERNATIONAL POULTRY EXPOSITION FROM GUNTERSVILLE, ALA. TO THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER THURSDAY, JAN. 24, 2008 The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) are pleased to announce free bus service to the International Poultry Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center from the Sand Mountain area on Thursday, January 24, 2008. The bus is open to poultry growers, company personnel and allied industry employees.

The bus, a modern, comfortable 50-passenger motor coach, will depart at 7 a.m. CST (promptly) from the Guntersville Recreation Center Ball Field Complex parking lot at the corner of Sunset Drive and US Hwy. 69, for the hassle-free transport to the front doors of the Georgia World Congress Center. There, poultry growers can register on-site for a special reduced fee of $5; poultry company employees and industry suppliers should pre-register at www.ipe08.com for $30, or register upon arrival for $50.

The show, sponsored each year by USPOULTRY, features 16 acres of the latest equipment for the poultry industry, with the GWCC B Hall for live production systems and related equipment and services, and the C Hall ded-

Alabama Poultry

(Above) These young ladies were just too cute not to photograph.

(Above) Kenneth Smith with John Word, Derrick Williams and Roger White.

(Left) DeKalb County Extension Agent Danny Miller

(Right) Kenneth Smith and Shelia McElmoy with their plaques.

icated to poultry processing. Again this year, the International Feed Expo joins the IPE, so growers will also be able to see the very latest in technology of feed equipment for poultry, pork, cattle and dairy operations. Growers will have the entire day Thursday to peruse either or both halls, attend educational seminars, and watch product demonstrations.

At 5 p.m. (EST), the bus will reload and return to the ball field parking lot in Guntersville before 7 p.m.

(CST).

While the bus is completely free of charge, growers and company and allied industry employees alike must reserve a seat. You can do so by calling the Marshall County Extension office at 256-582-2000, or Alabama Poultry & Egg Association at 800-254-2732.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Central Alabama Association Holds Quarterly Meeting

Dr. Fudd Graham (above) of Auburn University is one of the nation’s foremost experts on pesticide usage. He has recently developed an integrated pest management program for Auburn city schools that has slashed their use of pesticides by an estimated 90 percent.

CONTACT: Fudd Graham, 334-844-2563

The summer quarterly meeting of the Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association was held on August 3, at the Greenville United Methodist Church. Church host Gene Autry and a holy host of volunteers barbequed chickens and served up some gracious Southern hospitality to the more than 80 hungry poultry professionals in attendance. After the fingers were licked and the peach cobbler was a pleasant memory, association President Darrin Sanders welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. One of the first items on his agenda was to welcome home Crenshaw County Extension Agent Russty Parrish, who had just returned with his U.S. Army Reserve unit from deployment to Iraq. (Thanks for your service, Russty!)

Next on the program, Alabama Department of Agriculture poultry expert, Ray Hilburn, talked about the effects of the drought and heat. He also stressed the need to continue to vigorously monitor biosecurity.

The evening’s featured speaker was Auburn University entomologist, Dr. Lawrence “Fudd” Graham. Dr. Graham talked about the safe and effective use of pesticides and the licensed usage of some pesticides. Dr. Graham stressed reading and adhering to the label instructions. “The label,” he said, “is the primary source of information to the user. The label is the law.”

The event was sponsored by Butler County NRCS Committee and the Greenville United Methodist Church.

Katelen Ream Joins Our Team

Katelen with her horse, Trip, and her dog, Tater Tot.

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AP&EA is pleased to announce the newest member of our staff, Katelen Ream. Katelen joins us as support director. When you call the office, most likely it will be her voice that you hear.

Katelen is an Air Force brat, born at Williams Air Force Base (AFB), just outside Mesa, Arizona. Her early childhood was spent in Germany and Japan, but, at age 10, her family returned to the United States to an assignment at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. A short time later, both of Katelen’s parents retired as senior Air Force noncommissioned officers, and settled in the nearby town of Millbrook.

In 2002 Katelen graduated from Millbrook’s Stanhope Elmore High School. In high school she enjoyed showing horses and competing in local shows in Western and English Pleasure classes.

In 2006 she graduated from Auburn University with a degree in human resources management. As a student-athlete, she participated on the Auburn University Equestrian Team. As the highlight of her college riding career, in her senior year, as team co-captain, she helped lead the Auburn equestrian team to the national title for the 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Championship. According to Katelen, “I’ll always be an Auburn Tiger, through and through, WAR EAGLE!” Katelen has a huge passion for the outdoors and spends most of her free time involved in activities with horses, four-wheelers, her red heeler dog, Tater Tot, and most recently deer hunting.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Spen ce

Jarna gin

Processor Workshop Deals with Pressing Issues

September 19, 2007 – Sheraton Birmingham. Poultry processors from around Alabama gathered to hear experts in various areas discuss many of the pressing issues facing the poultry industry. The seminar, sponsored by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association in cooperation with Auburn University, was part of a continuing effort to educate and inform industry professionals.

Before the seminar began, there was an opportunity to fellowship over a continental breakfast sponsored by Fitco. At 8 a.m., Spence Jarnagin,vice president of human resources, Keystone Foods, LLC, welcomed seminar participants and introduced the keynote speaker, Marvin Green. Green, vice president of projects and development for Keystone Foods, spoke on the importance of creating a corporate culture in which workers can thrive – a place that generates pride in the employee. Green said, “The greatest relationship in the business world is the supplier-customer relationship.” Then he stressed creating internal customer/supplier relationship within the organization, in which each department supplies the next level, fosters teamwork and changes the culture of the organization. Green finished his inspirational message by encouraging those present to, “put yourself in a position to be associated with change,” and for mangers especially to, “walk the talk and do more than you ask of your employees.”

AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams presented the audience with an update of the Association’s activities on the national and state level to affect poultry industry legislative action.

