Midwest Poultry Consortium
2007 -2008 Annual Report
Mission Statement
The Midwest Poultry Consortium is organized to provide
leadership, support and resources for poultry education and research in member states.
Strategies.Strategies, established in 1995 by the initial MPC Board of Directors,
are continuously improved to meet the needs of the poultry industry and provide the
foundation on which decisions are made.
Leadership. Support, maintain and enhance poultry science education and
research at member state universities.
Education. Encourage students to enter the field of poultry.
Research. Increase basic and applied research in poultry and food
science at member state universities.
Communication. Facilitate communication, coordination and interaction
between industry, universities, government and interested public.
Participating
States
Following a two-year pilot program with the University of Florida and the Florida Poultry Federation, the
MPC Board of Directors accepted Florida as a full member state in July, 2006. This created cross-country
collaboration providing additional resources for the Center of Excellence Scholarship Program.
Harkin Receives 2008 Outstanding Service Award
Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa was awarded the Midwest Poultry Consortium��s Outstanding Service
Award for his dedication and commitment to the poultry industry. Senator Harkin, who serves on
the Ag Appropriations Committee, has been a strong and longtime supporter of the Midwest Poultry
Research Program (MFRP). Senator Harkin and his staff have requested funding for the program on
MPC��s behalf and recognize its importance to both Iowa and the poultry industry as a whole. Iowa
continues to lead the nation in egg production. Harkin is particularly impressed by the cash match
commitment the industry makes to the program and feels strongly that the MPRP should be viewed
as a model of how other grant programs should be structured. For his past and continuing support
and willingness to include the MPRP in his requests to the Ag Appropriations Committee, MPC
was proud to honor Senator Tom Harkin as the 2008 Outstanding Service Award winner. Senator
Harkin joins past recipients , Dr. Wendy Wintersteen (Iowa State University), Dennis Casey (Hy-Line
International), Sue Lamont (Iowa State University) Ron Kean (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Bob
Sparboe (Sparboe Companies), and Congressman Tom Latham (IA).
Congratulations Senator Harkin!
Midwest Poultry Consortium Unveils New Sections of the Website!
In an effort to remain a leading resource for poultry information for both industry and
students, the Midwest Poultry Consortium launched a new section of its website at
www.mwpoultry.org/COEhome.html.
The new COE section of the MPC website offers students a weath of information
regarding the COE experience and valuable information about the poultry industry
through our MPC member companies. The new section is filled with important
information regarding COE summer classes/syllabi, Coordinating Council contact
information for each university, an events calendar, and an internship & job
information page. In addition, MPC has enabled online application to make applying
for COE easier. Students are able to simply complete their application form, upload
their resume and statement of interest, and submit to MPC.
Sen. Tom Harkin (IA)
2008 Recipient
Board of
Directors
MPC
2
Chair
David Hurd -
Egg
Rose Acre Farms
Vice Chair
Larry Barnett
- Turkey
Land O��Lakes Purina Feed
Secretary
Nita Nurmi
- Egg
Sparboe Companies
Treasurer
Pat Solheid
- Turkey
Jennie - O Turkey Store
Steve Anders
- Egg
Hy-Line International
Gary Cooper
- Turkey
Cooper Farms
John Fagan
- Allied
Chore-Time, an EPS Division
Bill Garr
- Allied
Hy-Line International
Ed Garrett
- Turkey
West Liberty Foods
Steve George
- Egg
Fremont Farms of Iowa
Gordy Gingras
- Allied
Evonik Degussa Corporation
Tim Johnson
- Turkey
Willmar Poultry Company
Steve Jurek
- Broiler
Gold��n Plump
Alan Koch
- Allied
Henning Construction
Kevin Roberson
- Egg
Michael Foods
Phil Sonstegard
- Egg
Sonstegard Foods
Mike Turk
- Other species
Maple Leaf Farms
Lou Arrington
- Ex Officio
Midwest Poultry Federation
MPC Staff
Beth Nelson, President
Alyssa Andrews, Student Recruiter
Jon Dockter, Associate Director
Jenna Knoblauch, Student Director
Janet Osebold, IT Specialist
Kelsey Campbell, Intern
4630 Churchill Street, #1
St. Paul, MN 55126
651.766.8118
mpc@mwpoultry.org
www.mwpoultry.org
MPC Visits Capitol Hill to Secure 2009 MPRP Funding
Efforts to secure 2009 funding for the Midwest Poultry Research Program (MPRP) was a priority
as representatives of the Midwest Poultry Consortium traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet
with Congressional staff. Representatives met with Congressional staff members of both the
House and Senate Agricultural Appropriations Committee to review the mission of the current
program, the types of research it addresses, and to stress the need for continued funding. The
MPRP continues to be well received in Washington due in large part to the significant cash
match the poultry industry contributes to the program.
Consortium Holds Annual Meeting - March 18
MPC��s Annual Meeting was held Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in conjunction with the Midwest
Poultry Federation Convention in St. Paul, MN. The Annual Meeting opened with Chairman
David Hurd welcoming those in attendance and introducing MPC President Beth Nelson
for a review of the past year��s events, including MPC��s budget status, the current status
of the Center of Excellence Scholarship Program (COE) (a record-breaking 57 applications
were received for the 2008 summer sessions) and the Midwest Poultry Research Program
($506,000 was awarded for fiscal year 2008).
The Secretary��s report was given by Nita Nurmi and the Treasurer��s report by Chairman Hurd
standing in for MPC Treasurer Pat Solheid. The Nominating Committee report was given by
Chairman Hurd and was subsequently agreed to and approved by the membership (see
board list to the left).
MPC��s Annual Meeting featured three guest speakers. Dr. Frank Kooistra, Associate Dean for
Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, spoke about the University��s plans
to update its poultry facilities and its continuing commitment to the COE. COE students,
Kelsey Campbell and Morgan Sonstegard, spoke about the COE and the benefits it provides
to both students and industry while at school and upon graduation. Campbell and
Sonstegard briefed participants about the day-to-day activities of students in the program,
the lifetime friendships which are formed, and the career benefits the scholarship program
and internships offer students.
That evening, Lou Arrington hosted a Hospitality Suite during the MPF Convention, for
former and current COE students. Students were given the opportunity to meet with faculty
and network with one another and other poultry industry representatives.
The newly updated COE website features:
Coordinating Council Page.This page provides an excellent resource for students to find the
COE representative contact from their university. Coordinating Council members can serve as
faculty references for COE applicants.
Event Calendar Page. The event calendar lists Career Fairs MPC attends and COE happenings.
Updated Internship & Job Page. Students and graduates can find a list of all MPC member
companies, by sector, to explore companies of interest. With links to company websites,
students will also be able to connect to employment pages of MPC member companies for an
easier job search process.
Just one click away, the new MPC sections of the website make learning about the COE and
potential employment opportunites easier and faster. Check it out today - www.mwpoultry.org!
3
Center of Excellence Scholarship/Internship Program
COE
Wednesday Night Forums
On Wednesday evenings, students are able to interact with industry
leaders in order to learn more about the poultry industry and future
career opportunities. This year��s forums were led by:
Trudy Baumeister, S & R Egg Farm
Craig Burda, Gold��n Plump
Sara Halvorsen, Gold��n Plump
Carl Heeder, Jennie-O Turkey Store
Jenna Knoblauch, Midwest Poultry Consortium
Bill Petz, Gold��n Plump
Joel Reiman, Hormel Foods
2008 SESSiON i
Avian Physiology
Murray Bakst, USDA
Mary Beck, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mark Berres, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Patricia ��Scotti�� Hester, Purdue University
Alice Wentworth, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bernie Wentworth, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Breeder Flock & Hatchery Management
Darryl Barker, Hy-Line International
Ron Kean, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sally Noll, University of Minnesota
Mike Wineland, North Carolina State University
Poultry Products Technology
Deana Jones, Russell Research Center
Michael Musgrove, Russell Research Center
Mark Richards, University of Wisconsin-Madison
2008 SESSiON ii
Avian Health
Mark Cook, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Rob Porter, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Poultry Nutrition
Mike Lilburn, The Ohio State University
Carl Parsons, University of Illinois
Poultry Enterprise Management
Allen Behl, Behl Turkey Farms
Chad Gregory, United Egg Producers
Darrin Karcher, Michigan State University
Ken Koelkebeck, University of Illinois
Keith Kulow, Daybreak Foods
Wendi Lallier, MacFarlane Pheasants
Jeremy Lies, Gold��n Plump
Brad Lillie, MacFarlane Pheasants
Tom Lohr, Henning Construction
Kevin Murdoch, Maple Leaf Farms
Neil O��Sullivan, Hy-Line International
Chris Roedl, Daybreak Foods
Course Coordinators indicated in bold type.
Penelope
Gibbs
Doug
McFarland
Sheila
Scheideler
Scott
Beyer
Jack
Avens
Sally
Noll
Sue
Lamont
Jeff
Firman
Carl
Parsons
Bonnie
Walters
Richard
Balander
Scotti
Hester
Mike
Lilburn
Joel
Brendemuhl
2008
Virtual
Poultry Science
Department
Poultry Science
Department
2008
Virtual
As the Midwest Poultry Consortium��s Center of Excellence (COE) Scholarship Program enters its 14th year, the COE continues to educate students
in poultry science and helps ensure the availability of qualified poultry graduates for employment within the industry.
