North Carolina poultry industry newsletter

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Fall, 2010
2010 N.C. Broiler Supervisor’s Short Course
Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondón, DVM, Ph.D., Dip. ACPV.
Assistant Professor/ Broiler Extension Specialist
Department of Poultry Science North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
On April 15, the service tech personnel from the main integrator broiler companies with business in North
Carolina participated in the 2010 N.C. Broiler Supervisor’s Short Course. This is an annual event that has
been held at the McSwain Extension Center in Sanford, North Carolina. The panel of speakers included
Dr. John Barnes and Dr. Edgar Oviedo from N.C. State University, Dr. Tim Cummings from
Mississippi State University, Jesse McCoy from IVESCO, Dr. Doug Overhults from University of
Kentucky, and Richard Goforth and Kathy Bunton from N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. This
year, the program included talks related to diseases commonly seen in broilers in N.C., control of footpad
dermatitis, experiences with antibiotic free production, biosecurity between flocks, broiler farm energy
assessments and methods to improve energy efficiency, and results of utilization of dimmable fluorescents
in broiler houses.
Dr. Barnes, and Dr. Tahseen A. Aziz from the Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NCDA)
commented that chick quality and early mortality are the most common causes of complaints from growers.
In older broilers, cases of viral respiratory disease, often caused by infectious bronchitis virus and/or mild
strains of Newcastle virus, have increased this past year. Among intestinal diseases, coccidiosis remains
most common. Diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system have emerged in the past few years.
Enterococcal vertebral osteoarthritis is a bacterial infection of the spine that causes lameness, primarily in
males. Market-age broilers found on their backs and unable to right themselves ("turtle birds") have been
found to have green muscle disease affecting the breast muscles, which is likely the source of “green
tenders” seen at further processing. (continued on page 2)
In This Issue:
2010 N.C. Broiler Supervisor’s Short Course……………………………………………….1
Tips To Reduce Dermatitis in Broilers…………………........................................................3
Questions on New Avian Influenza Testing Rules ………………………………………….5
New Avian Influenza Testing Rules…………………………………………………………5
Poultry Youth Programs Update…………………………..……………………………........6
Contacts……………………………………………………………………………………...8
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina Poultry
Industry Joint Area
Newsletter
North Carolina State University
Department of Poultry Science
234 D Scott Hall, Box 7608, NCSU
Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
Telephone: 919-515-5407
Fax: 919-515-7070
Website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/
Issue Editor: Dan Campeau
Issue Layout: Brenda Talton
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 2 Spring, 2010
(Short Course continued) Dr. Oviedo discussed the importance, origin of, and control methods for foot pad
dermatitis. To reduce prevalence of this production and welfare problem, the main objective in management
should be to keep litter moisture in the 25 to 35% range and reduce ammonia production in the whole house.
Practices to reduce the prevalence of paw burns are discussed in another article in this newsletter.
Dr. Cummings discussed management practices followed by many poultry companies that have a small
portion of their production dedicated to an antibiotic free program. The major disease problem common to
these types of programs is necrotic enteritis, although different companies have varying levels. He indicated
that in some instances, performance can be quite good in antibiotic free birds, but a total management
program needs to be implemented to make it work. Dr. Cummings recommended constant vigilance and
attention to details for the antibiotic free birds as there is no single, magic bullet in preventing enteric
problems.
Mr. McCoy emphasized that cleaning and disinfecting a facility is very important to keep pathogen loading
to a minimum. To obtain these benefits, McCoy indicated the importance of selecting cleaner and
disinfectants that suit specific farm conditions. An analysis of the pathogens to be targeted and the materials
at the farm will allow for proper selection and application of these products. After cleaning the premises, it
is important to clear the lines of any build up of bacteria as well. Analysis of the water at the site will aid in
proper line cleaning selection. McCoy demonstrated that none of these products will work if they are not
applied at the correct rate and given enough contact time.
Dr. Overhults gave two talks to present the work that his group has been doing in Kentucky. Dr. Overhult’s
program does broiler farm energy assessments or audits to review the house, equipment, and the operation
of various systems during the flock growout. The primary goal of these assessments is to identify areas
where energy use can be reduced or energy efficiency improved by making cost effective improvements.
Dr. Overhults indicated that at least two years of previous energy use and production data should be
compiled to establish a broiler farm’s baseline energy use, a critical element of the energy assessment. A
useful measure of broiler farm energy efficiency is the total fuel or electricity used per pound of bird
produced. Once a series of house improvements are made, one good way to track or compare energy use is
to use a two or three year running average of energy use per pound of bird produced. Dr. Overhults also
presented the work done to evaluate fan efficiency in farms and all possible factors that reduce fan
performance.
