Research

Our research drives innovation and bolsters one of the state's largest industries.

Fueling the Innovation Pipeline

Poultry is North Carolina’s No. 1 agricultural industry, making up 40% of the state’s total farm income. Those 900 million broilers, 31 million turkeys and 4 billion eggs bring in $4.7 billion a year. That’s almost 10% of the national product and our department supports the industry every step of the way.

Our research covers the production process from start to finish, providing critical science-based information and an unparalleled innovation pipeline that continues to energize and revolutionize the state’s poultry industry. And our students also get in on the action, conducting research at every level — from genes to eggs to processing.

$4.7 billion a year

The value that 900 million broilers, 31 million turkeys, and 4 billion eggs brings in to North Carolina’s #1 industry.

The NC State feed mill manufactures feed for all the animals at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory

Research and Teaching Facilities

Our production system is completely integrated for all commercial poultry species, including a state-of-the-art feed manufacturing plant, hatchery, breeder and grow-out facilities, processing plant, and waste management facilities.

Visit our facilities

two hands holding cultured beef in a petri dish and the petri dish lid, photo credit David Parry PA Wire

Research Labs

Each research lab in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science is uniquely focused on investigating real problems that need solutions. Learn more about the people and research in each lab.

Explore our research

Prestage students and teacher at field lab with turkeys.

Student Research Opportunities

With a faculty-to-student ratio of less than 1-to-6, our department offers ample opportunity for mentored undergraduate and graduate research. We encourage it, actually. So reach out and get started on a project that interests you.

Attend CALS

We train leaders in poultry science. Ready to join our flock?

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Support Our Work

See the many ways to support important research and programs in poultry science.

Make a gift

Partner With Us

Our research bolsters one of the state’s largest industries.

Let’s work together

Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium

The Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium (AHNC) is a novel public–private partnership that brings together animal health companies, biotechnology companies, and university scientists to identify the foundational limitations to the development of new products, services, and markets — and foster research to address these knowledge gaps.

Learn More

Frank Siewerdt To Lead Poultry Science

An NC State alumnus with experience in industry, government and academic roles will return to Raleigh to head one of the nation’s top poultry science departments.

Ph.D. Student Wants to Fill the Need for Feed Research

NC State CALS Ph.D. student Andrea Rubio loves working with animals too much to trade up her dusty T-shirts and boots for a more professional look post-graduation this fall.

Dr. Peter Ferket from the Prestage department of Poultry Science speaking from podium

Food Animal Innovation Summit To Bring Scientists and Leaders Together

On Sept. 26-28, 2022, a diverse group of scientists and leaders will gather to exchange ideas and solutions to the primary concerns of animal agriculture at the second annual Food Animal Innovation…