Animal Sciences Commons^™

Engineering Broiler Efficiency Through Modern Infrastructure Design And Precision Control, Chris Travers

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings describe a modern, innovative broiler site in South Africa constructed with the following objectives in mind: Scale, Energy Efficiency, Precision Environmental Control with AI Integration, and Off-Grid Power Autonomy.

Renal And Gastrointestinal Disturbances That Cause Wet Manure And Litter In Poultry: Non-Nutritional And Nutritional Interventions To Prevent And Control The Issues, Fausto Solís

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings represent a broad overview of wet litter causes and management.  Both the impact on bird health and fertilizer management are discussed.  In addition to nutritional factors that impact litter quality, these proceedings address poultry health from disease implications of wet litter.

Precision Broiler Nutrition: Bioeconomic Optimization Of Broiler Feeds With A Focus On Balanced Protein (Bp) And Metabolizable Energy (Me), Shivaram K. Rao, Rocky Latham, Phillip Smith, Hunter Walters, Malea Frank, Alejandro Corzo

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Key broiler performance indicators in live performance and yields are impacted by precision nutrition, and more specifically balanced protein and energy.  These proceedings deal with bioeconomic optimization of broiler performance using profit scenarios like income over feed costs.

Soybean Meal Quality: Key Quality Control Parameters And Current Recommended Thresholds For In Vitro Assessments, Benjamin Parsons

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings review the anti-nutritional factors of soybean meal and its resultant quality.  Numerous in vitro assays are discussed herein.  Recommendations from data on the most robust assays to assess both under and overprocessing of soybean meal are discussed.

Does Phytase Change How We Feed Breeders?, Wenting Li

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Dietary evaluation of the use of exogenous phytase has received considerable attention in broilers, but not broiler breeders.  Moreover, the limited studies that have assessed phytase in broiler breeders are dated, which makes interpretation problematic because dated phytase enzymes are not as efficacious as current phytase enzymes.  The article addressed practical applications for dietary phytase in broiler breeder diets.

A Practical Approach To Sustainability In The Poultry Industry, Franco Mussini

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This work highlights poultry industry advances in production, nutrition, and processing with less environmental impact. Specific sections address exogenous enzyme application on mineral nutrition and protein and feed-grade amino acid nutrition.  Finally, conclusions on precision feeding opportunities in the broiler industry and meat production comparison with other animal production industries are discussed.

Current State Of U.S. Soybean Industry, Gordon Denny

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This presentation highlights the current state of U.S. soybean production and the subsequent industrial manufacturing of oil and soybean meal.  The former has been quoted as being in “the midst of the most dramatic and significant changes in history.”  Reasons for the former are discussed.

Γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves Gut-Brain Axis Function And Behavioral Adaptation In Broilers Under Low-Protein Diet, Randi Randi, Anisa Aulia, Muhtadin Muhtadin, Chusnul Hanim, Michael Kidd, Al Anas Muhsin

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Low crude protein (CP) diets can improve feed efficiency and reduce ammonia emissions, but negative impacts on broiler productivity can occur. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation in low CP diets on productivity, enzyme activity, neuropeptidergic gene expression, and behavior of broilers. A total of 360 male Ross 308 broilers were used in a factorial design experiment with two CP levels (19.5 and 18.0%) and three GABA levels (0, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Dietary CP and GABA levels did not significantly affect broiler productivity (P>0.05). Reducing CP in the diet increased amylase and …

Cross-Domain Antimicrobial Resistance In Poultry Farming: A One Health Assessment Of Antimicrobial Use And Multidrug Resistance In Kiambu County, Kenya, Ann Kangai Munene, Peter Muiruri Mwangi, Lilly Caroline Bebora, Christine Minoo Mbindyo, John Muthini Maingi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major One Health threat driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) in humans, animals, and the environment. Poultry production is recognized as a key reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, yet few studies in Kenya examine AMU and AMR across interconnected human–animal–environment domains. This study assessed AMU patterns among poultry farmers in Kiambu County and characterized phenotypic resistance in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from humans, chickens, and chicken environments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024, involving 102 poultry farms. Farm demographics and AMU data …

Effects Of Perching Behavior In Broilers On Welfare And Production Benefits, Natalie G. Bunn

Honors Theses and Capstones

Broiler chickens are bred for feed efficiency, rapid growth rate, and muscle development. Conventional broiler farms utilize fast-growing breeds that reach market weight rapidly and present welfare concerns. Primarily raised indoors with little enrichment, the genetics and husbandry practices of broilers encourage inactivity and perpetuate health problems such as skeletal deformities, lameness, and pododermatitis. Despite the commonness of these issues, there is little research on the reduction of such health complications through production management. This study investigated methods to promote perching behavior and the effects of riser perch and platform perch utilization in broilers. A mixed flock of slow-growing Gray …