Finally, Mr. Richard Goforth presented the results of evaluations made using dimmable compact florescent
bulbs to replace the inefficient incandescent bulbs in broiler houses. The data presented indicated that
broiler performance is not affected by using these more efficient and long lasting light bulbs. Mr. Goforth
discussed that even though the initial cost of investment is relatively high, growers should start considering
alternative and more efficient light bulbs since incandescent bulbs are planned for a phase out starting in
2012 with the 100 Watt bulbs and progress to lower wattages with a final phase out in 2014 with all
incandescent bulbs.
More details and the proceedings of this event are available in the following website:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/supervisors_shortcourse.html
During the same event the 2010 Broiler Service Persons Awards were announced. This award is
recognition of the Integrator Companies, the N.C. Poultry Federation, and N.C. State University to
those individuals that have done an outstanding service for the Companies and their growers in the
previous year. The following is a picture of the recipients with Dr. Samuel Pardue, Head of the
Department of Poultry Science and Mr. Bob Ford, Director of the N.C. Poultry Federation.
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 3 Spring, 2010
L to R: Dr. Edgar Oviedo (N.C. State University), Mike Ogburn (Perdue Farms - Candor), Barry Thompson (Mountaire Farms),
Derek Bean (Mountaire Farms), Darrell Ritter (Townsends, Inc. - Siler City), Brad Gee (Pilgrims Pride - Sanford), Dr. Sam
Pardue (N.C. State University), & Bob Ford (Exec Director, N.C. Poultry Federation). Award winners not present: Roger Key
(Tyson/Wilkesboro) and Matthew Lane (Wayne Farms).
Tips to Reduce Dermatitis in Broilers
Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondón, DVM, Ph.D., Dip. ACPV.
Assistant Professor/ Broiler Extension Specialist
Department of Poultry Science North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
Dermatitis in broilers is caused by a combination of moisture and chemical irritants like ammonia in the
litter material during natural decomposition. These conditions affect areas of the skin greatly exposed, like
the feet, hocks, and breast. In most cases they develop inflammatory reactions in the skin and even ulcers. In
foot pads, these lesions are observed as early as 4 to 6 days of age, but are most commonly seen around 12
days. They can heal but most frequently augment, causing blemishes to feet and breast at processing. For a
detailed description of the disease please review our website:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/supervisors_shortcourse.html.
Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is also called paw burns, ammonia burns, or pododermatitis. This disease has
gained importance due to the value of chicken feet as a profitable export item to Asian markets. Nowadays,
broiler feet have become one of the most profitable parts of the carcass for exportation. Additionally, FPD
has become a welfare concern since it affects broiler ability to walk and reduces feed intake and growth.
The evaluation of FPD incidence is now part of many welfare audits. It is desirable to have less than 30% of
the flock with feet lesions, but it is difficult to achieve this goal.
This newsletter has the objective of listing a series of recommendations to reduce incidence of FPD and
other dermatitis problems at farm level. The main objective in controlling FPD and all dermatitis is to avoid
litter wetness and production of ammonia or other irritant compounds from the litter. This process starts
even before chickens are placed.
1. Management between flocks
When it is necessary to reuse the litter, after removing the caked material, allow the litter base to dry before
chicks are placed. Running fans during the day can help to dry out the litter faster.
Windrowing litter has produced better results in paw quality of the next broiler flock than just caking out
and/or doing a complete clean-out of the house.
After removing the litter or caked material, make sure to keep at least 3 inches of litter absorbing material
across the entire house. Mortar sand and ground door filler revealed the lowest (continued on page 4)
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 4 Spring, 2010
(Dermatitis in Broilers continued) incidence of FPD in all trials (Bilgilli et al., 2009). Independently of the litter
material selected, use a small particle size of less than one inch.
If necessary, spread new bedding material evenly. Floors must be smooth and level. Uneven floors make
constant height adjustment and water line pressure regulation very difficult. A gradual grade of no more
than 4 inches of drop from one end to the other is acceptable.
Ammonia acidification may help to reduce bacteria and ammonia production during the first two or three
weeks. The effects of litter acidifiers depend on doses. Rates of 120 lbs of acidifier or more per 1000 feet2 in
the brooding chamber or the whole house are necessary to observe substantial reductions in FPD.
Before placement, clean, flush with high-pressure (15 to 30 pounds per square inch, psi), and sanitize
drinker systems to avoid built up of mineral residues and biofilm that can cause leaky nipples.