Next on the program, Mark K. Reed, the CEO of Border Management Strategies, LLC, and former INS officer, spoke on Immigration and Labor Availability. He also gave the audience a historical perspective of immigration reform going back to the 1986 Immigration Reform Bill. He warned that in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attack, employers would be more closely scrutinized and even used as a scapegoat for indecisive government immigration policy.

A mid-morning break, sponsored by Baader-Johnson and Marel Food Systems, was followed by a presentation on Physical Hazard Detection by Dale Davis and Skuli Sigurasson. Next, Dr. Francisco Gonzales, enforcement investigations and analysis officer, USDA, FSIS, Field Operations, talked on Performance Based Detection.

After the lunch that was generously provided by D&F Equipment Sales, Inc., Bert Willingham, area human resources manager for Wayne Farms covered Current HR Issues and Dr. Bruce Webster, professor, department of poultry science, University of Georgia, presented a comparison of techniques in Gas vs. Electrical Stunning including data from European processors. Dr. Shelly McKee, professor, Auburn University department of poultry science, finished the presentations with a comparison of Air Chilling vs.

Water Chilling.

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Marvin

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Dr. She

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Broiler Industry Workshop at Auburn University

D

tte Wi m i r. J

Joe Ben

Cox

Dr. John Blake

Jim D o

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The Alabama Broiler Workshop was held on Tuesday, Oct 9, and Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center.

This event provides broiler industry representatives with an annual refresher course on current governmental regulations, diseases, environmental issues, housing and other pertinent issues facing the poultry industry.

After a continental breakfast sponsored by Hired-Hand, the morning session presided over by Dr. Joe Hess, department of poultry science, Auburn University, began. AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams gave the audience an update on AP&EA activities and Membership Director Wes Cumbie thanked all of the event sponsors. Dr. Jim Witte’s presentation How to Deal with People, began the program. Joe Ben Cox of the Equity Group presented a comparison on Mechanical Catching vs. Hand Catching.

Aaron Peters of ADEM followed with a presentation on the Requirements for New Housing. This subject led into a panel discussion on Flock Management in Ultra Wide Houses moderated by Clint Lauderdale of Koch Foods and featuring Jason Robinette, Pilgrim’s Pride; Tim Sipper, Koch Foods; and Tony Wood of Wayne Farms.

The 11 o’clock hour was devoted to short topics including Dr. Don Conner, head of the poultry science department,who reported on Auburn University Research Updates and Dr. John Blake’s presentation on Master Poultryman Certification. Joe Hess covered Alternative Bedding Materials and Paw Burns. Extension engineer Jim Donald talked about the issue of Heat Recovery.

Lunch was graciously provided by Merial Select, Reeves Supply Co. and Ziggity Systems Inc. The first presentation of the afternoon was Dr. Joel Cline with a Runting and Stunting Update. Andy Rhorer presented AI Surveillance Transition followed by a Dept. of Agriculture Update with Dana Brindley-Bennett. Dr. Ken Macklin’s Powerpoint presentation, Diseases Asscociated with Darkling Beetles, was timely and well received. A panel discussion on Converting to Solid Wall Houses, with Gene Simpson, Extension economist and Auburn professor, serving as the moderator, completed the workshop. The panelists were Tim Sipper of Koch Foods; Tim Smith, president, Smith Poultry, Inc.; and Ken Taylor, owner of Slaphappy Farm.

Special thanks to our sponsors for their generous participation in helping bring these important workshops to the everyday working professionals of the poultry industry.

A golf tournament, at Auburn Links, and sporting clay tournament, at White Oak Plantation, with lunch, were held the afternoon of October 9, and sponsored by Airdale Systems, Chore-Time Equipment, Cumberland/GSI, Hired-Hand, L. B. White/Casey Jones, Jones Hamilton Co. Reeves Supply Co., and Ziggity Systems, Inc. Several sponsoring companies set-up displays just outside the meeting room. Airdale Systems, Chore-Time Equipment, Cumberland/GSI, HiredHand, L. B. White, Reeves Supply and Ziggity Systems Inc. all had dynamic displays.

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Jack Sherwood still laughs about his first experience with Alabama culture. He and his family had just arrived in Albertville after driving cross-country in his Chevy van from Tempe, Ariz. It was June of 1975 and he had just finished his MBA at Arizona State University and was on his way to a new job with Wayne Farms in Albertville. With him, were his wife, Sue; Brian, their one-month-old son; and Jack’s mother. As Jack tells the story, they had just gotten into town, about dark, and they were tired and hungry. So they pulled into the parking lot of the King’s Inn and Restaurant. Life was about to change.

Jack and Sue had been raised in the Pocono Mountains, 30 miles northeast of Scranton, Pa. They were, in a word, Yankees! As they looked at the menu, it became very apparent that they were in a whole new world. The three things that intrigued them the most were fried catfish, sweet tea and something called hushpuppies. Jack just had to ask, “What are hushpuppies?”

Just remembering the looks he received from the waitress and other diners makes him chuckle.

Jack grew up in the poultry business. His dad ran a successful commercial egg farm with a large processing plant near Damascus, Pa. Early on, Jack became such a part of the business that, by age 12, his father had placed him in charge of a crew of four to

six people to supervise on the egg farm, pickingup eggs, cleaning houses, moving pullets and countless other things needed on the farm. Jack worked before and after school, as well as in the summertime on the farm. Later, when Jack was in college at Bloomsburg University, he would come home on the weekends to work in the egg business.

The area was very rural, and Jack’s early schooling was in a one-room schoolhouse with six grades and only one teacher and no indoor plumbing. To get water, the children had to trudge a quarter of a mile to the local general store.

In the ninth grade, Jack started dating Sue and never stopped. He also developed a lifelong interest in sports.

Sue’s uncle just happened to be his basketball coach in high school.

On graduation from high AP&EA President Jack Sherwood and school, Jack enrolled at Bloomshis wife, Sue, share a passion for black burg University in Bloomsburg, leather jackets and motorcycles.

Pa., in 1969 to study business education and computer science. On

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managing a processing plant and finally he learned about what brings it all together, sales.