Incidence Of Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness In Commercial Duck Flocks In Mojokerto, Indonesia, Andi Asnayanti, Siti Azizah, Anif Mukaromah Wati, Ahmad Ridwan, Ahmad Arman Dahlan, Dinda Rosalita, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Adnan Alrubaye

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness is an infection of opportunistic bacteria in the structural skeletal bones impacting multiple animal species, particularly poultry species. BCO lameness results in significant financial losses to industrial poultry production and increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, posing a major threat to consumers' food safety. As BCO lameness is an inherent risk of fast body weight gain in poultry species, especially broiler chickens, abundant studies have been conducted in broilers and turkeys. Nevertheless, BCO lameness incidence in ducks remains elusive. Thus, this is the first survey investigating the prevalence of BCO lameness cases in ducks. …

Preliminary Investigation Of Cecal Microbiota In Experimental Broilers Reared Under The Aerosol Transmission Lameness Induction Model, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Khawla Alharbi, Ruvindu Perera, Andi Asnayanti, Adnan Alrubaye

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), and its associated lameness, is one of the most common and devastating issues the poultry industry constantly faces, both globally and domestically. Leveraging the currently accepted "leaky gut" model of pathogenesis, this study aims to evaluate the cecal community of broilers reared under the aerosol transmission BCO induction model. A trial involving 1320 Cobb 500 broilers was conducted using the same induction model for 56 d with the following treatments: (1) positive control (PC)-untreated birds on wire-flooring pens; (2) negative control (NC)-untreated birds on litter-flooring pens; (3) LOW-birds treated with probiotic Enterococcus faecium spray on …

The Nebraska Bird Review (December 2025) 93(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Changes to The Nebraska Bird Review, by Janis Paseka

Fall Field Report, August–November 2025, by W. Ross Silcock

First definitive records of Hermit Thrush and Wilson’s Warbler subspecies for Nebraska, by Stephen J. Brenner and Joel G. Jorgensen

Ogallala Fall Field Days, Sept. 26–28, 2025

Index to Volume 93

Subscription and Organization Information

Index To Volume 93

Nebraska Bird Review

Adams, Morgan
Aguiar: Maritza, Stephanie
Albright, Don
Alexander: Jeff, Jan
Aliferis, Taylor
Allard, Savannah
Allen, Edward
Allison, Betty
Altman, Dakota
Alvarado, A. H.
Ammon, E. M.
Anandan, Sampath Kumar
Andersen, Brett
Anderson: Ann, Chris, Will
Andrews, Ryan
Anhinga
Ani, Groove-billed
Annunziata, Laura
Armstrong, Nancy
Augustine, Jackie
Aurilio, James
Avocet, American

. . .

Zagst: Fred, Kay
Zeillemaker, Fred
Zemaitis, William
Zicafoose, Kirby
Zonotrichia leucophrys: gambelii, leucophrys, oriantha

First Definitive Records Of Hermit Thrush And Wilson’S Warbler Subspecies For Nebraska, Stephen J. Brenner, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

During the fall of 2025, we initiated a pilot migratory bird-banding project in the Nebraska Panhandle. While the project’s goals included examining species composition, volume, and body condition of migratory birds at the western edge of the state compared to the eastern edge of the state, we also used this project to document the occurrence of subspecies and species which are very challenging or impossible to identify through field observation. Here, we report on the first definitive records of two subspecies in Nebraska.

On 16 September 2025, SJB banded an adult male Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) that was …

Fall Field Report, August–November 2025, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

As in previous fall seasons, by far the most modifications to BONO came from late departure dates; around 87 species were included, no fewer than 13 of these setting record late dates, notably Eastern Whip-poor-will, Mountain Plover, Brown Thrasher (north), Henslow’s Sparrow (flight call only), and Orchard Oriole.

Although this is a Fall Seasonal Report, noted or suggested breeding activity is of interest. Exciting were the 2nd and 3rd presumed breeding records of Black-chinned Hummingbird and, in Dodge Co, the 5th record of breeding by Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. Perhaps the strangest west to east occurrence was a Golden Eagle adventure in …

Changes To The Nebraska Bird Review, Janis Paseka

Nebraska Bird Review

As of this issue, The Nebraska Bird Review has been in existence for 93 years, looking very much now as it did when it began in 1933. However, due to the increasing costs of printing and postage, there will be some changes in its future. Our newsletter, The Burrowing Owl, is already provided online to our members, in a user-friendly and informative form. Future issues of The Nebraska Bird Review will also utilize a digital format to offer a more timely and colorful publication.