The COE is unique in guiding students through recruitment, education, internship, employment and networking opportunities in the poultry
industry. The program brings together key faculty from participating universities and the foremost private industry experts, offering the strongest
research-based poultry science education available in MPC member states. This program combines problem solving and state-of-the-art hands-
on training in laboratory situations, interactive classroom lectures and field trips for up to 32 scholarship recipients each year. Student scholarships
include on-campus housing and up to 18 credits, which are earned in two six-week summer sessions. These courses complement a number of
majors and credits are transferable to the student��s home university. Students are encouraged to participate in industry internships to further their
poultry education. MPC strives to continuously improve this program to benefit students and the poultry industry for years to come.
4
Breakdown of COE Students
Year CO
FL
IA
IL
IN
KS
MI MN
MO
NE
ND
OH
SD
WI Total Students:
2008
0
2
3
1
4
1
3
3
3
1
1
0
1
6
29*
2007
0
1
3
1
8
2
3
2
1
0
1
1
2
5
30
2006
2
4
4
1
9
1
5
4
0
0
1
1
3
4
39
2005
3
3
4
1
2
0
2
2
0
3
1
1
2
6
30
2004
0
0
2
1
3
2
2
3
0
3
1
2
0
6
25
2003
0
0
2
0
4
2
2
1
0
2
1
4
0
5
23
2002
0
0
3
2
5
3
3
2
0
1
1
2
0
9
31
2001
0
0
1
2
6
4
4
0
0
2
0
1
2
10
32
2000
0
0
1
2
3
3
4
2
0
0
0
3
4
14
36
1999
0
0
1
0
2
0
6
3
0
1
0
2
1
10
26
1998
0
0
0
3
2
2
3
3
0
1
0
3
0
5
22
1997
0
0
1
2
1
2
0
2
0
2
0
5
1
13
29
1996
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
1
2
2
0
2
1
9
21
5
10
25
18
49
24
37
28
6
18
7
27
17
102
373
*29 Scholarships were awarded; however, one additional student paid their own way to attend COE classes.
Total COE students completing one year:
252
Total COE students completing program:
121
2008 Internships
Many of the MPC member companies provide internships and on-the-job
opportunities for COE students. The internships fit the academic timetable for
participating universities and complement COE courses.
Joe Ankley - Rose Acre Farms
James Bailey - Rose Acre Farms
Nick Braun - Gold��n Plump
Kelsey Campbell - Jennie-O Turkey Store
Joe Dart - Gold��n Plump
Megan Dole - Hy-Line International
Nathan King - Jennie-O Turkey Store
Bob Krenz - Gold��n Plump
Maggie Lanigan - Cal-Maine Foods
Lucas Mayfield - Rose Acre Farms
Kathy Mou - Hy-Line International
Truc Nguyen - Centurion Poultry
Dale Perez - MacFarlane Pheasants
Robert Pfund - Sparboe Companies
Stephanie Rasanen - Rose Acre Farms; Cooper Farms
Cristina Romero - Sparboe Companies
Alex Ties - Sparboe Companies
Ben Varley - Rose Acre Farms
Universities Represented in 2008
Augustana College
1
Iowa State University
3
Kansas State University
1
Michigan State University
3
North Dakota State University
1
Purdue University
4
South Dakota State University
0
The Ohio State University
0
University of Florida
2
University of Illinois
1
University of Minnesota – St. Paul
3
University of Missouri
3
University of Nebraska
1
University of Wisconsin – Madison
3
University of Wisconsin – River Falls 3
Center of Excellence Scholarship Program
MPC was awarded a grant of $3,000 from the CHS Foundation to support the activities of the MPC��s Center of Excellence Scholarship Program (COE).
This was the sixth year of involvement in the Center of Excellence Scholarship Program for the CHS Foundation and demonstrates their dedication
and commitment to agriculture and poultry education in our member states.
Thanks CHS Foundation!
COE Receives CHS Foundation Grant
If your company is willing to host a COE student intern, please contact the MPC office.
The COE program has been gaining momentum throughout the last few years. With record applications in 2006 and record internships in 2007,
2008 continued the record-breaking trend. In 2008, 56 student applications were submitted, 29 scholarships were awarded, with 18 of those
students participating in 19 industry internships provided by MPC sponsor companies.
5
A ��Spellbindin�� Good Time��
Celebrating the end of its 13th year of providing
students an emphasis in poultry science education,
the Midwest Poultry Consortium held its year-end
banquet and awards ceremony in July at the
Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor��s Club in
Madison, WI. The event, which garnered more
than 70 students, family members, staff, board
members, faculty and industry representatives,
honored both students and faculty for their
accomplishments and hard work in completing
another successful summer session.
The newly themed ��Spellbindin�� Good Time�� Banquet featured a
spelling competition which awarded winners the right to either
carve their table��s turkey or designate another to do so. The banquet
provided both students and industry representatives an opportunity
become better acquainted and visit about potential employment
opportunities within the poultry industry.
Students vote for deserving recipients in
three student categories and one faculty
category each year. The 2008 awards
went to the following students: Alex Ties
- class clown (Yolkster Award), William
McBride - most dedicated student (Ducks
in a Row Award), and Truc Nguyen - most
intelligent student (Egghead Award). The
Pullet-zer Prize, recognizing the faculty
member of the year, was awarded to
Bernie Wentworth (UW-Madison).
The presentation of diplomas to COE graduates by on-site coordinator
Dr. Mark Richards gave well-deserved recognition to students
who��ve completed both years of the COE. 2008 graduates include:
James Bailey, Ashley Biller, Nicholas Braun, Joseph Dart, Lando Koch,
Meaghan Loy, William McBride, Kathy Mou, Goodwin Sonstegard,
Morgan Sonstegard, Alex Ties, and Benjamin Varley. (see photo below).
Congratulations go to all 2008 COE graduates!
The evening was capped off by an all new ��evening entertainment��
addition to the yearend banquet. Robinn Lange, a renowned
hypnotist, was on hand to demonstrate the power of hypnosis on
willing but apprehensive participants. While those in the audience
thoroughly enjoyed the onstage antics, in the end, no one who fell
under Robinn��s spell embarrassed themselves beyond repair.
The Midwest Poultry
Consortium extends very
special thanks to our
event sponsors Evonik
Degussa Corporation,
Gold��n Plump, Henning
Construction, Hy-Line
North America, Jennie-O
Turkey Store, Rose Acre
Farms, and Sparboe
Farms for making the
��Spellbindin�� Good Time��
Banquet such a success.
Students in the News
Mike Banks, Purdue University
Mike Banks, a 2007 COE graduate, is employed by Purdue
University as a graduate research assistant working with Dr.
Adeola & Dr. Applegate.
Nick Braun, Gold��n Plump
Nick Braun, a 2008 COE graduate, is employed by Gold��n Plump
as a Broiler Service Representative in St. Cloud, MN.
Brenda (Shaffer) Elder, Allen��s Hatchery
Brenda (Shaffer) Elder, a 2004 COE graduate, is employed by
Allen��s Hatchery as a Hatchery Manager in Delware. She manages
a broiler hatchery that has 42 incubators with the ability to hatch
over 1 million chicks per week.
Anna Mattson, Webster Veterinary Supply
Anna Mattson, a 2007 COE graduate, is employed by Webster
Veterinary Supplies as a Customer Service Representative/Inside
Sales in the southeast.
Bill McBride, S & R Egg Farm
Bill McBride, a 2008 COE graduate, is employed by S & R Egg Farm
in a managerial role in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Michael Schmidt, Sparboe Companies
Michael Schmidt, a 2001 COE graduate, is employed by Sparboe
Companies as a Quality Assurance Manager. He oversees quality
assurance relating to food safety, product quality and animal
care programs.
Karen Smiley, Janesville School District
Karen Smiley, a 2003 COE graduate, is employed by the Janesville
School District as an agriscience teacher in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Goody Sonstegard, Ovasur
Goody Sonstegard, a 2006 COE graduate, is employed by Ovo
Productos del Sur S. A. in Lima, Peru, as a Product Development &
Project Supervisor. He oversees the development/improvement
of products, particularily for exportation and supervises/
implements plant projects related to production.
Give Back to the COE Program!
In your new position, you can help MPC...
Be a Wednesday Night Speaker!
Host an intern!
Hire a COE graduate!
Mentor a COE student!
Become an MPC sponsor!
Contact the MPC office to find out more!
www.mwpoultry.org
mwpoultry@comcast.net
2008 COE Graduates: Back Row (L to R): Joseph Dart,
Bill McBride, Lando Koch. Middle Row (L to R): Goodwin
Sonstegard, Nick Braun, Meaghan Loy, Alex Ties, Ben
Varley. Front Row (L to R): Morgan Sonstegard, Kathy
Mou, Ashley Biller, and James Bailey.
Pullet-zer Prize Recipient
Bernie Wentworth
Steve George
Fremont Farms
6
MPRP
Midwest Poultry Research Program
The Midwest Poultry Research Program (MPRP) is a public/private project created to effectively address priority research needs of the poultry
industry in MPC member states (Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,
South Dakota and Wisconsin).
The goal of MPRP is to improve efficiency and sustainability of poultry production through integrated, collaborative research and technology transfer.
MPRP focuses on priority areas of local need and problems of regional/national scope while encouraging multi-disciplinary research networks which
enhance limited state and industry resources. Funding for MPRP is distributed competitively in the following manner: 40% for critical industry needs
regardless of species or subject area; 20% for broiler research; 20% for turkey research; and 20% for layer research.