In 1977, he and Sue were on the road again, headed to Danville, Ark. where Wayne was building a new and larger plant. By now they had another son, Tim. They found themselves back in Alabama in 1984.

Jack, at 32, was now the youngest complex manager in the Wayne Farms organization, overseeing the operations of the Union Springs complex. For the next six years they remained in Union Springs. Jack even got into the breeder business himself. He also moved into a leadership role with the Alabama Poultry & Egg AsAt the Wayne Farms hatchery, Jack inspects a tray of eggs. sociation, rising to the position of vice president. But, his trips home to work at the farm on weekends and in 1990, the Wayne Farms corporate office wanted him over the summer, he must have also spent some time in Georgia. with Sue, because, at the beginning of his senior year Jack and Sue spent the decade of the ‘90s with the in college, they were married. corporate office, first in Duluth, Ga., then Gainesville.

While an undergraduate, Jack had expressed a deDuring this time, he was forced to leave AP&EA leadsire to go on to graduate school for a Master of Busiership. However, in 2000, Jack was back in Alabama, ness Administration (MBA). He chose Arizona State as Wayne Farms area manager for south Alabama, with University in Tempe, Ariz., for his post graduate work. responsibility for two complexes – Union Springs and In January 1973, new undergraduate degree in Enterprise. hand, Jack and Sue loaded their No matter where he has gone, new Chevy van with all of their be- “The boat’s not too he has established a pattern of leadlongings, and headed for the land of that has gained high respect hard to paddle when ership cactus and the Sun Devils. from his subordinates, as well as In his second year of the MBA Jack is steering!”

Wayne Farms corporate officials. program, Jack tentatively accepted He has also reestablished his leadTom Mallalieu a job with the Federal Land Bank ership in AP&EA. Operations Manager that was scheduled to begin when At the AP&EA annual meeting Wayne Farms Enterprise he received his degree. However, as this year, Jack was elected Associahe moved closer to time to gradution president. He has a great vision for the organizaate, he became concerned about the monotony of tion, seeing the enormous potential for benefitting the being behind a desk all day. He learned that ContiAlabama poultry industry. Jack summed up his vision nental Grain’s Wayne Poultry Division was beginning for AP&EA in his speech at the annual meeting, saying, a two-year training program for new MBA graduates “The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association is the vehicle that to learn to manage poultry processing complexes. He adds value to the industry. The Association is the central flew to Chicago to interview and came back to Tempe forum which interacts with our membership and the differwith a new job. ent support groups to take advantage of the opportunities.

In May of 1975, Jack received his MBA and Sue We must remain proactive, united, and strong.” delivered the couple’s first child, a son named Brian.

Jack and Sue live in Troy, and don’t expect to be One month later, the Chevy van was loaded once moving again. Their sons and their families live close. again, but this time it was headed to Albertville, Ala. Brian, a sales rep with Siskin Steel, and his wife, CrysFor the next two years, Jack learned more about tal, a registered nurse, have two children Hunter, 5, and the poultry industry. He thought that he had a good Emma Grace, 2 months. Tim works with Bonnie Plant handle on the industry from his personal experience, Farm and his wife, Kate, teaches in Luverne. but this took him far beyond anything that he had preJack Sherwood has come a long way from the viously known. He spent time learning about pullets Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The Yankee accent and breeders, then broilers, then the feed mill and the has softened a bit over time. He has even developed a hatchery. Now in the home stretch, he learned about taste for sweet tea and hushpuppies.

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Poultry science has come along way at Auburn University since the days it was taught as a part of the home economics curriculum. In the early 1920s, no one could conceive that raising poultry could ever be more than a small farmyard activity, overseen by the farmer’s wife. Those days are long behind us.

Today, Auburn University can rightly claim an international leadership role in avian research and education, benefitting poultry producers around the world, but starting first in Alabama.

Since its inception as a recognized program in 1924, the poultry science department has developed a dynamic partnership with the poultry industry that fosters a continual dialog on improving production/processing.

Students entering the poultry science department find themselves quickly in an exciting environment where classroom instruction and hands-on training are integral parts of the college experience, and all geared toward meeting the scientific and technical needs of the poultry industry.

At Auburn, “War Eagle!” may be the cry, but, in Alabama, poultry products pay the bills.

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In 2002, total farm and forestry receipts were $4,346,600,000. Poultry and egg production counted for 43.8 percent of those receipts, and more than doubling the next leading product category, forest products. Alabama poultry producers saw almost $2 billion dollars in revenue, and those numbers have continued to rise, due in large part to the continuing efforts of the Auburn University poultry science department. The department is dedicated to the long-term sustainability of poultry production-processing in Alabama.

Few industries enjoy the close relationship with a major institution of higher learning that the poultry industry in Alabama does with the poultry science department at Auburn University. Currently, the department, which is one of eight departments administered under the College of Agriculture, has 16 full-time faculty members, half of whom are assigned to research, 25 percent to instruction and another 25 percent to extension/outreach. The faculty works with three main institutional units including the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the Auburn Peaks of Excellence Program, utilizing both the new poultry science building and the research farm.

Peaks of Excellence Instituted in 1999, the Auburn University Peaks of Excellence Program identifies and funds strong university programs with the goal of elevating these programs to “national preeminence.” Poultry science was selected as one of seven university programs identified and selected for this special funding. The result was the establishment of the Poultry Products Safety and Quality Program (PPSQP), which is administered by the department of poultry science.

The Department The poultry science department, to use a football metaphor, is like a tiger linebacker. It uses sound fundamentals combined with an aggressive and imaginative confrontation of the issues in order to overcome them, no matter how bewildering. In other words, it sees, or sometimes, foresees potential problems in the poultry industry, and like that rampaging linebacker, gets head to head with the problem. Using all the scientific and technical skills that have been taught, coached and practiced, it applies aggressive imagination and intuition to solve the problem in an arena of ever increasing complexity. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of poultry production/processing by addressing the key inter-related issues of food safety and product quality, health disease control, and live production management.