This is the final issue for which Ross Silcock will be compiler of the seasonal …

Characterization Of Water Intake And Water Conversion Ratio For Male And Female Broilers From Four Commercial Broiler Lines Reared To Eight Weeks Of Age, J.Z. Hiltz, C.W. Maynard, T.W. Tabler, M.A. Maquesda, K.M. Shafer, K.B. Nelson, M.T. Kidd, N.B. Anthony, S.K. Orlowski-Workman

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Increased interest and investigation into the sustainability of broiler production has led to a need for reliable and repeatable means to measure water intake and its conversion rate into salable meat. Therefore, a study was conducted to characterize the water intake and water conversion ratio (WCR) of male and female broilers from four modern broiler strains. Two of these lines represented fast growing broiler strains (FGB A and FGB B) targeting a small bird market and two represented high yielding broiler strains (HYB A and HYB B). Three replicates of 25 sexed broilers from each line were placed into 24 …

Exploring Phenological Mismatch And The Role Of Aquatic Insects For Olive-Sided Flycatchers (Contopus Cooperi) Breeding In Boreal Alaska, Ian Kwit

Biological Sciences

Migratory insectivorous birds are an increasingly threatened group worldwide. These birds rely on an ephemeral resource of insects during a short window in which they arrive at breeding territories to rear young. Climate change has the potential to create a phenological mismatch between the timing of bird breeding and the availability of key insect prey. This study investigates the potential for such a phenological mismatch in a population of olive-sided flycatchers (Contopus cooperi). We used data on breeding phenologies and the composition of insect communities around nests in three regions of Alaska, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, to …

Explaining The Association Between Kittlitz's Murrelets (Brachyramphus Brevirostris) And Tidewater Glaciers: Which Habitat Factors Influence Spatial Distribution?, Brendan Higgins

Marine Biology

The Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) is a rare and cryptic seabird species that inhabits Alaska and Eastern Siberia. Populations of Kittlitz’s Murrelets that occur in areas with tidewater glaciers are tightly associated with tidewater glaciers and are only found in close proximity to them. The Kittlitz’s Murrelet is a species of conservation concern, but specific habitat associations are poorly understood. I conducted a multidisciplinary investigation to better understand associations between Kittlitz’s Murrelets and tidewater fjord physical structure. I used remotely sensed spectral indices to model change in abundance of suitable nesting habitat, and a long-term oceanographic dataset to quantify changes …

Ogallala Fall Field Days, Janis Paseka

Nebraska Bird Review

The 2025 NOU Fall Field Days were held in Ogallala on September 26–28, with about 80 in attendance. The programs were held at the Quality Inn, and the meeting was planned by Boni Edwards, Dave Cunningham, and Paul Pearson. Field trips were led by Tobin and Keegan Brown, Jacob Cooper and UNK ornithology students, Joel Jorgensen and Stephen Brenner, T. J. Walker, and Thane Dinsdale. Destinations included various sites around Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Cedar Point Biological Station, Sutherland Reservoir SRA, Ash Hollow State Historical Park, Crescent Lake NWR, Arthur Co and various Sandhills lakes. The total species count was …

A Silver Spoon Effect Reduces Lifetime Fitness In A Declining Loon Population, Walter H. Piper, Claudia Kodsuntie, Hayden Walkush

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

A complete understanding of factors that influence animal fitness requires that we measure not only those occurring day to day in the life of an animal but also those that operate on longer time scales. Here, we investigated silver spoon effects (fitness impacts resulting from conditions faced early in life) and carryover effects (fitness impacts caused by environmental factors in a previous season) in a northern Wisconsin population of the common loon (Gavia immer). The mass of a loon chick divided by its age, an indication of food it received from its parents in its first 4 to …

Effect Of Chronic Heat Stress On Duodenal Epithelial Barrier Integrity In Low- And High-Water-Efficient Broiler Chickens, Lulu Liu, Elizabeth S. Greene, Brooklee Roach, Sara Orlowski, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Heat stress (HS) has long posed a significant challenge to the poultry industry due to its adverse effects, such as depressed feed intake, decreased growth performance, and increased water consumption. Water efficiency (WE, conversion of water intake into body weight gain), although often neglected, is a key economic and production trait that is significantly affected by HS. Recently, we selected two broiler lines for high WE (HWE) and low WE (LWE) and showed a differential hypothalamic expression of genes involved in water homeostasis regulation. As the gut also plays a significant role in water absorption, the present study aimed to …

Commercial Laying Hen Farms' General Characteristics, Environmental Management, And Biosecurity Practices In The Sub-Arid Area Of Algeria, Yacine Kasmi, Nouzha Heleili, Zohra Ahmed Gaid, Brahim Hamad, Leyla Hadef, Manel Merradi