Established in 2001, MPRP received an initial appropriation from Congress of $400,000. Through the 2008 allocation,
MPRP is responsible for
contributing more than $4 million to poultry research efforts. This program has been extremely successful in addressing some of the most
pressing research needs in the poultry industry, renewing interest among students in poultry research and engaging industry in the research taking
place at our member universities. MPRP is looked upon very favorably by Congress due to the significant cash match (averaging nearly 40% since
inception) on the part of industry, demonstrating a serious commitment and investment in the program.
MPRP Review Committee Meets, Allocates Funding
Each Spring, MPC works closely with the House and Senate Ag Appropriations
committees to maintain funding for the Midwest Poultry Research Program (MPRP)
established in 2001 to address the research needs of the poultry industry in MPC
member states.
Through those efforts, the MPRP was appropriated $506,000 for FY08. After USDA
overhead and administrative costs were removed, the MPRP had $428,551 to distribute
to research projects. In late December, a Request for Proposals was distributed which
generated a total of 22 projects representing 8 of the 14 land grant universities in
the Consortium, requesting a total of $885,343. The Review Committee, which met
in St. Paul on March 18 to allocate funding, had very difficult decisions to make, but
ultimately awarded funding to 12 projects.
2008 MPRP Review Committee
Bernie Beckman, Hy-Line North America
Jacquie Jacob, University of Minnesota
Brian McComb, Jennie-O Turkey Store
Hugo Medina, Sparboe Companies
Ralph Mikelson, Gold��n Plump
Curtis Novak, Land O��Lakes
Carl Parsons, University of Illinois
Shiela Scheideler, University of Nebraska
Chris Theisen, MacFarlane Pheasants
Mike Turk, Maple Leaf Farms
Sandra Velleman, Ohio State University
Terry Wehrkamp, Cooper Farms
02/04 Funding
2005 Funding
2006 Funding
2007 Funding
2008 Funding
MPRP Funding
byState
MPRP Funding
byState
$7,000
$20,000
$16,780
$372,129
$176,455
$155,321
$190,981
$151,555
$21,880
$10,000
$22,500
$15,500
$36,656
$15,000
$31,869
$32,700
$31,462
$379,901*
$159,879*
$139,091*
$124,730
$98,604
$90,093
$40,087
$56,305
$143,869
$38,768
$39,194
$127,479
$70,000
$77,126
$52,981
$46,000
$128,454
$86,3261
$55,910
$73,753
$57,849
$67,216
$15,708
$82,407
$47,3322
$114,281*
$77,200
$30,361
*$50,009 Mississippi State University
1$1,000 University of California-Davis
1$1,000 Washington State University
2$10,000 University of Arkansas
* 6,100 University of Maryland
*$18,360 University of Arkansas
7
Cash Match Contributors
2002-2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Total
ADM Company
11,250
$11,250
Ajinomoto Heartland
10,000
30,000
$40,000
Animal & Poultry Waste Management Consortium
13,534
$13,534
Arkion Life Sciences
25,500
$25,500
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
20,000
$20,000
Aviagen
60,000
17,500
$77,500
BASF
10,000
$10,000
Commodity Specialists Company/Midwest Dist. Assn.
9,567
$9,567
Cooper Farms
2,500
$2,500
Dakota Commodities
17,500
$17,500
Dakota Gold Research Association
9,195
5,000
$14,195
Danisco Animal Nutrition
13,584
10,000
$23,584
Degussa
10,000
15,000
10,000
$35,000
Elanco
3,000
$3,000
General Chemical
5,000
$5,000
George & Edna Jaap Poultry Research Fund
8,000
5,000
12,500
3,125
3,125
$31,750
Heartland Lysine
10,000
$10,000
Hy-Line International
10,571
21,980
6,500
$39,051
ILC Resources
1,365
$1,365
International Ingredient Corporation
7,500
4,000
$11,500
Iowa Egg Council
53,505
24,340
50,341
14,035
$142,221
Iowa State University Funds
43,003
$43,003
Iowa Turkey Federation
22,400
8,223
$30,623
JBS United
10,000
15,000
$25,000
Jennie-O Turkey Store
13,106
$13,106
Kansas State University Funds
4,950
$4,950
Land O��Lakes Purina Feed
25,500
12,500
10,000
10,000
$67,000
Maple Leaf Farms
15,000
14,000
15,142
20,500
7,950
$72,592
MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.
5,720
5,000
6,500
6,500
$23,720
McQuinn Foundation
20,000
$20,000
Michigan Allied Poultry Industries
1,000
$1,000
Michigan Corn Marketing Program
3,000
$3,000
Michigan State University Funds
13,500
$13,500
Midwest Poultry Consortium
22,064
20,000
$42,064
Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council
35,263
51,495
36,275
68,914
43,903
$235,850
Mussehl Poultry Research Endowment
10,000
25,254
$35,254
Nebraska Poultry Industries
3,000
$3,000
North American Gamebird Association
4,375
$4,375
North Dakota State University Funds
4,000
$4,000
Novus
28,000
16,000
$44,000
Ohio Poultry Association
2,000
4,900
2,500
$9,400
Ohio State University Funds
10,814
$10,814
Ridley Feed Ingredients
5,000
$5,000
Roche Vitamins Inc.
7,000
$7,000
South Dakota Poultry Industries Association
3,000
3,125
3,125
$9,250
Syngenta Animal Nutrition
9,000
$9,000
United Egg Producers
15,134
$15,134
University of California - Davis Funds
6,391
$6,391
University of Minnesota Funds
80,862
$80,862
University of Missouri Funds
66,950
$66,950
Univeristy of Wisconsin Funds
32,094
$32,094
Willmar Poultry Company
10,881
12,225
$23,106
Zymetrics
14,000
$14,000
Total
$602,703
$268,982 $221,797 297,454
128,119 $1,519,055
8
2007 MPRP Project Summaries
Evaluation of Limit Feeding Corn and DDGS in Non-Feed Withdrawal
Molt Programs for Laying Hens
U of IL – Koelkebeck, Parsons
Project Award: $20,000
Cash Match: $10,000 (Purina Mills, Land O��Lakes)
Summary: During weeks 1-43, hens fed Corn 36, Corn 45, Corn 54, DDGS
36, DDGS 45, and DDGS 54 diets produced equally as well as those fed
the Corn/Soy Hulls treatment. During the molt period, no differences were
observed among treatments for mortality except for the DDGS 45 treatment.
Throughout postmolt period, no mortality differences were observed among
treatments except for the DDGS 36 and DDGS 54 treatments.
During postmolt, the Corn 54 treatment produced the lowest egg weights,
no consistent differences were observed among other treatments in
comparison to the Corn/Soy Hulls treatment. No differences were observed
among dietary treatments for egg specific gravity. Feed efficiency was
different for the Corn 36 treatment, but in all other treatments no differences
were observed in comparison to Corn/Soy Hulls treatment. Results indicate
long term comparable postmolt performance can be obtained by feeding
a restricted corn diet or DDGS diet in Hy-Line W-36 laying hens.
Varying Length Feeding of Prebiotics and Fiber from DDGS as
Replacements for Antibiotic Growth Promoters
U of IL - Parsons, Baker
Project Award: $32,981
Cash Match: $14,000 (BASF, International Ingredient Corporation)
Summary: Results indicate there are several prebiotic treatments that may
have beneficial effects on growth performance and intestinal microbial
populations and may be able to partially or totally replace AGP. GB had positive
effects on MEn and AA digestibility when fed 0-21 days, however, it may not
be cost effective. It was interesting and encouraging that short-term feeding
of GB for only 3 or 7 days had positive effects on growth/feed intake and cecal
microbial populations. Feeding temulose for 0-21 days had positive effects
on MEn and amino acid digestibility. This is a relatively inexpensive additive
and may be cost effective. Whether short-term feeding of temulose for only
3 or 7 days may be effective is not clear at present and warrants further
investigation. Results with the Elusieve fiber were encouraging. Feeding 5%
for only a short time (0-3 days) had a positive effect on growth/feed intake.
The purpose of the Elusieve process is to produce lower fiber, higher protein
and higher fat enhanced DDGS in ethanol plants. Results indicate high fiber
fraction removed by the Elusieve process may have potential benefits as a
prebiotic and a replacement for AGP.
Production of Ovotransferrin From Egg White for Antimicrobial Application
ISU – Ahn, Lee, Pometto
Project Award: $44,421
Cash Match: $35,201 (Iowa Egg Council)
Summary: Most ovotransferrin in the natural egg white exists in apo-
form. Thus, conversion of apo-ovotransferrin to iron-bound form was
the most critical step to minimize loss or denaturation of ovotransferrin
by ethanol. Amount of iron required to saturate all ovotransferrin in egg
white was about two times the theoretical amount to bind all apo-form of
ovotransferrin. Holo-ovotransferrin in the presence of excess iron was more
stable to ethanol treatment than that at low iron concentrations. At pH 9.0,
the iron binding capacity of holo-ovotransferrin was significantly higher
than at pH 7.0 or 8.0, and high pH conditions stabilized ovotransferrin
during ethanol extraction and precipitation steps. Holo-ovotransferrin
could be easily separated from egg white using 43% ethanol extraction
and 59% ethanol precipitation. AG ®1-X2 ion exchange resin was excellent
in removing iron from holo-ovotransferrin and the citrate added to adjust
pH played a critical role in iron release from holo-ovotransferrin. Preparation
method was simple and economical, and ovotransferrin produced had high
purity (> 80% purity) and yield was excellent (99%). Therefore, the protocol
developed is appropriate for a large-scale production of ovotransferrin.