Pre-warm the house to reduce litter moisture, especially when litter depth is low (less than 3 inches). Litter
temperature should be 28-30oC at chicken arrival.
2. House management during the flock
Manage drinker lines according to manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent leaks that add moisture to the litter.
Broilers spend the majority of their time in this area and consequently it is the most critical house section for
moisture control. Check filters weekly and replace them as soon as they collect significant amounts of
debris. In most systems, proper pressure is critical during grow out, and it is important that the water
columns in the riser tubes be clearly visible. Keep the riser tubes clean. Maintain appropriate water pressure
and keep drinker lines level and uniform with appropriate height according to bird height to avoid water
wastage that will add moisture to litter underneath the water lines. Try to use the lowest water pressure
recommended by the manufacturer. Low water line pressure can reduce litter moisture and FPD prevalence,
but monitor water intake, because if the water pressure is too low broilers can reduce water and feed intake,
and growth. Unleveled and uneven height between the lines cause that they are used for broilers more in
some areas than in others, occasioning uneven distribution of moisture in the litter that is more difficult to
dry. Uneven distribution of the flock caused by lighting problems, or uncomfortable temperatures or uneven
air flow in some areas may cause similar negative effects on litter moisture and FPD prevalence.
In the brooding phase, give more space to the flock around 9 days. Avoid overcrowding in the brooding
area. Lesions in the feet skin caused in the first and second weeks of age may become infected and develop
FPD.
Avoid condensation of moisture by improving house insulation and negative pressure, reducing
uncontrolled air entries, and doing maintenance and calibration of electronic sensors and fans. Condensation
occurs mainly in the side walls. Daily observation of these areas and use of hygrometer can help to keep
relative humidity between 50 and 70%, and litter humidity not higher than 35%. Condensation is more
common when the outside temperature is low, and relative humidity is high (winter and early spring
conditions, or early morning year-around). (continued on page 5)
Consequently winter time and low frequency of ventilation increase chances to have condensation
especially during brooding when inside house temperature is higher than outside environmental
temperatures.
Monitor daily water consumption of the flock to establish variations that can indicate problems. Broilers
should drink two to three times the amount of feed that they eat. If the flock is drinking more than expected,
you should double check health conditions, water quality, litter quality, and house temperatures. Minerals in
the water may increase water intake, cause enteritis problems, flushing, and wet litter. Water can be treated
to minimize contents of undesired minerals. Uncalibrated electronic sensors may cause that house
temperatures get hotter than programmed in the electronic house controller. (continued on page 5)
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 5 Spring, 2010
(Dermatitis in Broilers continued)
Hotter temperatures influence more water intake, wetter droppings, and wetter litter. Excess litter moisture
is difficult to dry out with the normal running time of fans. Similar problems can happen during the summer
or on hot days if the house gets hotter than planned; there are water leakages from drinker lines, foggers or
water sprinklers; and if fan time is not increased to account for this extra and unexpected house humidity.
Research results indicate that the previous recommendations will have positive effects on paw quality and
general broiler flock performance.
Reference: Bilgili, S. F., J. B. Hess, J. P. Blake, K. S. Macklin, B. Saenmahayak, and J. L. Sibbley. 2009. Influence of bedding
material on footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 18:583-589.
Frequently Asked Questions About
North Carolina’s New
Avian Influenza (AI) Testing Rules
1. Which types of birds are covered by the new rules?
Any poultry, except doves, pigeons, birds of prey, psitticines and song birds are covered by the new AI
rules. The rules also includes baby poultry and hatching eggs, whether from commercial or non-commercial
sources. Ratites are also included.
2. What kind of testing is necessary and how often?
To enter NC, you may comply in two ways. One, you may have your flock tested in the state of origin
according to National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) standards to become certified US AI Clean or US
H5/H7 AI Clean. Hatching eggs and young poultry from these certified flocks may travel into NC. Each
state may have different requirements on how often flocks must be tested to retain NPIP AI Clean status, but
it will be at least twice yearly, 30 birds per flock. A second way to comply is to have your birds tested for
AI with an antigen detection test within 21 days prior to entering NC.
3. Is this testing necessary to enter exhibitions? Yes, any poultry coming into NC from out of state for
exhibitions must be either from an AI Clean flock or be tested prior to entry.
4. What if bring birds to an exhibit and they are not tested? Can I be tested on site? No, you cannot be
tested after entry to NC for an exhibition. Testing must take place prior to entry. If you arrive at an
exhibition without proof of testing, you will be turned away.
