Source:  Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/30/11
 

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has posted the results of three research projects as part of its research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing.

Project #656, “Determination and Analysis of the Poultry Gut Viral Metagenome,” examines poultry enteric disease and its related symptoms – poult enteritis complex (PEC), poult enteritis mortality syndrome (PEMS), and running-stunting syndrome (RSS). Using state -of-the-art nucleic acid sequencing, the research project was designed to determine the full genomic profile of organisms found in the gut environment.

Project #F025, “Are the Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Recombinant Viral Vector Vaccines Efficient Tools for the Control of the Disease,” was launched to determine why recent infectious recombinant laryngotracheitis (ILT) vaccinations have turned up varying results. The research was conducted to determine the degree and onset of protection induced by recombinant vaccines when applied in ovo and subcutaneously; to determine if shedders are produced in recombinant vaccinated chickens; and to improve detection of antibodies produced following vaccination.

Project #662, “Bacterial Re-colonization of In-House Composted Broiler Litter,” examined the use of in-house litter composting to reduce bacteria in broiler litter. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine re-colonization of food-borne bacterial pathogens in composted and non-composted litter; identify bacteria associated with reduced pathogen re-colonization; and correlate ammonia levels on pathogen re-colonization. Researchers found that although initial microbial levels were reduced and food-borne pathogens were increased in composted litter, bacterial levels were similar in composted and non-composted litter treatments by the seventh week of tests.

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