Research Areas

Use of Algae Products with Poultry

As omega-3 fatty acids continue to gain positive attention for their implications in brain development and heart health, there is an increase in public demand for omega-3 enriched products. Microalgae, an alternative to fish oil and flaxseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, can be incorporated into poultry diets to produce a beneficial fatty acid profile including increased of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, DHA). As a polyunsaturated fatty acid, DHA is highly susceptible to oxidation. Over time, an increase in fatty acid oxidation may result in an undesirable flavor or odor of foods.

Use of Alternative Feed Ingredients in Poultry Diets

Typically poultry diets are based on corn and soybean meal. A variety of different alternative feed ingredients are available for use in poultry diets. Several of these different ingredients have been, and continue to be, studied for use in poultry diets.

Use of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles in Poultry Diets

There has been a steady increase in the demand for ethanol as part of the government's plan to reduce the U.S. dependency on foreign oil. Ethanol is produced by fermentation of corn, with dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) being the main by-product. With the increasing demand for ethanol, there is an increasing supplying of DDGS. Research has looked at the use of DDGS in poultry diets. At the University of Kentucky we are looking at the use of DDGS in diets for laying hens.

Use of Enzymes in Poultry Diets

Several feed ingredients contain what are referred to as "anti-nutritional factors," which are components of a feedstuff that interfere with the digestion of the ingredient and use of the nutrients they contain. Feed enzymes are now available to counter the negative effects of such anti-nutritional factors.

Gut Health & Poultry Nutrition

Examining the effect of dietary electrolyte balance, energy source and length of feeding of nitrogen-free diets on ileal endogenous amino acid losses in broilers. Energy source and not dietary electrolyte balance influenced ileal endogenous amino acid losses in 21 d-old broilers fed nitrogen-free diets.

Use of Heritage Breeds in Alternative Poultry Production Systems

Many small-scale poultry producers, especially those raising poultry on pasture, are looking for alternatives to the commercial strains currently available. Heritage breeds are an option that should be investigated.

Use of Organic Trace Minerals in Poultry Diets

Several minerals are required in minute amounts in the diet. These are referred to as trace minerals. Organic forms of trace minerals are found to be more biologically available than inorganic forms currently used in industry.

Programmed Nutrition for Poultry Production

Effects of Programmed Nutrition feeding strategy on the production performance, egg quality, bone quality and liver mineral content of brown laying hens, and other research.

Use of Selenium Yeast & Natural Antioxidants in Poultry

Selenium is a required nutrient for poultry and plays an important role is protecting cells from damage. The level of selenium in the feedstuffs used in poultry diets vary depending where in the world they are grown. Grains from some parts of the U.S. can be deficient in selenium. As a result, most poultry feeds contain supplemental selenium. In the past selenium has been added to the feed in the form of sodium selenite. Recently an organic form has been developed - selenomethionine - which is produced from a particular strain of yeast grown on a medium high in selenium.

Use of Yeast Products in Poultry Diets

Mannan-oligosaccharides derived from Saccharomyses cerevisiae cell wall have been found to promote growth and enhance immune responses in food animals.