Produced ovotransferrin is applicable for food products because only
ethanol was used to separate ovotransferrin from egg white.
Understanding Gallibacterium-Associated Peritonitis in the Commercial
Egg Laying Industry
ISU – Johnson, Nolan, Trampel
Project Award: $53,309
Cash Match: $15,140 (Iowa Egg Council)
Summary: Three G. anatis genomes were subjected to draft sequencing
using the GS FLX technology. Initial assemblies yielded 75-125 contiguous
sequences/genome, at an average fold-coverage of 25X-30X, with total
estimated genome sizes ranging from 2.5-2.8 Mbp. Gap closure has reduced
the number of contigs to <20/genome. These contigs have been annotated
and analyzed for pathogen-specific genes. From this analysis, 24 genes were
selected for further study. Multiplex PCR and Southern hybridizations were
used to examine the prevalence of 24 genes among 100 G. anatis isolates
collected from commercial layer operations in Iowa over a two-year period.
Genes identified as highly prevalent among these isolates included genes
of two different ABC transporter systems, possibly involved in iron transport;
capsular biosynthesis genes; heme utilization genes; and a putative outer
membrane protease. These results provide targets for future work involving
study of the virulence mechanisms of G. anatis or vaccine development.
Multilocus sequence analysis (MLST) of 94 isolates, combined with the
genotyping data, revealed that certain clonal types appear to dominate
intra-flock, and intra-farm. Also, genotype and clonal type do correlate with
one another to at least some degree, since certain MLST clusters tended to
be more likely than others to possess a gene or system.
Overall, this project produced the first genome sequences of G. anatis
implicated in peritonitis in commercial layers. These sequences are powerful
tools for future work targeting vaccine candidates with which to control
peritonitis in laying hens. Genotyping and MLST schemas is publicly
available (http://www.umn.edu/~joh04207/), and will be highly useful from
a diagnostic perspective. Refinement will result in the ability to effectively
predict the virulence capabilities of G. anatis isolated from birds or the
poultry production environment.
Biomarkers to Identify AMPV Vaccines from Field Challenges
U of MN – Foster
Project Award: $24,610
Cash Match: $8,121 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Summary:To produce a reverse genetic system for the entire 14.15kb AMPV
cDNA, the pBluescript plasmid that contains a T7 promoter was used as the
backbone vector. cDNA #1 corresponding to the 1.2 kb N gene and
The following summaries are
abbreviated versions of
the 2007 MPRP reports.
Please visit our website for
complete reports at:
www.mwpoultry.org
9
the 3�� leader sequence (0.1 kb) was inserted next to the T7 promoter in the
vector. Downstream from this, cDNA #2, a 2.2kb fragment encoding the P
and M genes, as well as the 5�� portion of the F gene was inserted. cDNA
#3, a 3 kb fragment that contains the 3�� portion of the F gene plus the M2-
1 and SH genes was inserted downstream of cDNA #2. cDNA #4, a 1.8 kb
fragment corresponding to the G gene was inserted next and only cDNA #5,
which encodes 5kb of the 5�� portion of the L gene, remains to be inserted
into the vector. The 3�� portion of the L gene plus a ribozyme/T7 termination
sequence were inserted into the pBluescript vector.
There are 4 other gene constructs needed for co-transfection along with the
complete 14.15kb AMPV cDNA above in order to produce infectious virions
in the host cell. N (1.2 kb), P (1.0 kb), M2-1 (0.8 kb), and L (6.0 kb) genes were
inserted into four different pCITE vectors and the cloning was verifyied to be
correct by sequence analysis.
When the reverse genetic cDNA for 14.15 kb AMPV is completed, this
construct plus 4 pCITE vectors containing N, P, M2-1 and L genes, respectively,
will be co-transfected into BSR/T7 cells to obtain infectious AMPV.
Three different biomarkers to differentiate biomarker AMPV vaccine from
wild type AMPV will be inserted into the 14.15 kb AMPV cDNA in the
pBluescript vector. Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and 6x Histidine (His) tag
will be placed between the N and P genes and will be flanked by the N gene
start and end sequences to maintain an ORF to correctly express either the
GFP or 6x His peptides. The GFP marker can be detected by fluorescence
or by PCR while the 6x His tag can be detected by ELISA or by PCR. A short
(50bp) lambda (��) phage DNA sequence will be merely inserted between
the N and P genes since no expression is necessary for this marker which will
be detected by PCR. Implications for the industry include having different
biomarker AMPV vaccines that can readily be detected from wild type AMPV
in a relatively short period of time.
Development of an Improved Avian Pneumovirus Vaccine Differentiable
from Wild Virus
U of MN – Goyal
Project Award: $52,000
Cash Match: $17,448 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Summary: When compared to the vaccine progenitor virus MN 1a p9,
the vaccine virus p63 and ��ca�� virus had more amino acid substitutions than
p41. In the case of G gene, p41 had more substitutions than p63 and ca
viruses. Amino acid substitutions were observed throughout the genome
of MN-2a virus and these substitutions were more in the divergent domain
of G gene when compared to MN-1a (p9) virus. The p9, p41, p63, ca, and
2a viruses had the maximum of 42, 40, 40, 42 and 42 bases, respectively, as
leader sequences. Part of the trailer region was sequenced using L4IF13816
forward and consensus trailer reverse primer Tr-R for all 5 viruses.
Sequence analysis of different passage levels of G-gene of MN 15a showed
no change in length of G-gene as a result of passaging in Vero cells, though
at some places, point mutations were observed. N and F genes cloned in
rFPV were amplified. Future studies are recommended in turkey poults to
determine safety and efficacy of this clone against aMPV.
Effect of Thermal Conditioning During the Prebreeder Period on
Breeder Hen Turkeys Reproductive Performance
U of MN – Halawani
Project Award: $26,700
Cash Match: $8,900 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Summary:Gas consumption.Rooms were heated using natural gas and
a preconditioning period from February 21-May 1, 2007. Control room heat
consumption was 240.8 Therms at a cost of $222.85. Heat consumption of
the room housing birds subjected to 75ºF at 20 weeks, increased 5ºF once
every 2 weeks and ended at 95ºF when the birds were 29 weeks, was 683.6
Therms at a cost of $632.53. Gas consumption for preconditioning of birds
in the third treatment was 532.9 Therms at a cost of $493.09. The fourth
treatment, which consisted of 3 weeks of preconditioning from 85 ºF at 27
weeks to 95 ºF at 29 weeks, utilized 485.7 Therms at a cost of $449.43.
Egg production. Egg production of hens that received preconditioning
heat treatment for 10 weeks, from 75ºF at 20 weeks increasing 5ºF every 2
weeks and reaching 95ºF at 29 weeks, started to decline at 6 weeks and
continued to decline until week 18. Best production was that of hens
receiving 3 weeks of heat preconditioning starting at 27 weeks for only
3 weeks. Average egg production was 4.16 eggs/hen/week, during the
27 week production period. Lowest average egg production was hens
receiving 10 week period of preconditioning (3.43 eggs/hen/week). Control
group average egg production was 3.86 eggs/hen/week during the 27
week production period. Results clearly indicate that heat preconditioning
can be beneficial and detrimental to egg production depending on the
severity of the preconditioning temperature and the age of the birds at the
initiation of treatment.
Utilization of Corn Co-Products from the Ethanol Industry in
Market Turkey Diets
U of MN – Noll
Project Award: $27,587
Cash Match: $9,195 (Dakota Gold Research Association)
Summary: Corn germ product was slightly lower in protein and fat
than anticipated. In contrast to the report by Kim et al. (2008), amino acid
digestibility of lysine was similar among co-products and a high energy
value for corn germ was not observed.
In the feeding trial, there were few differences of significance among the
11 dietary treatments in body weight, gain, feed intake and feed efficiency
up to 14 weeks. After 14 weeks, the major difference was more related to
the basal diet series and with the addition of either the CG or HP-DDG. Diet
series containing 20% DDGS (Treatments 6-10 average) had a lower level
of gain compared to diet series without DDGS (Treatments 1-5 average) for
the 14-17 weeks and 17-19 weeks age period. Decreased gain was probably
due to the high level of corn protein present in diets especially during the
17-19 week period, where the level of soybean meal was minimal.
There were only 3 treatments which were statistically different from the
control. Feed efficiency was only different from the control for 2 treatments
where the higher addition level of CG resulted in an improved feed/gain in
comparison to the control. Improvement in feed conversion with the CG
addition could indicate that energy value of CG was underestimated or that
CG contributed a higher quality protein to the diet.
In summary, up to 30% corn germ or 14% HP-DDG could be added to diets
composed primarily of corn, soybean meal and poultry byproduct meal. Use
of corn germ tended to result in better bird performance. Diets with high
levels of protein coming from the addition of various corn co-products to
the diets in excess of 60% in the finisher diet resulted in reduced gain.
Utilization of Glycerin as a Source of Energy in Market Turkey Diets
U of MN - Noll
Project Award: $9,747
Cash Match: $29,916 (AURI, Minnesota Turkey Research & Promo. Council)
Summary: Nutrient density had ~7 times greater effect on feed conversion
as compared to body weight. Glycerin addition to 4% of the diet had
10
no negative effects on performance. Levels of 6 and 8% tended to be
detrimental to body weight and feed intake especially during 17-19 weeks.
This negative effect may be due to reduction in corn content in exchange
for glycerin or a differential in utilization of different dietary energy sources
(carbohydrate vs. fat). Carcass and parts yield was not altered with the
exception of yield of wings and abdominal fat.