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The success of commercial laying hen farms depends on the possibility of managing environmental conditions properly and performing strict biosecurity measures, which would increase productivity, enhance the performance of the flock, and save money, especially in regions characterized by challenging climatic conditions, such as the sub-arid and arid areas. There is, however, very little literature exploring these issues in the Algerian context. The objective of the study was to assess environmental management and biosecurity practices, and the relationship between these and farm size in the Algerian sub-arid area (northeast Algeria). The face-to-face interviews were conducted between January 2024 and April …

Zn Glycine Mitigates The Lps-Induced Hepatic Injury And Inflammation Through Nrf2/Nfκb Signaling In Geese, Zeshan Zulfiqar, Muhammad Arslan Asif, Layla Al-Mitib, Khawla Alharbi, Tanzina Hossain, Han Yao, Xiaoyan Zhu, Zhichang Wang, Hao Sun, Yalei Cui, Yinghua Shi

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli have an outer membrane that contains lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a powerful inducer of systemic inflammation. It is often associated with gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and liver damage. Despite increasing recognition of the gut-liver axis as a critical mediator in systemic inflammation and hepatic pathology, the efficacy of nutritional strategies targeting this pathway remains inadequately defined. This study evaluated the protective effects of zinc glycine (Zn_Gly), a highly bioavailable organic zinc chelate, against LPS-induced gut barrier disruption and liver damage in meat geese. Zn_Gly supplementation @ 80mg/kg of diet significantly attenuated LPS-induced impairments in …

Comparison Of Relative Calcium Bioavailability Based On Bone Ash And Apparent Ileal Ca Digestibility In Broiler Chickens, R. L. Drysdale, B. W. Parsons

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Two experiments were conducted to determine relative Ca bioavailability based on bone ash and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of Ca in reagent-grade calcium carbonate (RCaCO3) and RCaCO3 + phytic acid in commercial broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, relative Ca bioavailability of RCaCO3 and RCaCO3 + phytic acid was determined in ad libitum-fed broiler chickens using the slope-ratio method. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets. Diet 1 was Ca-deficient (0.30 % Ca; 0.45 % non-phytate P), while diets 2 through 5 were the same as diet 1, except that 2 increasing levels of RCaCO3 or RCaCO3 + phytic acid were added …

Recycling Waste Via Insect Agriculture: Frass Impacts On Soil And Plant Health, Helen C.S. Amorim, Amanda J. Ashworth, Thomas F. Ducey, Valerie B. Brewer-Gunsaulis, Gerson L. Drescher, Philip R. Owens, Alana H. Patterson, Giovanna De Blais, Iris Van Straaten

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Frass-the main by-product of insect rearing for animal feed-is emerging as a promising soil amendment and plant growth promoter. However, basic agronomic information is lacking and prevents frass' widespread use as a biofertilizer. This study assessed impacts of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L. [Diptera: Stratiomyidae]) frass on soil fertility, crop growth, and quality compared to poultry litter (PL). Irrigated and non-irrigated soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) and non-irrigated switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) plots received either PL (5.6 Mg ha(-1)), low frass rate (LF; 5.6 Mg ha(-1)), high frass rate (HF; 11.2 Mg ha(-1)), besides the unamended control (CT). In …

Managing Chickens From Chicks To Peak Egg Production, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry

All Current Publications

Chickens were first domesticated for cultural purposes, but selective breeding has focused on egg production. Choosing the right breeds and good management practices are essential for farmers to maximize egg yield, quality, and safety. This fact sheet covers poultry history, top egg-laying breeds, egg anatomy, nutrition, and practical tips to help farmers improve productivity and run successful egg production ventures.

A Farmer's Guide To Egg Quality, Safety, And Flock Health, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry

All Current Publications

Eggs are a valuable source of nutrition and income for many backyard and smallholder farmers. To ensure a steady supply of high-quality eggs, it's essential to understand the key factors that influence hens’ health and productivity. From proper nutrition to effective lighting and disease prevention, each decision you make affects your flock’s performance. This guide offers practical advice to help you raise resilient, high-laying hens and build a successful small-scale egg production system, no matter your level of experience.

Re-Survey Of Blastocystis Infection In Free-Living Birds From Urban Xinxiang City, Xuehan Liu, Yingying Cao, Di An, Chengshui Liao, Ruibiao Wang, Bo Wen, Chunling Zhu, Huarun Sun, Longfei Zhang, Baoliang Qin, Yanhui Wang, Jianhe Hu, Yueyu Bai, Ke Ding, Lei Wang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Blastocystis is the most ubiquitous intestinal protozoan parasite found in humans and animals worldwide. Commonly, ST7 and ST6 are the major Blastocystis subtypes reported in birds, and their frequencies fluctuate greatly with various factors. However, little literature is available on the prevalence and subtype characteristics of this parasite in free-living wild birds in the same city. For this purpose, a total of 114 fresh fecal specimens were collected from wild free-living birds in urban districts of Xinxiang city and tested for Blastocystis using PCR of the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The positive isolates …