Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving

Coordinator of Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving. Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving (nicknamed “P4”) is a Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates summer fellowship program. The P4 program is designed to develop the next generation of data-savvy food animal production professionals, Extension associates and researchers.

Areas of Expertise

• To improve the understanding of avian bone development and leg disorders in broilers and turkeys;
• To evaluate feed additives, feedstuffs, feed processing methods, and their effects on intestinal pathobiology, specific immunity against Eimeria spp., gut microbiota dynamics, and microbial uricase activity;
• To understand mechanisms of nitrogen and amino acid utilization, to improve efficacy of low crude protein diets in broiler chickens and minimize nitrogen environmental impact, including air emissions;
• To develop computerized growth models to be used as tools to determine economical optimal management practices and feeding programs;
• To estimate the optimum dietary electrolyte balance and mineral requirements for optimum performance.

Extension Responsibilities

• Broiler nutrition & management, and nutrient & waste management
• The NC Broiler Supervisors’ Short Course
• The NC State International Course on Poultry Production
• The Poultry Decision Makers Workshop Series: Mathematical Modeling & Operations Research in Poultry Production
• The Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, Poultry Nutritionists Round Tables, Workshops and Seminars held periodically throughout the state and abroad

Topics include: Broiler nutrition & feeding, and broiler health & management; Effects of broiler breeder management and nutrition on broiler performance; Effects of hatchery and incubation management on broiler performance, bone development and welfare; Evaluation of efficacy of feed additives and nutritional factors that affect enteric health and meat quality.  This includes evaluation of coccidiostats, antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, crystalline amino acids, vitamins, trace minerals, and vaccines against Eimeria spp.; and technologies to improve broiler house air quality and reduce gas emissions.

Extension Programs

• Eastern NC Broiler Production Short Course
• Hatchery Management Workshop
• International Course On Poultry Health
• NC Broiler Supervisors’ Short Course
• Poultry Decision Makers Workshop Series