Instruction The increasing complexity of large-scale poultry production/processing has created a need for well-educated poultry professionals who exhibit problem-solving and life-long learning skills. At Auburn University’s poultry department, we are working to provide that needed pool of highly qualified graduates for the current workforce requirements and for the future demands of the ever-expanding poultry industry in Alabama, the nation and the world.

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We continually review our curriculum to ensure that we are equipping our students to enter the workforce. Through the Poultry Science Club, industry representatives present career and internship opportunities to students. Most poultry science students participate in an industry internship and receive multiple job offers. While most poultry department graduates are placed into the poultry industry, a number of students have used the program as a portal for graduate work in research, vet school, and even medical school.

Poultry Science Club The Objectives of the Poultry Science Club at Auburn University

are: • To foster a close relationship among the poultry science students, staff, and faculty at Auburn University, to encourage emerging leadership, especially in the area of poultry science, to acquaint students with areas of ac tivity in poultry science.

• To promote interest in the profession through education, FFA events and attendance at professional meetings.

Research Programs Research objectives of the department are to develop and maintain integrated comprehensive research programs to anticipate and meet the needs of the poultry industry as well as provide the core knowledge to support departmental educational and outreach efforts.Working at the nexus of management, nutrition, physiology, microbiology/virology, food science, and genetics, the department sees the focus of its research programs as: • live production encompassing broilers, breeders and layers; • food safety and product quality • poultry health

Extension–Outreach Programs The extension and outreach function in the department targets non-traditional students who are not enrolled in a formal degree program. Technology transfer and implementation via empowering of clientele through educational programs are the primary goal. Clientele within a typical vertically integrated complex include a complex manager, live production manager, processing plant manager, feed mill manager, pullet, breeder, hatchery and broiler managers, plus corporate nutritionist, veterinary staff, and of course the grower/producers. Allied industry representatives are also considered integral part of this clientele, as are states bordering Alabama with sister complexes in Alabama.

The Alabama poultry industry has one of its greatest assets in Auburn University.

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“Aubie” Bradley

Matthew Smith

Ann Haggard

Wes Carson

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Her parents named her Deborah, but then they hung a nickname on her that sealed her fate. They called her Aubie, and with her orange hair, it was inevitable that she had to go to Auburn. It didn’t hurt that her mother had attended Auburn either. Of course the poultry science scholarships helped the most in actually getting her to Auburn.

Aubie’s parents, the Bradleys of Centre, Ala., are in the egg business.

They own Weiss Lake Egg Company, where Aubie has spent lots of time.

In fact, Aubie has spent most of her life around the poultry industry, it’s part of her “comfort zone,” and she sees big opportunities for herself by staying in the industry.

She is a freshman, majoring in poultry science and minoring in agribusiness. Her toughest course is chemistry, but she is also taking history, math, English and an introductory course to poultry science and a class in poultry judging. She says that she misses her folks, her younger sister and her horse, Hank, but her boyfriend, a fisheries student from Centre, keeps her from being sad.

Aubie is just one of the 28 poultry science students at Auburn receiving departmentally administered scholarships. During the academic year, the poultry science department distributes more than $100,000 in scholarships, including more than $28,000 from the Alabama Poultry Foundation. Those scholarships range from $500 to a full ride.

The students in the poultry science department come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most have had some exposure to a rural lifestyle, but only a few come from poultry producing families. Some are planning on staying in the poultry industry and others are using poultry science as a portal to other advanced areas.

Ann Haggard, a senior from Mem- Dr. Don Conner and Rocco, the poulphis, Tenn., is using poultry science as try department mascot, draw for part of a pre-vet curriculum. Her pedi- doorprizes at a recent recruitment gree is impressive. Her grandfather has a barbeque before an Auburn game.

Ph.D. in poultry science from Auburn, and worked for 30 years for ConAgra.

Her other grandfather was a USDA inspector and her dad, also an Auburn grad, is a professor in bio-medical engineering at the University of Memphis.

Her mother, another Auburn gal, has a degree in food and nutrition. She is active in the Poultry Science Club and the Gamma Phi Beta social sorority. Ann has applied to vet schools at Auburn, Mississippi State and the University of Tennessee. She wants to be a small animal vet.

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Fort Payne’s Matthew Smith first learned about chickens while in high school. He worked part-time at Tractor Supply and there, Billie Faye Brown, know affectionately as “the Chicken Lady,” taught him about chickens in the store, including how to tell the sex of a day old chick.

However, it wasn’t until he was attending Snead State Community College, and saw the number of poultry science scholarships available at Auburn, that he made up his mind to apply. He was accepted, and now, two years later, he is about to graduate with a degree in poultry science with a minor in business. He plans to go back to the Fort Payne area to be close to his family.

Senior Wes Carson from Wadley lives in Roanoke with his wife, Star, who works for the Randolph County Water Works. Everyday he commutes to Auburn. Wes, like Matthew Smith, discovered the poultry industry while in junior college at Southern Union Community College.

Wes’s grandfather had several layer houses, but as a youngster, he was more involved with his father’s log-

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Dr. Don Conner, head of the department of poultry science

Johnny Adams, executive director, AP&EA

Currently 28 of the 57 undergraduate poultry science students receive scholarships. Many of those scholarships are donated through the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

ging business. Wes saw the ready availability of scholarships in the poultry department at Auburn, and knowing that he did not want to return to the logging business, he applied and was accepted. His goal now is to become a service representative for a poultry integrator, although he is considering staying at Auburn for another year to get his teaching credentials so that he can teach agriculture in high school.

Wes and other poultry science students are able to take advantage of generous internship programs instituted by poultry companies. This summer, Wes completed an internship with Pilgrim’s Pride in Carrollton, Ga., making $13.00 an hour with $500.00 a month for room and board. Freshmen can expect to make at least $10.00 an hour.