The study found crude glycerin can be added up to 4% of the diet for grow/
finish market turkeys without detrimental effects on performance and was
able to replace some corn in the diet as an energy source. On average, 78
lbs of corn/ton could be replaced with 80 lbs glycerin/ton. Supplementation
with additional amounts of amino acids (lys, meth, thr) was also needed
to replace those amino acids from the corn. Depending on the cost of the
corn and the supplemental amino acids relative to glycerin, glycerin has the
potential to reduce diet cost in market turkey feeding.
Eradication of Avian Metapneumovirus in Turkeys by Inducing
Mucosal Immunity with Inactivated Virus
U of MN - Sharma
Project Award: $50,337
Cash Match: $16,779 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Summary:Exposure of turkeys to aMPV41 increased the relative proportion
of mucosal CD8 T cells. CD8 but not CD4 gene expression was upregulated
in turbinate cells. Upregulation of IL-10 gene expression indicated that the
virus stimulated Th2 type immunity.
Previous research has shown poly(I:C) was an effective respiratory adjuvant
that enhanced mucosal immune response to aMPV. Also, immunization with
IV increased the presence of IgA and IgA+ cells in the respiratory mucosa.
Challenge experiments indicated turkeys given three immunizations
with IV were protected against challenge with live aMPV41. Vaccination
also protected against T cell mitogenic inhibition caused by the virulent
virus. Results indicated success in inducing local respiratory immunity by
applying killed virus to the respiratory mucous membranes of commercial
turkeys lacking anti-aMPV antibodies.
It may be possible to immunize turkeys against aMPV by applying killed
virus to the respiratory tract (such as by spray). It has been shown under
laboratory conditions that respiratory vaccination with killed aMPV induced
local immunity characterized by appearance of antibodies in the mucous
membrane and protected turkeys against challenge with virulent aMPV.
Digestible Threonine Requirements of Male Turkeys to Market Age
U of MO - Firman
Project Award: $33,140
Cash Match: $20,000 (Degussa, Ajinomoto)
Summary:Seven experiments were conducted to determine the digestible
threonine (dThr) requirement of Nicholas male turkeys from 0 -21 weeks of
age. Each experiment represented 1 phase of the life of the birds, which
was divided in a 3 week period. However, the data collection period counts
only the last 14 days of the period. The first 7 days, birds stayed on positive
control diets. In all seven phases, birds were randomized to floor pens with
8 treatments and 6-7 replicates/treatment.
Reduction of Feed Costs Through the Use of Missouri Ideal Turkey Protein
U of MO – Firman
Project Award: $23,165
Cash Match: $7,750 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Summary: In a previous trial, the Missouri Ideal Turkey Protein was fed in
comparison with an Agristats industry average diet. Minor depressions in
growth were noted in the Ideal ratio diet, that were overcome with 5-10%
amino acid additions. Based on these data, this trial was performed similarly,
but with minor changes in amino acid levels to reflect Dr. Firman��s best
estimate of which amino acids were deficient in the original trial. There are no
significant differences in performance between any treatments, indicating
changes made overcame any minor inaccuracies in the Ideal Ratio for
Turkeys. Growth rates are a bit behind due to hot weather near the end of the
trial. Significant cost savings are seen with these diets that range from 7-10%
for the Ideal diet. No differences were seen in any measures at 18 weeks. At
21 weeks there were no significant differences noted, but numerically lower
pectoralis major values were seen in the ideal and ideal +10% diets. This is
not believed to be significant.
Dried Distillers Grain with Solubles in Pullet and Laying Hen Rations
U of NE - Scheideler
Project Award: $31,869
Cash Match: $25,254 (Mussehl Poultry Research Endowment)
Summary: Feeding up to 25% DDGS during phases I & II of production
had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production, haugh unit and
specific gravity; and, improved yolk color at the highest levels. Hens fed
20 and 25% DDGS in phase I produced lighter egg weight, whereas, egg
weight was not affected in phase II. Using 25% DDGS has an economical
benefit of $12/ton of feed compared to basal diet (0% DDGS) when DDGS
was priced at $136/ton. In summary, feeding DDGS up to 12.5% had no
negative effect on body weight, growth rate and feed intake. Body weight,
growth rate, and feed intake are comparable to the Hy-Line breeding
manual standards.
Determining the Digestible Lysine and Lysine:Threonine Ratios for
Growing Turkeys
OSU – Lilburn
Project Award: $28,700
Cash Match: $20,000 (Ajinomoto)
Summary: Two diets were formulated containing 0.60% and 1.05%
total lysine and blended to achieve 2 intermediate diets containing
0.75% and 0.90% total lysine. All other amino acids were in excess of NRC
recommendations by at least 10%. Each diet contained chromic oxide as an
indigestible marker and at the time of harvest, ileal digesta was collected
from each bird for apparent lysine digestibility determination. Average
apparent lysine digestibility estimate for each diet was ~80% which
resulted in four digestible lysine concentrations, 0.48%, 0.60%, 0.72%, and
0.84%. Diets were fed to 48 toms from 114-140 days and body weights
were equalized across treatments at the start of the study. Each tom was
reared individually in litter floor pens. Greatest responses were consistently
observed in toms fed 0.72%-0.84% digestible lysine which corresponded
to 0.90-1.05% total lysine, considerably higher than 0.84% recommended
by Waldroup et al. Across all variables measured (gain, carcass weight,
FER, pectoralis major breast muscle), toms fed 0.84% digestible lysine
diet consistently had the highest values numerically but these were not
significantly different than those fed 0.72% digestible lysine.
In a second series of experiments, diets were formulated containing 2
levels of lysine and multiple levels of threonine. Analyzed levels of lysine
and threonine are very close to calculated values. At the time of writing this
report, the digestibility coefficients of the diets are still to be determined. At
the youngest age period studied, 2-4 weeks, toms were housed individually
(n=48) in Petersime growing battery pens. At older ages, toms were reared
individually in floor pens with litter.
11
age vs. control treatments. Tip-seared ducks had much less use of their bill on
objects at 1 week of age vs. other treatments. Similarly, at 1 and 2 weeks of age,
there was a trend towards reduction in ducks using their bill on themselves
or other ducks when straw was provided, but not at 5 weeks. At processing
(5 weeks), there were notable differences between treatment groups on tail
feather and wing damage, control birds had a higher incidence than other
treatment groups, meaning that provision of straw or bill trimming (sear or IR)
alleviated some wing and tail feather damage that had occurred. No differences
occurred, however, between treatment groups regarding bird performance
(weig-ht or FCR).
Notably, observations within each week, the duration of time spent eating was
not influenced by bill trim method vs. the control. However, in observations of
time spent resting, ducks that were tip-seared spent less time resting during
week 2 vs. control or infra-red trim.
Implications of what has been determined thus far through this research: 1)
Infrared trimming appears to provide some behavioral differences in short-
term vs. heat searing (up to 1 week of age); 2) Long-term ramifications of not
bill trimming results in wing and tail feather damage to birds by processing age
(35 days of age); 3) Provision of straw alleviates some of the negative results of
wing and tail feather damage at processing age (35 days of age), however, may
not be practically implemented in raised floor housing with manure scrape or
flush systems.
Can Lighting Programs be Manipulated in the Growing Phase to
Improve the Skeletal Integrity of Commercial Egg Layers
Purdue - Hester
Project Award: $19,500
Cash Match: $6,500 (Hy-Line International)
Summary: The hypothesis was that a slower, more gradual decline in light
hours, i.e., the slow lighting program, would improve skeletal integrity by
delaying sexual maturity. Although the slow, as compared to the rapid lighting
regimen, delayed sexual maturity as indicated by age of first egg laid (Arango
et al., 2007) and decreased bone length and area (experiment 2) most likely
through later growth plate closure, it did not culminate into improved bone
mineralization. Results indicate that pullets exposed to rapid lighting programs
have better BMD at 66 weeks of age than birds of the slow lighting regimen.
With the exception of the Hy-Line Brown, earlier sexual maturity of pullets
exposed to the rapid lighting program led to a higher peak in egg production
(to 39 weeks) when compared to birds of the slow and moderate lighting
programs. Egg production (to 39 weeks) of the Hy-Line Brown hens subjected
to the rapid lighting regimen also had higher egg production than hens of the
moderate, but not the slow lighting regimen (Arango et al., 2007 and personal
communication with Hy-Line International). This earlier peak in egg production
by hens exposed to the rapid lighting program as pullets (Arango et al., 2007)
may lead to lower egg production by end of lay. The end result would be similar
total egg output for hens on each of the 3 lighting regimens. If this scenario
proves to be true, then hens of the rapid lighting program would have lower
egg production at the end of lay (66 weeks) than those that were subjected to
the slow lighting program. The lowered end of egg production of hens of the
rapid lighting program would result in less demand for bone calcium, leading to
improved bone mineralization at 66 weeks. It is possible that lighting program
in the growing stage of a pullet may not impact the occurrence of osteoporosis
later in the laying or life cycle as much as egg production status. Results on
bone mineralization of hens at 66 weeks could be more affected by number of
eggs laid and amount of shell produced by hens at the end of lay. Experimental
results are based solely on bones collected at 66 weeks after 1 complete laying
cycle. If data were collected during the exposure to the lighting treatments,
in addition to collection from layers throughout the laying life cycle, a better
timeline could be developed for a laying hen��s skeletal integrity.
impact of Stocking Density on Growth &Yield of Commercial Pheasants
OSU – Velleman
Project Award: $26,000
Cash Match: $6,500 (MacFarlane Pheasants)
Summary:Project explored impact of stocking on the commercial pheasant.