5. When are the new rules in effect?
They are in effect August 1, 2010. North Carolina will not to enforce these new rules until April 1, 2011, to
give everyone time to comply. Therefore, fall exhibitions will not be affected.
New Avian Influenza Testing Rules
Passed by Board of Agriculture
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Board of Agriculture
recently passed new rules concerning testing requirements for poultry entering the state. According to the
new rules, owners with poultry desiring to enter the state must either show that the flock is NPIP certified
Avian Influenza Clean or they must be tested within 21 days of entry using a test that will detect the avian
influenza virus. These rules were requested by the Veterinary Division of NCDA&CS in order to protect
the state’s poultry from the sometimes fatal viral infection. Currently, poultry entering NC is required to be
tested Pullorum negative only. (continued on page 6)
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 6 Spring, 2010
(Testing rules continued) Commercial poultry flocks are nearly 100% NPIP certified AI Clean, so the new
rules will not affect their movement into the state. Exhibition flocks and non-commercial flocks entering
the state for other purposes will need to comply with the new rules. In order to allow flock owners and
laboratories time to comply with the new rules, NCDA&CS will not begin enforcement of these rules until
April 1, 2011. Flock owners with questions about the new rules should contact NCDA&CS Veterinary
Division, Dr. Sarah Mason, at 919-733-7601 or sarah.j.mason@ncagr.gov
Poultry Youth Programs Update
Melissa Scherpereel, Poultry Science Extension
Poultry Presentations, BBQ Contest and Poultry Judging at NC Annual 4-H Congress
Every July 4Hers from all across North Carolina compete in numerous poultry competitions including;
poultry judging, egg cookery, turkey barbecue, chicken barbecue and poultry presentations. We had another
record number of contestants compete in our poultry judging contest this year with a total of 77 youth, up
from 57 last year, 38 in 2008 and 19 participants in 2007. There were 9 senior teams and 8 junior teams
competing along with 14 individuals which in total represented 11 counties across our state. This is truly
outstanding and shows the growing interest in poultry among our youth. We welcome the increasing
numbers and may have to have two separate contests to accommodate the growth.
A team of 4-H’ers from Rutherford County won the gold medal in the Senior Poultry Judging Competition.
They are: Joseph Clay, 15, son of Calvin and Saundra Clay of Ellenboro, Emily Matheny, 16, daughter of
Stephen and Sally Matheny of Forest City; Kristen Miller, 16, daughter of Paul and Sherry Matheny and
Henry Miller of Cliffside; and Nathaniel White, 15, son of Gary and Shannon White also of Cliffside. The
winning Franklin County Junior Poultry Judging team members were Joey Moore, 13, son of Alesia and
Albert Moore of Youngsville; Faith Dunbar, 11, daughter of Jeff and (continued on page 7)
Sandra Dunbar of Wake Forest; Taylor Farley, 12, daughter of Johnny and Stephanie Farley of Youngsville;
and Joseph Adams, 12, son of Patricia Lindberg Adams of Louisburg. Evan Gunter, 12, son of John and
Christie Gunter of Asheboro, was the junior individual winner in the poultry judging competition. Joseph
Perkins, 15, son of Gordon and Cheree Perkins of Iron Station was the Top Overall high scoring individual
for the entire contest and has also earned a trip to our National Contest in KY. The Judging contests are
partially sponsored by the NC Poultry Federation and the NC Breeder Hatchery Association. All team
members received a $37.50 cash prize and the opportunity to compete at our National contest in November
(if money is available).
Gold Medal Senior Judging Team – Rutherford County Gold Medal Junior Judging Team – Franklin County
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 7 Spring, 2010
(Youth Programs Update continued)
Chicken BBQ Contest Winner Turkey BBQ Contest Winner Egg Cookery Contest Winner
Joshua Sholar, a junior at East Duplin High School was the gold medal winner in the age 14-18 division of
the Chicken Barbecue competition and John Ronald Walton, 16, son of Johnie and Lesa Walton of
Edgecombe County won the 14 to 18-year-old division of the turkey barbecue contest. Melissa Mason, 14,
daughter of Deval and Barbara Mason of Stony Point, won the 14- to 18-year old division of the egg
cookery competition, sponsored by the NC Egg Association and the Dinah Gore 4-H Foods & Nutrition
Endowment. In her presentation, Mason explained fun egg facts and how to grade an egg. She also prepared
a bacon omelette roll and explained the versatility of the dish. All three winners received a $37.50 award
and a trip to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference to compete representing NC.