But, as great as the internship programs sound, it’s the prospect of the high paying jobs waiting for graduates that motivates most poultry science students. Wes already has five job offers. It is comforting for the poultry science graduate to know that there is no shortage of jobs in the industry. It is even more exciting for the incoming student to realize that the poultry industry is growing nationally and internationally.

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FACULTY PROFILE self. I must also mention that the continuous support from my husband (Dr. Diran Fasina) kept me enthusiastic and motivated in this direction. I am excited to be in the poultry science department.

AP&EA: When did you join the faculty in the department of poultry science?

Fasina: I was a post-doctoral fellow in the department from 2004-2006 and joined the faculty in August 2007.

AP&EA: What is the focus of your efforts at Auburn University?

Fasina: My research focuses on improving intestinal immunity and digestive function in broilers.

Primarily, I intend to employ dietary manipulation strategies to identify immunostimulatory, immunomodulatory, or bioactive nutrients/compounds that are capable of enhancing the resistance of the broiler chick intestine to colonization or infection by economically important enteric pathogens (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and C. perfringens) and parasites such as coccidia.

Auburn University Department of Poultry Science

joyed caring for chickens and became inquisitive about them. Fortunately, my mom was able to answer Dr. Yewande Fasina most of my poultry-related questions and also introduced me to some sciAssistant Professor entific concepts. These childhood experiences fostered my decision to AP&EA: Where did you grow up? be a poultry scientist when I grew Fasina:. I grew up in the city of up. As I learned more about poultry Ibadan in Nigeria. science through formal education, I became more interested in conductAP&EA: Where did you go to ing research aimed at enhancing school? chick growth and promoting the Fasina: I received my Bachelor of poultry industry wherever I find myAgriculture degree from Obafemi Dr. Fasina’s love for chickens is apparent as is her enthusiasm Awolowo University in Nigeria and for being at Auburn. She even loves Auburn football. my Masters and Ph.D. degrees in animal and poultry science from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.

AP&EA: What is your current scientific discipline?

Fasina: Avian gut immunology & poultry nutrition.

AP&EA: How did you get interested in poultry?

Fasina:. As a youngster, I used to help my parents on their small poultry farm. I later realized that I en-

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AP&EA: How is your work at Auburn benefiting the Alabama poultry industry?

Fasina: As a new faculty member, I feel it is important to continue to find ways to enhance the poultry industry in Alabama and beyond. The intestinal tract of the broiler supplies nutrients for growth and maintenance; thus, when the intestine becomes colonized or infected by pathogens and parasites, nutrient digestion and absorption is significantly hampered with a subsequent reduction in chick growth and economic gain in terms of reduced market weight.

Currently, most intestinal diseases are controlled in broiler flocks by the use of prophylactic in-feed medications and vaccines. Use of medication is costly and there is increasing consumer and governmental pressures to halt the use of drugs in feeds for food animals and poultry. Through research, I intend to identify bioactive nutrients and compounds that are capable of enhancing intestinal immune response to vaccines to improve control of coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis and other enteric disorders in broilers.

In the long run, I hope my work will lead to reduced need for prophylactic feed additives, reduced mortality, improved live performance, and continued consumer acceptance of poultry products.

For more information: Dr. Yewande Fasina Auburn University Department of Poultry Science 201 Poultry Science Building Auburn, AL 36849-5416 Phone 334-844-8480 Fax 334-844-2649 E-mail:fasinyo@auburn.edu

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

J.J. Watson, visiting a cattle ranch in New Zealand J.J. Watson is a young poultry producer from Pineapple. He is a recent LEADERS graduate. This is what he has to say about the program.

On LEADERS Seminars ... “Every time we had a study institute I went away with a better outlook on my life and the confidence that I can make a difference in my community.”

On the whole experience ... “I have grown in mind, body and soul. I never knew that this would have such an impact on my life and the way that I live it.”

AU Program Seeking Applications

Applications are being sought now for Class IX of the Alabama Ag & Forestry Leadership Program, called LEADERS for short. Intended for upand-coming producers and professionals in the industries and individuals close to rural issues in Alabama, the 40 plus day program taken over a two year period of time has the goal of improving participants’ leadership skills and increasing their understanding of public affairs issues. The class for up to 30 participants consists of eight sessions held across the state as well as an out-of-state and out-of-country study tour. A tuition fee applies. The class is slated to begin in February.

Administered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in cooperation with Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, the program is highly regarded by graduates who say it’s the best thing they have ever done for their own personal development and to help them get more involved.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact program director Dennis Evans at evansda@auburn.edu or 334-844-5552 at Auburn University.

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Adams

Connor

Waller

Sherwood

Kretzschmar

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US Poultry Presents Recruiting Check Mark Waller, member of the board of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, presented the annual Harold B. Ford Foundation check for $21,000 to Auburn University poultry science department head, Dr. Don Conner, and student recruiting coordinator, Vanessa Kretzschmar. The grant is to enable the poultry science department to recruit new and talented students to fill the increasing need for well educated poultry professionals. Alabama Poultry & Egg Association President Jack Sherwood and Association Executive Director Johnny Adams were also on hand for the presentation of the funds.

A Poultry Success Story

Recruiting

In 1979, when Randall Ennis entered Auburn University as a Just as recruiting is important freshman, he wanted to become a on the football field, so is reveterinarian. But the plans of cruiting for the poultry science freshmen sometimes take differprogram at Auburn. However, ent courses. It didn’t take him upon completion of the degree, long to realize that he really did- (Left) Dr. Richard Guthrie, dean of the College nearly 100 percent of the poultry n’t want to spend eight years in of Agriculture, and Dr. Don Conner, head of science graduates go into well the department of poultry science (right) examcollege. A family friend in his paying jobs in the poultry indushome town of Trussville sug- ine some fresh eggs. Poultry science is one of try, while less than one percent seven departments in the Auburn University gested that he look into poultry. of college football players ever College of Agriculture.