The present stocking density 1.8 ft2/bird served as the control. From that
commercial density, 4 additional densities (1.6, 1.4, 1.2 and 1.0 ft2/bird) were
established and exposed to a 15 week growth cycle typical of the modern
commercial pheasant. Stocking density does not become a factor until some
point beyond 12 weeks of age. Prior to that time there were no significant
differences between stocking densities. At 15 weeks of age there were clear
density differences. Birds reared at 1.2 and 1.0 ft2/bird were ~8% lighter than
that of 1.8, 1.6 and 1.4 ft2/bird which did not differ. This depression in growth
also transferred to processed product. In general, there was a clear depression
in weight as density decreased from 1.8-1.0 ft2/bird. The same observation
was made for females.
This research provides clear evidence that the pheasant producer has options
to maximize facility efficiency without adding anything to farm infrastructure.
Production efficiency is expected to be further improved since processing
age will continue to be further reduced in response to selection.
Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Feeds for White Pekin Ducks
Purdue - Adeola
Project Award: $23,197
Cash Match: $10,000 (Maple Leaf Farms)
Summary: Experiment was conducted to determine ileal amino acid
digestibility of various ingredients in ducks. A total of 288 White Pekin ducks
were used in a 5 day trial to determine apparent ileal amino acid digestibility
of various feed ingredients. Six feed ingredients including soybean meal (SBM),
meat and bone meal (MBM), canola meal (CM), corn distillers�� dried grains with
solubles (DDGS), corn, and wheat were used. Feed ingredients served as the
sole source of amino acid in semipurified diets composed of dextrose, soy oil,
solka floc, minerals and vitamins. Ducks received standard duck starter diets
for 13 day post-hatch, and at day 14 were sorted by weight and allocated to
6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 8
replicate cages per treatment and 6 ducks per replicate cage. Beginning from
day 14, ducks received the assay diet for 5 days and ileal digesta was collected
on day 19. Ileal N digestibility was greatest (P <0.01) in diet with SBM and
the range was 72.4 (MBM)-88.3% (SBM). Ileal digestibility of amino acids was
highest for SBM among the feed ingredients. Soybean meal had the greatest
digestibility for lysine followed by CM, corn, wheat and MBM with DDGS being
least digestible (P <0.01). Methionine digestibility in SBM was greater (P <0.01)
than in corn, wheat, DDGS or CM, whereas MBM was the least digestible. For
threonine, SBM had the highest digestibility and corn was the least digestible
(P < 0.01), but there were no differences among other feed ingredients. Ranges
in ileal amino acid digestibility were 69.2 (DDGS)-90.3% (SBM) for lysine, 78.4
(MBM)-91.8% (SBM) for methionine, 61.6 (corn)-84.0% (SBM) for threonine, and
78.9 (MBM)-93.0% (SBM) for tryptophan. In conclusion, there are considerable
differences among protein sources in their ability to supply amino acid in a
form utilizable by the duck. Therefore, more accurate diet formulation may be
attained if digestible amino acids in a feed ingredient are taken into account.
Infrared Bill Trimming in Pekin Ducks
Purdue - Applegate, Pajor, Garner
Project Award: $31,056
Cash Match: $10,500 (Maple Leaf Farms)
Summary: Observations of ducks displaying behavior of using their bill on
other ducks was reduced when given straw as an enrichment at 2 weeks of
12
chains. Data suggests that syndecan-4 functions in an FGF2-independent
manner and the GAG chains attached to the syndecan-4 core protein are not
required for syndecan-4 to affect turkey satellite cell proliferation and the initial
differentiation.
The membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan families, consisting
of the syndecans and glypicans, are low-affinity receptors for fibroblast growth
factor 2 (FGF2) that are essential in regulating the cellular response to FGF2.
The results suggest that FGF2 growth factor signaling is, in part, regulated by
an autoregulatory loop involving FGF2 regulation of syndecan-4 and glypican-
1 expression and will affect the growth of skeletal muscle by modulating the
proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells.
Transforming growth factor-��1 (TGF-��1) is a potent inhibitor of muscle
cell proliferation and differentiation. The TGF-��1 signal is carried by Smad
proteins into the cell nucleus, resulting in the regulation of the expression
of key myogenic regulatory factors including MyoD and myogenin during
myogenesis. However, to date, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition by
Smad-mediated TGF-��1 signaling on the function of the myogenic regulatory
factors has not been well understood. Data suggest that LSN satellite cells
are more responsive to a Smad3-dependent TGF-��1 signaling pathway than
normal satellite cells, and a Smad3-independent pathway is also likely involved
in the regulation of satellite cell proliferation and differentiation.
These data demonstrate the importance of growth factors and their
interaction with the extracellular matrix, especially the proteoglycans, in
regulating poultry skeletal muscle growth and development. An improved
understanding of how these important components regulate skeletal muscle
development in poultry and other meat animals will lead to strategies to
increase production efficiency.
Regulation of the Growth of Poultry Skeletal Muscle
SDSU - McFarland, OSU - Velleman
Project Award: $45,000
Cash Match: $6,250 (South Dakota Poultry Industries Assn, George & Edna
Jaap Poultry Research Fund)
Summary: To determine if differential response to growth factor stimuli
between subpopulations of satellite cells was due to variation in the levels
of activated intracellular signaling proteins, the levels of phospho-MAPK
(phospho-ERK 1/2) were determined in clonal populations. The results suggest
that variation in responsiveness to growth factor stimuli among satellite cell
populations within muscles may be due to several different reasons. Some
differences in cell responsiveness appear to be due to variation in phospho-
MAPK generation.
Transforming growth factor-��1 (TGF-��1) is a potent inhibitor of muscle cell
proliferation and differentiation. Decorin, a small proteoglycan in the extracellular
matrix, binds to TGF-��1 and modulates the activity of TGF-��1 during muscle cell
growth and development. However, its interaction with TGF-��1 and involvement
in myogenesis is not well characterized. Results suggest that decorin induces
myogenic satellite cell proliferation and differentiation by regulating cellular
responsiveness to TGF-��1. An alternative TGF-��1-independent pathway may
be involved in the regulation of satellite cells by decorin.
The syndecans are a family of cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans
consisting of a core protein with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan
(GAG) chains. Syndecan-4 expression in skeletal muscle is increased in growth-
selected animals during proliferation. Previous studies have suggested that cell-
surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans like syndecan-4 are involved in fibroblast
growth factor 2 (FGF2) signaling by FGF2 binding to the heparan sulfate
MPRP Approved Projects FY 2008
MPRP
Funds
Cash
Match
Further Evaluation of Feeding Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles in Non-Feed Withdrawal Molt Programs for Laying Hens
U of IL - Koelkebeck, Parsons
$18,000
$8,000
(44%)
Further Evaluation of Varying Length Feeding of Prebiotics as Replacement for Antibiotic Growth Promoters
U of IL - Parsons
$28,000
$12,000
(43%)
Production of Ovotransferrin from Egg White for Antimicrobial Application
ISU - Ahn, Lee
$78,604
$14,035
(18%)
Femur Spiral Fracturing: Genetic Influence & Femur Composition in Today��s Commercial Toms
MSU - Karcher
$51,768
$13,500
(26%)
Development of Immunogens to Protect Against Turkey Cellulitis
U of MN - Foster
$35,741
$11,962
(33%)
Market Turkey Response to Dietary Protein as an Energy Source
U of MN - Noll
$26,439
$8,813
(33%)
Turkey Cellulitis: Descriptive Epidemiology & Molecular Characterization of Potential Etiological Agents
U of MN - Wells, Oliveira
$69,375
$23,128
(33%)
Coccidiosis in Game Birds
NDSU - Gibbs
$16,780
$4,375
(26%)
Human-Animal Interactions in the Turkey Industry
OSU - Botheras
$7,861
$5,000
(64%)
Incubation Conditions & Bone Integrity in Pekin Ducks
Purdue - Akkus, Applegate
$31,789
$7,950
(25%)
Regulation of the Growth of Poultry Skeletal Muscle
SDSU - McFarland, OSU - Velleman
$25,000
$6,250
(25%)
Identifying Causes that Develop the Pink Color Defect in Cooked Ground Turkey Breasts & Red Discoloration of Turkey Thighs Associated
with the Bone U of WI - Claus
$39,194
$13,106
(33%)
Total Research (30% Cash Match)
$428,551 $128,119
Iowa State Administration
$20,000
-
MPC Outreach
$20,000
$20,000
Total MPRP Projects (32% Cash Match)
$468,551 $148,119
13
agent in foods. Objectives are: 1) Develop a commercial-scale separation
method of a food-grade ovotransferrin from egg white and 2) Test the
antimicrobial capability of activated ovotransferrin in meat systems.
Objective 1: Scaling up of the separation process. Conditions selected
from the laboratory-scale study will be used as starting conditions for
a large scale separation of ovotransferrin from egg white. Because of
the dramatic increase in volume, saturation conditions for iron, mixing,
centrifugation, and the responses of egg albumin and ovotransferrin to
pH and ethanol may be different. Optimal conditions for all parameters
tested for laboratory scale preparation will be tested again for large-scale
preparation of ovotransferrin from egg white.
Objective 2: Testing the antimicrobial capability of ovotransferrin with
meat systems. Separated ovotransferrin will be solublized, iron removed,
activated, and then verified for its antimicrobial activity using meat
systems. Effects of activated ovotransferrin alone and in combination with
other additives such as EDTA, citric acid, and lysozyme on the survival of
L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 in ground raw meat will be tested.