If you or your company is interested in sponsorship of our contest or any of our programs, please contact me so that I
can help you with the amount and program that suits you. We are looking for anything from $75 which will allow
students partial scholarship money to attend annual congress overnight, or to receive bond money for being on the
winning team or the top scoring individual. We also need sponsor donations in greater amounts such as $350 that
will sponsor one gold medal winner in any of our competitions to attend our National 4H Poultry and Egg
Conference in Kentucky.
For more information, please visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/4h/poultryjudging/congress.html
NC State Fair Youth Market Turkey Show
Over 300 youth across North Carolina received turkey poults from the Department of Poultry Science in late
May. As always, advance registration was required and the contest is so popular that in less than (continued
on page 8)
13 hours we had filled all 300 spots and began a waiting list! Poults were donated for the 2010 show by
Goldsboro Milling and we thank them for their continued support of this popular program. Youth will
bring their best Tom to the fair on Wednesday Oct. 13th for check-in. They will need to bring their “green
receipt” with them for proof of registration and to make everything flow much smoother. Check in takes
less than 5 minutes as we simply band the bird, record the weight and file the paperwork. Agents, teachers
or parents may check birds in on the contestant’s behalf if they are unable to make it. We will be checking
in birds from 10:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 13th at the poultry tent and then will create our classes
by age for the show that will begin on Friday at 9:00 a.m. If you would like to know more about our show,
please visit www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/4h/turkeyshow/turkeyshow.html
Also, if you are interested in participating in 2011, registration will be posted on March 1, 2011 and we will
close when we reach 300 youth. You can also view our Blog at: http://turkeyshow.wordpress.com
Poultry Science Summer Institute another HUGE Success!
Twenty one rising 11th and 12th graders were selected through a competitive application process to attend
the 4 day workshop held annually in the Dept. of Poultry Science at NC State. Applications are now online
and can be submitted anytime at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/4h/summerinstitute/institute.html
The camp is sponsored by the US Poultry and Egg Association, the NC Cooperative Extension Service, and
the Department of Poultry Science at NC State University. As always, check our website for all of these
youth programs and more at www.poultry4h.info or contact Melissa Scherpereel at 919-515-5403.
(continued on page 8)
NC Poultry Industry Joint Area Newsletter Page 8 Spring, 2010
(Summer Institute continued)
You can also become our “Fan” or
“Like us” on Facebook to see all the photos from
the Summer Institute (search for “Poultry
Programs for NC Youth”).
Contacts for the North Carolina Poultry
Industry Newsletter
On-Campus Contact
Mike Wineland, Ph.D., Dept Extension Leader
Dept of Poultry Science, NCSU
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/
email: mike_wineland@ncsu.edu
telephone: 919-515-5529
Field Faculty Contacts
Kathy Bunton, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Iredell, Wilkes and Alexander Counties
http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu
email: kathy_bunton@ncsu.edu
telephone: 704-878-3154
Dan Campeau, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Chatham, Alamance, Davidson, Guilford,
Harnett, Lee, Moore and Randolph Counties
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu
email: dan_campeau@ncsu.edu
telephone: 919-542-8202
cell: 919-548-9895
Richard Goforth, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Moore,
Richmond, Scotland, Stanly and *Union
counties
http://union.ces.ncsu.edu
email: richard_goforth@ncsu.edu
telephone: 704-283-3743
cell: 704-363-2359
James Parsons, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Duplin, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland,
Greene, Hoke, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow,
Robeson, Sampson and Wayne Counties
http://duplin.ces.ncsu.edu
email: james_parsons@ncsu.edu
Contacts for the North Carolina
Poultry Industry Newsletter
On-Campus Contact
Mike Wineland, Ph.D., Dept Extension Leader
Dept of Poultry Science, NCSU
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/
email: mike_wineland@ncsu.edu
telephone: 919-515-5529
Field Faculty Contacts
Kathy Bunton, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Iredell, Wilkes and Alexander Counties
http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu
email: kathy_bunton@ncsu.edu
telephone: 704-878-3154
Dan Campeau, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Chatham, Alamance, Davidson, Guilford,
Harnett, Lee, Moore and Randolph Counties
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu
email: dan_campeau@ncsu.edu
telephone: 919-542-8202
cell: 919-548-9895
Richard Goforth, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Richmond,
Scotland, Stanly and *Union counties
http://union.ces.ncsu.edu
email: richard_goforth@ncsu.edu
telephone: 704-283-3743
cell: 704-363-2359
James Parsons, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Duplin, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland,
Greene, Hoke, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow,
Robeson, Sampson and Wayne Counties
http://duplin.ces.ncsu.edu
email: james_parsons@ncsu.edu
telephone: 910-296-2143