He took one introductory Dr. Guthrie proudly acknowledges that the spend time in the pros. And, course in poultry science and the poultry science department is one of the top while no poultry professional is programs in the country. He says’ “It’s an outyoung man, who previously likely to hear the roar of thouknew nothing more about chicken standing department with an innovative faculty sands of fans, that professional that is constantly adapting to changes in the than he liked it fried, was hooked. marketplace.” will have the satisfaction of In a recent interview, he said, “I knowing that millions of people liked the complexity and diversity around the world each day are of the industry and all the opporfed as a direct result of what he or she, or someone just tunity it offered. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” like him does.

While at Auburn, Ennis worked in the research lab Whether in research, production/processing, adminand was active in the poultry science club. He even con- istration, sales or even teaching, there are wonderful casidered doing post graduate work for a masters, but he reer opportunities awaiting the well prepared poultry was ready to get out of school. He was ready for some science graduate. hands-on experience.

If you are in high school or junior college and have Upon graduating from Auburn in 1983, he took a job an interest in a rewarding career in the poultry industry, working on the processing line at a Gold Kist plant in or if you know a young person who might be interested, Trussville, but as he says, he had high aspirations and please contact: wanted to be a leader in the industry.

Vanessa Kretzschmar Today, as the chief operating officer of Aviagen Inc., Student Recruiter Randall Ennis has achieved many of his leadership Department of Poultry Science goals. He supervises a company that delivers its prodAuburn University ucts in more than 85 countries around the globe. Almost Phone: 334-844-2881 half of the world’s broiler chickens are derived from AviE-mail: kretzvk@auburn.edu agen stock, and Aviagen produces the breeders for every Scholarships are available for the 2009-10 school year. poultry integrator in the United States.

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Lake Guntersville State Park – October 18, 2007 For the third time in six months an AP&EA sponsored or associated golf tournament was threatened by rain. The 16th annual Allied Industries Fund Raising Golf Tournament kicked-off on a cool and rainy Thursday as the 89 poultry pros took to the beautiful links overlooking scenic Lake Guntersville. The rain had finished by early morning, but blustery wind lingered throughout the day. An early chicken box lunch was furnished by First South Farm Credit under the American Proteins tent, with drinks furnished by Aviagen.

As the troops were preparing to mount their golf carts, the drawing was held for a donated Remington pump shotgun. The winner was Barry Fuller.

Then, like the Indy 500, the players sprinted to their carts and they were off.

About 4:30, with storm clouds regrouping, our intrepid golf teams hurried to complete the course before the storm hit. Those who had already finished congregated in the American Proteins tent to enjoy barbeque pork sandwiches, provided by Ivesco. Soon everyone was gathered around to swap golf stories and wait for the winners to be announced.

Finally, with all of the scores in and tallied, the winners were rewarded for their golfing skill. First place honors went to the team of Randy Young, Sam McCord, Billy Conquest and Casey Jones. Second place went to Cypress Hathorn, Terry Gorham, Doug Baskin and Ricky Walker. Third place went to Chris Carter, Richard Lusk, Bob Heptinstall and Danny Sharp. Fourth place went to Steve Smith, Bob Johnson, Frank Baker and Donald Collins.

The putting contest was won by John Pittard.

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ponsor s

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Aviagen Names Product Development Center Supervisor Huntsville, Ala. – Aviagen, the world’s leading poultry breeding company, recently named Tracy Beauchamp as product development center supervisor for the company’s facilities in Albertville, Ala. In her new role, Beauchamp will be responsible for the breeder and processing plant operations, the supervision of some facility staff and will have interaction with visitors to the facilities. In addition, she will be instrumental to the company’s goal of investigating ways to further im-

prove not only the yield, but also the meat quality of its pedigree lines and products.

Beauchamp earned a Bachelor of Science degree in poultry science from Auburn University and joins Aviagen with more than 20 years of experience in poultry operations and management. Most recently, she worked for Alatrade Foods in Boaz, Ala., as the production supervisor for their automated breast meat cutting line.

Avian Foam Depopulation Demonstration

Coffee County – On October 11, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, in cooperation with Pilgrim’s Pride, hosted a foam depopulation exercise/demonstration at the Bedsole Farm in Coffee County.

The goal of the demonstration was to evaluate KIFCO’s equipment and expertise in a real-world situation (in-house and exterior), and to expose industry, selected state agency staff and emergency response staff to foam depopulation methods.

The foaming system is supposed to be much more efficient and more humane than than earlier depopulation techniques. It is also less contaminating than previous materials used.

For more information on the test, contact: Dana Brindley-Bennett at dana.bennett@agi.alabama.gov or 334-240-6590.

Koch Foods Holds Open-House for New Larger House Design

Forest Home, Ala. – Koch Foods recently held an open house at the farm of Charles Kilpatrick to premier their new engineered chain wall design tunnel vented broiler houses. According to Michael Whiddon of Koch Foods, the houses are 66 feet wide and 600 feet long and will hold 44,000 chickens per house. The house is designed to withstand straight-line winds of 80 miles per hour. Closer to the Gulf Coast, the houses are designed to withstand up to 90 mile per hour winds. The houses are also designed to be more energy efficient.

Kilpatrick built two of the new houses on his farm. He also has five conventional houses.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

By John R. Blakely, Eastern US Technical Manager, Aviagen; Gene Simpson, Jim Donald, Jess Campbell, and Ken Macklin, Auburn University

We are often asked by growers why ventilation and house equipment and management are so important and whether efforts to control the in-house environment really pay off. This article is intended to provide a dollars-and-cents answer to this question.

Over time, the number of days required for broilers to reach a given target weight has been considerably reduced due to improvements in genetics, nutrition, and management.

Additionally, processing body weight requirements have become more precise because of processing plant automation and to meet the changing demands of the market.