Because ovotransferrin is reported to decrease inactivation temperature
for many pathogens, ovotransferrin alone and its combinations with EDTA,
citric acid, and lysozyme will be added in ground meat and heated at
different temperatures to determine if ovotransferrin and its combinations
show any effect in lowering inactivation temperature for L. monocytogenes
and E. coli O157:H7 in meat.
As a result, a simple, economical method that can separate ovotransferrin
from egg white in commercial-scales will be developed. Also expected
to be found are the effects of additives on the antimicrobial activities of
ovotransferrin in meat. Synergistic effects of ovotransferrin in lowering
inactivation temperature of pathogens during heating can be determined.
Reduction of both pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in meat
will provide significant economical benefits to the meat industry by
improving microbial safety and producing longer shelf life, which will also
be important for consumers.
Femur Spiral Fracturing: Genetic Influence & Femur Composition
in Today��s Commercial Toms
MSU - Karcher
Project Award: $51,768
Cash Match: $13,500 (Michigan State University Funds)
Objectives: Project goal is to elucidate characteristics of the femur that
lead to spiral fracturing in commercial turkeys. Successful completion
will help to identify strategies to enhance skeletal soundness resulting in
reduced economic loss and improved well-being.
Objective 1: Establish influence of genetic selection on femur composition.
Genetic selection of turkeys has resulted in a tom that obtains 40+ lbs
in 20 weeks of age, an increase from 30 lbs at 18 weeks over the last 2
decades. The hypothesis is that the potential for rapid growth has reduced
the ability of the bone to adapt its mechanical competence to changes in
physiological loads. Using genetic lines with different selection pressures
for growth and carcass (breast) yield will provide insight into how femur
composition has changed as a result of the selection pressure.
Objective 2: Determine factors responsible for failure. The increasing
incidence of femoral spiral fractures in the field requires an investigation into
what is contributing to femur failure. Using fractured bones collected from
the field, the effects of bone morphology, size, tissue level strength, tissue
mineralization, crystal maturity and collagen orientation on the quality of
femurs from toms experiencing spiral fractures will be investigated.
2008 MPRP Project Objectives
Further Evaluation of Feeding Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles in Non-
Feed Withdrawal Molt Programs for Laying Hens
U of IL - Koelkebeck, Parsons
Project Award: $18,000
Cash Match: $8,000 (Dakota Gold Research Associations; JBS United)
Objectives: In recent years, concern for hens during an induced
molt has been expressed by animal activists groups contending they
experience stress due to feed removal, necessary to induce a molt. Many
food companies, i.e., McDonalds, have told suppliers to no longer use
feed withdrawal programs to initiate molt. Thus, development of viable,
economical methods of induced molting without feed withdrawal is very
important to the continued viability of the commercial egg industry.
Some egg producers have been using corn distiller��s dried grains with
solubles (DDGS) in layer diets and non-feed withdrawal molt diets at the
10-20% level. In many areas of the Midwest, DDGS is very inexpensive and
highly cost effective. Thus, it is of interest to evaluate the use of moderate
and high levels of DDGS in molt diets. The objective is to evaluate the
effects of feeding varying levels of DDGS with corn, wheat middlings, and
soybean hulls on long-term laying hen postmolt performance.
Feeding corn, wheat middlings, and soybean diets have shown good results
in previous experiments. The objective here is to determine if feeding diets
containing several different levels of DDGS would provide acceptable
postmolt performance in a non-feed withdrawal molt program for laying
hens. Additionally, hen consumption of these diets will be restricted to 14
lbs/100 hens/day, similar to what is done in the commercial industry.
Further Evaluation of Varying Length Feeding of Prebiotics as
Replacement for Antibiotic Growth Promoters
U of IL - Parsons
Project Award: $28,000
Cash Match: $12,000 (Dakota Gold Research Association, JBS United)
Objectives: This project will further evaluate varying length feeding of
several feed additives that have potential for replacing antibiotic growth
promoters in broiler chicken diets. The feeding of low-level antibiotic
growth promoters is being severely criticized and scrutinized by federal
regulatory agencies and this practice will likely be restricted or banned in
the future. Several experiments will be conducted with broiler chickens
to evaluate several prebiotic ingredients such as various indigestible
carbohydrates, Grobiotic-P, and DDGS fiber. Experiments will include
measurements of growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and different
measurements of dietary effects on the microbial ecology of the intestinal
tract. The research is directly applicable to broiler chickens, with the
results also likely being applicable to turkeys and ducks as well. Specific
objectives: 1) Evaluate effectiveness of short-term and longer-term feeding
of prebiotic ingredients (Grobiotic-P, Temulose, Alternan, DDGS fiber) for
improving growth and nutrient utilization in antibiotic-free diets of young
chicks; and 2) Evaluate effect of various feed additives or ingredients on the
gut microflora and intestinal health of young chicks.
Production of Ovotransferrin from Egg White for Antimicrobial
Application
ISU - Ahn, Lee
Project Award: $78,604
Cash Match: $14,035 (Iowa Egg Council)
Objectives: The long-term goal of this project is separating ovotransferrin
from egg white in commercial scales and using it as a natural antimicrobial
14
The amount of money lost to producers in the country due to spiral
fracturing is in the millions annually with a large proportion of those
producers located in the Midwest.
Development of Immunogens to Protect Against Turkey Cellulitis
U of MN - Foster
Project Award: $35,741
Cash Match: $11,962 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Objectives: The objective is to produce 11 different recombinant
fusion proteins corresponding to fragments of �� toxin of
Clostridium
septicum, believed to be one of the causative agents of turkey cellulitis.
The plan is to produce up to 200mg of each of the purified recombinant
fusion proteins to be used in conjunction with an adjuvant, to serve
as an immunogen, when presented to turkeys. To avoid producing a
biologically active and potentially dangerous exotoxin, which would
require biohazard level 3 containment conditions, scientists in this study
have chosen to express multiple fragments of the
Clostridium septicum ��
toxin gene in a fusion polypeptide system. Additionally, the expression of
the
Clostridium septicum �� toxin and its mutant isoforms are covered by
an all-encompassing U.S. patent that would be infringed upon if anyone
were to express the complete
Clostridium septicum �� toxin or its isoforms.
Overall goals: 1) Produce 7 contiguous fragments of the �� toxin of
Clostridium septicum by designing 174-183 bp oligonucleotides to span
the entire 1227 bp exotoxin gene. Four additional oligonucleotides
will be designed that have base pair changes introduced into domains
previously shown to have biological activity specific to the �� toxin; 2) Use
the above fragments in a bacterial expression plasmid system to produce
recombinant �� toxin subunits. The pQE40 plasmid will utilize a strong
promoteroperator system (for expression in E. coli M15 bacterial cells)
to drive expression of the �� toxin subunit DNA fragment sequences. This
vector also has a fusion gene that encodes a protein (DHFR) to stabilize
recombinant �� toxin subunits, thus, avoiding conjugation to a larger
molecule for stability and immunogenicity. Finally, a 6x His tag (amino acid,
histidine repeated 6 times) will be incorporated into final recombinant
polypeptide for purification from bacterial lysates; 3) Purify each of
the �� toxin polypeptide subunits using a nickel Ni-NTA agarose resin
column which binds the 6x His tag in fusion recombinant polypeptide.
This purification method should yield up to 200mg of recombinant
polypeptide/fragment clone; and 4) Test each of the fusion protein �� toxin
polypeptide subunits in birds in the field.
Market Turkey Response to Dietary Protein as an Energy Source
U of MN - Noll
Project Award: $26,439
Cash Match: $8,813 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Objectives: The objective of this project is to determine the response of
market turkey toms to diets varying in calorie/protein (amino acid) density
in diets low in supplemental fat and high in alternative protein content on
turkey growth performance and breast meat yield.
The biofuels industry will continue to change the availability and types
of ingredients available for poultry feeding. Besides utilization of corn
in the production of ethanol, biodiesel production will also change the
feed ingredient picture. Biodiesel production utilizes fat sources such as
animal fats, restaurant grease, vegetable oils and extraction of oils from
feedstocks such as oilseeds and corn processing. The future impact
on the poultry feed industry will be fewer available fat sources and an
increased supply of extracted oil seed meals such as canola meal and
soybean meal to go along with increased supplies of distillers grains. For
producers to economically formulate diets, information is needed on the
response to dietary energy and dietary protein by current genetic strains
of turkeys. However, there is little current information on market turkey
response to differing energy regimes. Establishing such responses would
also be useful in the future for being able to better assess responses to
exogenous enzymes and other feed additives proposed to improve
energy utilization.
Turkey Cellulitis: Descriptive Epidemiology & Molecular
Characterization of Potential Etiological Agents
U of MN - Oliveira, Wells
Project Award: $69,375
Cash Match: $23,128 (Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council)
Objectives: The objectives are: 1) Characterize the descriptive
epidemiology of turkey cellulitis, including evaluation of time, place, and
host characteristics of this disease in turkeys; and 2) Identify molecular
signatures of pathotypes of Clostridia associated with turkey cellulitis
based on the analysis of the molecular epidemiology of infection.
Coccidiosis in Game Birds
NDSU - Gibbs
Project Award: $16,780
Cash Match: $4,375 (North American Gamebird Association)
Objectives: Coccidiosis is a major limitation to the production and
marketing of game species of birds in America, principally Bobwhite Quail,
Ringneck Pheasants, and the Chukar Partridge. Virtually no research has
been conducted on the disease agents, other than to describe some of
the species, and to conduct tests on the potential for control by existing
anticoccidial drugs. Clearly, an organized industry effort is needed to
generate the technical capability of control of coccidiosis, and to produce a
vaccine for more reliable prevention.