Though these two factors would seem to promote a simpler route to

(Above) Today, both bird genetics and house design and equipment have been greatly improved, and the grower’s challenge is to manage the ventilation system to meet the demands of the modern bird. Failure to maintain consistently optimum inhouse conditions, especially temperature, carries a heavy economic penalty.

an improved final product, producing a target-weight broiler in a reduced amount of time can present a challenge to the grower. For example, flock weight differences of 1/4 to 1/2 lb. are commonly seen at target weights of 4.00 lb. and 7.50 lb., respectively. These deviations in flock weight occur even though the same genetics and feed source are being used within a production complex.

So why do these differences in weight occur?

Variations in the in-house growout environment, highly influenced by ventilation, significantly affect broiler performance. The most critical environmental factor is temperature, and in modern tight poultry

(Right) The poultry houses of the past were not designed or equipped to provide much control over in-house temperature, and the biggest challenge to growers was to avoid heat-induced mortalities.

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housing the “lever� to control house temperature is the ventilation system and the air inlets. As recently as 15 years ago, in the days of open curtains, no insulation and blow fans, growers had little control over inhouse temperature. As negative pressure ventilation techniques were refined, including tunnel ventilation, evaporative cooling and PC-based controllers, it became possible to achieve the very precise temperature control demanded by the modern broiler bird for best performance.

The challenge for the grower is in managing the modern ventilation system to maintain consistent on-target in-house temperature. While problems in drinker or feed systems can certainly affect flock perform-

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ond flock, four days of additional growth would be needed.

Differences in growth rates typically experienced in heavier broilers (big birds) are also significant. In one flock, broilers being grown to 7.00lb. achieve an ADG of 0.11 lb.

Another flock may achieve an ADG of 0.13 lb. If both flocks were processed at 60 days, one flock would weigh an average of 6.60 lb. per bird, while the other flock would average 7.80 lb. At these growth rates, the first flock would have to be Effect of too-high temperature on bird weight grown to 70 days to equal the final Improper ventilation for any amount of time has an adverse effect on broiler peraverage weight of the second flock formance. The top curve (solid line) is the expected weight of flocks grown under — a difference of an additional 10 ‘ideal ventilation conditions’. The second curve (dashed line) shows the expected days of grow-out. weight of flocks grown under conditions that are too hot for two hours per day. The Since in reality flocks are usuthird curve (dotted line) shows the expected weight of flocks grown under conditions too hot for four hours per day. ally processed at very similar ages, allowing “additional days” for The figure shows, for example, that for a 38-day-old bird, the difference in expected weight between optimum environmental conditions and higher temperatures for two slower-growing flocks to “catch up” of 24 hours is 0.35 lb. and the difference between optimum environmental condiis simply not practical. Growers with tions and higher temperatures for 4 of 24 hours is 0.70 lb. That represents 10,500lb. broiler flocks experiencing poorer of lost weight potential where the optimum ventilation is not maintained for just 2 of weight gains receive significantly 24 hours, for a single house of 30,000 birds. less income. In addition, the comance, field observations over some the second producer will process pany makes significantly less profit years indicate that most often it is birds weighing an average of 4.29 lb. from this slower-growing flock. As failure to maintain optimum temper- For the first flock to equal the sec- these examples illustrate, seemingly ature that results in sub-optimal flock performance.

Annual company income loss for sub-optimum performance Growth Rate: Effect on Income A common way to compare growth rates between flocks of differing ages in the United States is to calculate the average daily gain (ADG), which is simply the average body weight divided by the age of the flock (in days) at processing.

Comparing these figures reveals major differences between growers.

For example, in a small bird complex, some flocks will achieve an ADG of 0.10 lb., while others will achieve 0.11 lb. per day. The difference in these figures means that one grower will send broilers to the processing plant with an average body weight at 39 days of 3.90 lb., while

This graph is for a complex where one million birds per week are processed, with 75 percent carcass yield and a wholesale price of $0.71/lb. For a 38 day flock age and seven flocks per year, the annual losses for the complex are $9.7 million for sub-optimal temperatures lasting only two of 24 hours and $19.4 million when temperature was off-target for four of 24 hours. At older flock ages these losses will be even higher. Based on the this information, assuming that only 10 percent of broiler flocks placed within a company experience these “sub-optimal” conditions, the dollar losses are still very significant.

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small differences in growth rate can tions to realize the bird’s genetic pohave very large effects on overall tential is largely a function of optiproductivity and profitability. mizing the ventilation program.

If ventilation system manageVentilation: Effects on Growth ment for temperature control is not Rate and Feed Conversion ideal for any part of a day, the potential growth for that part of the day Changes in the modern broiler is lost and can NEVER be regained. bird have increased the importance For example, a 38-day broiler has of in-house environmental factors. In 912 hours of time to grow. If growth response to market requirements, ge- rate deviates from the 4.0 lb. target neticists have not only raised growth by 1/4 lb., or 6.3percent, this means rate, but also the yield of carcass that for 6.3 percent of the time, or 57 components. The extra meat yield in hours, the broiler did not grow as these birds, most of which is con- well as it could have. Most likely, centrated in the breast, makes the this decreased growth resulted from broiler more sensitive to high tem- numerous periods of several minutes peratures; therefore, much of the dif- or even hours at a time during which ference in performance of these conditions were not ideal. For exbirds can be attributed to how well ample, conditions may have been the grower manages in-house envi- “off-target” for only five hours a day ronmental conditions, especially for 11 consecutive days, or an avertemperature. age of only 1 1/2 hours per day for Modern broiler genetic lines the entire grow-out. Similar calculahave been selected for growth rate, tions can be made for older broiler most of which is determined by the flocks. We often see these “off tarbird’s desire to eat. If temperatures get” effects on farm visits. are too high, broilers will not eat as In addition to decreasing growth much as they could or will not eat at rate, temperature problems can also all. Thus, managing in-house condi- affect performance by elevating feed Annual per house income loss for sub-optimum performance

This figure illustrates a house with 20,000 big birds raised per flock, 5 flocks per year, and a grower payment of $0.05/lb. Looking at live weights at 38 days of age, $1,750 of potential annual income would be lost if temperature was wrong for only 2 of 24 hours and $3,500 would be lost if temperature was off target for 4 of 24 hours.

At older flock ages, even greater economic losses can be expected.

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conversion ratio (FCR). If ventilation problems result in cooler than ideal temperatures, broilers will still eat sufficiently and will grow; however, proportionately more of the energy consumed will go towards maintaining normal body temperature instead of towards growth. In this case, although weight gain will be on-target, the cost of production will be higher because of the elevated FCR. Cooler than desirable temperatures, even for a few hours, increase feed requirements and tend to result in poorer flock performance.

Conclusion In affecting the broiler’s performance by lowering growth rate and raising FCR, ventilation problems greatly affect production cost.

Thus, the consequences of improper ventilation are that both grower and company lose money. As the examples in the three charts on these pages show, allowing sub-optimal temperatures for just a few hours a day can cost growers thousands of dollars in annual per house income, and can cost integrators millions.

Modern houses equipped with technologies to enable the management of static pressure controlled ventilation inlets, tunnel ventilation, and evaporative cooling have the potential to work extremely well. However, the producer must properly manage and maintain the ventilation equipment, paying careful attention to detail. Otherwise, bodyweight and/or FCR can be impaired, resulting in significant financial loss to both the grower and integrator.

Clearly, proper ventilation and in-house environmental management programs are essential to minimizing flock weight differences and maximizing profit for both the grower and integrator.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin, and J.J. Giambrone Poultry Science Department Auburn University

Vaccines against viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and coccidiosis (cocci) have been used by the poultry industry to insure bird health and productivity for several years. In the early days of the industry, a series of diseases threatened the very existence of commercial poultry production. Some, such as Salmonella pullorum and typhoid, were eradicated, while others were controlled through vaccination. Marek’s disease virus was a major problem of poultry until effective vaccines were produced and marketed. Newcastle disease, fowl pox, infectious bronchitis, Gumboro disease, avian encephalomyelitis, reoviruses, and infectious laryngotracheitis were other important viral diseases reduced through vaccination programs. For this reason, vaccines

have been an important tool for commercial production of broilers, turkeys, and layers.

Each of the disease organisms mentioned so far were viruses. Vaccines for bacteria, mycoplasma, and protozoa (cocci) control have also been developed to help poultry growers maintain bird health. In breeders, vaccines to control fowl cholera, E. coli, and mycoplasma (MG and MS) have been important in allowing us to keep birds healthy, while cocci vaccines have become an important option for both broilers and breeder replacements. The first of these cocci vaccines was produced by S. Allen Edgar at Auburn University in the 1950s. This was an important breakthrough as no one had produced a vaccine against a protozoal organism in man or animal up until that time.

Many of the most amazing changes in vaccine technology are happening right now. These breakAlabama Poultry

throughs are allowing us to protect broilers, breeders and layers with vaccines that have few side effects and don’t cause any loss in bird performance. Along these lines, many of today’s newest molecular-based vaccines include only a small portion of the pathogen’s genome which is then inserted into another, less worrisome, organism’s genome to spark immunity in the bird. It is possible, using this technology, to present to the bird’s immune system only a part of the virus or bacteria that is needed to produce an immune response, while leaving out the parts of the genome that can reproduce or cause disease in the bird. Also, by using this technology, it is possible to inserts specific sections of the genome from two or more disease organisms, so that the bird can build immunity to a number of diseases at once (while only requiring one vaccination). These changes as well as a better understanding of how the disSeptember/October 2007

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Amazing Changes in Vaccines....continued from page 27

ease causing organisms work, have made vaccinating our birds safer (less reaction) and less expensive (one vaccine that is effective against two or more diseases).

What will the future of vaccinating birds (and humans too) be? Dr. Giambrone’s lab at Auburn University is trying to create vaccines against Gumboro, reoviruses, and avian influenza virus that can be grown in plants and yeast. By inserting genes into plant tissue or yeast, researchers are producing transgenic diets or dietary supplements. These dietary supplements can trigger the immune system to guard against

common poultry viruses when they are included in chicken feed or used in the drinking water. Although this technology is far from commercialization, it illustrates what new techniques may be available in protecting bird health in the future.

In people, immune modulating proteins are being produced in eggs, so that people may eat their protection to a number of health problems. In the future, our foods may routinely contain substances that help our whole population avoid a particular health problem.

People in our society often wonder whether all the talk about mo-

Broiler Workshop... continued from page 10

Each workshop was also sponsored by AP&EA’s VIP Sponsors.

VIP SPONSORS

Advanced Poultry Equipment and Supply, Inc. Alabama Power Company AlaTrade Foods, LLC Alpharma American Proteins, Inc. Aviagen Inc. Biomune Company Cobb-Vantress, Inc. D & F Equipment Sales, Inc. Elanco Animal Health Embrex Inc. Federal Land Bank Association of North Alabama Federal Landbank Association of South Alabama First South Farm Credit, N.A. Franklin Industries, Inc. Guntersville Sheet Metal Hill Parts International Paper Company Intervet Inc. Ivesco, LLC Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative Schering Plough Animal Health Walco International Inc. Zee Company

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lecular “gene-jockey” techniques discussed in research settings (with lots of money spent by our federal government) are actually being applied to everyday life. In this case, sophisticated molecular techniques have been perfected to more easily vaccinate our birds with less reaction. These breakthroughs have been passed from the scientific community to commercialization and on to the consumer. This is definitely “gee-whiz” science in action and indicates how advanced the science of producing poultry meat and eggs is becoming.

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Alabama Poultry

September/October 2007

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Calendar of Events

AP&EA Christmas Open House December 12, 2007 AP&EA Office

International Poultry Expo January 23-25, 2008 Atlanta

AP&EA “Evening of Fun” June 7, 2008 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center ADVERTISING INDEX American Proteins Craftmaster Press Farmers Poultry Supply Federal Land Bank First Financial Bank First South Farm Credit Foam One

pg. 31 pg. 28 pg. 32 pg. 2 pg. 18 pg. 23 pg. 5

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