Objective 1: Identify responsible disease agents in the 3 avian species of
interest. The coccidia of avian species are host-specific, each bird has its own
species of coccidia. Even closely related species of birds may have separate
species of coccidia. Thus, identification of those coccidia species responsible
for disease in Bobwhite Quail, Ringneck Pheasants, and the Chukar Partridge
is of utmost importance.
Objective 2: Several laboratory tests of existing anticoccidial products will
be conducted with each of the target bird species against infections with
the species of coccidia identified in Objective I. Additional testing is needed
to determine whether the anticoccidials are toxic when used in these
particular avian species.
Development of vaccines by attenuation of 1 or 2 important species of
coccidia in each type of bird might be effectively employed for a more
reliable control method. Although this is unlikely to be completed here,
the findings from this study will give preliminary data so that vaccination in
game birds could be further explored.
Human-Animal Interactions in the Turkey Industry
OSU - Botheras
Project Award: $7,861
Cash Match: $5,000 (Cooper Farms, Ohio Poultry Association)
Objectives: The long-term goals are to better understand human-animal
relationships in the turkey industry, and the potential to manipulate these
relationships through education and training programs to ultimately
enhance bird welfare and productivity. The impetus for this research is the
15
substantial evidence in other animals, including laying hens and broiler
chickens, that these human-animal relationships have significant impact on
animal welfare and productivity. Research will specifically investigate fear
of humans in turkeys and the possible relationships with bird productivity
and welfare. Evidence of bird fear, bird welfare and bird productivity
relationships will demonstrate possible commercial opportunities to
improve bird welfare and productivity. Indeed, subsequent research in
commercial situations to identify the stockperson factors, such as attitude
and behavior, which regulate the fear response of turkeys to humans,
will enable the development of stockperson training programs aimed at
improving stockmanship by improving the human-animal relationship in
the turkey industry.
A pilot study will be conducted to develop a suitable methodology to assess
fear of humans in turkeys of different ages in a standardized behavioral test.
In broiler chickens, several behavioral tests have been developed to assess
fear of humans in commercial situations. Such tests form the logical initial
basis for the development of suitable tests of fear of humans in turkeys of
different ages. Research will be conducted in commercial turkey units in the
Midwest, and will investigate the variation in bird behavioral responses to
humans (fear of humans), and their relationships with stockperson (human)
behavior and bird productivity and welfare.
Regulation of the Growth of Poultry Skeletal Muscle
OSU - Velleman, SDSU - McFarland
Project Award: $25,000
Cash Match: $6,250 (South Dakota Poultry Industries Assoc., George & Edna
Jaap Poultry Research Fund)
Objectives: The long-range research goals are to improve efficiency and
rates of muscle (meat) accretion in poultry and to identify biochemical
parameters that might improve selection criteria of poultry. The major
focus is elucidation of mechanisms which regulate the growth of skeletal
muscle tissue in poultry. Major factors influencing the growth of muscle
are polypeptide growth factors and extracellular matrix. It has become
increasingly clear that these two components of growth are intimately tied
together and each interacts with and regulates the activity of the other.
This project will utilize myogenic satellite cells in culture. Satellite cells are
located adjacent to skeletal muscle fibers and are responsible for postnatal
skeletal muscle growth and development. Satellite cells isolated from 2
different muscles of the turkey and chicken (pectoralis major and biceps
femoris) will be used. This project is a continuation of research started in 2007.
It has been demonstrated that satellite cells can proliferate in the presence
of different fatty acid profiles and dramatically change the phospholipid
composition of their membranes. This ongoing project is designed to test
the hypothesis that poultry satellite cells grown to incorporate various
types and proportions of fatty acids in their membrane lipids, differ in their
responsiveness to growth factor stimuli and expression of particular heparan
sulfate proteoglycans (syndecans and glypicans). Following completion
of these studies the hypothesis that changes in membrane phospholipid
composition will influence the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling
pathway and mitochondrial activity of proliferating cells will be tested. To
further examine the effect of altered membrane phospholipid composition
on cell signaling, plans are to measure expression of syndecan-3, -4, and
glypican-1 in proliferating and differentiating satellite cells exposed to
increasing levels of fibroblast growth factor-2.
This is designed to improve the understanding of the mechanisms
regulating skeletal muscle growth, in particular how dietary lipid
composition influences muscle development. This research will ultimately
lead to methods to improve the efficiency of poultry meat production.
Incubation Conditions & Bone Integrity in Pekin Ducks
Purdue - Akkus, Applegate
Project Award: $31,789
Cash Match: $7,950 (Maple Leaf Farms)
Objectives: Given variation in moisture loss from incubating eggs (due to
inability to reduce humidity particularly in summer months), the resultant
air space available for duckling (applicable to poults and chicks) can be
limiting. Physical space limitation for bird to pip through shell may cause
respiratory and metabolic acidosis/ketosis and have an effect on hatchling
quality. The duck industry is facing a high incidence of keel abnormalities
and long bone deformations that can be noted in the hatchery as well as
the processing plant. Higher incidence in more humid geographies and
times of year are suggestive of an eggshell conductance and humidity loss/
gas exchange issue in the hatchery. Additionally, it is well known that multi-
stage incubators can create micro-climates with dramatic differences in
incubation environments (heat/humidity variation). Therefore, the working
hypothesis is that variation in moisture loss caused by uneven incubator
microclimates creates a space limitation for the embryo to get out of the
egg, requiring the bird to exert itself more, thereby damaging the bird��s rib/
keel. The goal of this study is to determine if humidity loss and temperature/
humidity variation from multi-stage incubators creates any short and/or
long-term damage to skeletal integrity of the Pekin duckling.
Identifying Causes that Develop the Pink Color Defect in Cooked
Ground Turkey Breasts & Red Discoloration of Turkey Thighs
Associated with the Bone
U of WI - Claus
Project Award: $39,194
Cash Match: $13,106 (Jennie-O Turkey Store))
Objectives: The goal is to identify and characterize pink pigments and
factors associated with the presence of pink pigments in cooked ground
turkey breast and intact thigh muscle. This research addresses maintaining
turkey meat quality during further processing. Project objectives: 1)
Characterize pink pigments associated with storing presalted and ground
turkey breast; 2) Evaluate ability of pink inhibiting ingredient to control
pink discoloration in cooked ground turkey breast produced from
presalted stored and ground turkey; 3) Investigate differences in cooked
color and pigment characteristics associated with different turkey breast
trim locations in cooked ground turkey breast; and 4) Evaluate chemical
and physical differences between turkey thighs with and without red
around the bone.
For full reports or future research needs -
visit our website at www.mwpoultry.org
MIDWEST POULTRY CONSORTIUM SPONSORS
Fiscal Year 2007/2008
AgStar Financial Services
ALPHARMA Animal Health
American Dehydrated Foods
Aova Technologies
Arrington, Lou
Aviagen
Big Dutchman
Butterfield Foods
Cal-Maine Foods
Cargill Kitchen Solutions
Case Farms
Center Fresh/Sioux Cty Egg Farms
Centurion Poultry
ChemGen
Chick Master
Chore-Time, an EPS Division
CHS Foundation
Cooper Farms
Danisco Animal Nutrition
Daybreak Foods
Decoster Egg Farms
Diamond Systems
Elanco Animal Health
Evonik Degussa Corporation
FACCO USA
Farm Credit Services of America
Farm Credit Services of Mid-America
Farmer Automatic of America
Florida Poultry Federation
Fremont Farms of Iowa
Golden Oval Eggs
Gold��n Plump
Handrew
Henning Construction
Hybrid Turkeys
Hy-Line international
Hy-Vac
ILC Resources
iowa Egg Council
Iowa Turkey Marketing Council
IVESCO
JEM Farms
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Katolight Corp.
Kemin AgriFoods
Koechner Manufacturing
Land O��Lakes Purina Feed
MacFarlane Pheasants
Maple Leaf Farms
Michael Foods
Michigan Allied Poultry Industries
Midwest Livestock Systems
Midwest Poultry Federation
Midwest Poultry Services
MN Turkey Research & Promo Council
Moore Stephens Frost
Nebraska Eggs
Nebraska Poultry Industries
*Note: Sponsorships <$500 are appreciated, but are not listed.
$ 5,000+ Sponsors • $10,000+ Sponsors • $20,000+ Sponsors
Nebraska Turkey Growers
Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms
North American Game Bird Assn
Novus International
Ohio Poultry Association
Perdue Farms
Primera Foods
Rembrandt Enterprises
Ridley Feed Ingredients
Rose Acre Farms
S & R Egg Farm
Sanovo Engineering
Sonstegard Foods
South Dakota Poultry Industries Assn
Sparboe Companies
Tigges, Kent
Turkey Valley Farms
United Egg Producers
University of Florida
University of Minnesota
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Vencomatic
Wabash Valley Produce
Wells Fargo Bank
West Liberty Foods
Willmar Poultry Company
Wisconsin Poultry & Egg Ind. Assn
Want to get involved?
Your financial support is most appreciated!
As an MPC sponsor you can...
Be a COE speaker! • Host an intern!
Hire a COE graduate! • Contact a researcher with your research needs!
Cash match an MPRP research project! • Serve on the MPRP screening committee!
