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Projects

Past and current projects that have been funded through the AHNC

Fifteen grants have been awarded to date for over $750,000 total, including overhead. Three were recently awarded in the 2023 cycle.

PIGrant TitleDepartmentImpact
Robert BecksteadDevelopment and testing of biomarker assays for gut in poultryPoultry Science (CALS)Seven blood parameters and one visual marker were identified as potential biomarkers for poultry health and feed additive efficacy. Biomarkers associated with gut health could be used to identify flocks that are in distress. These data provide the groundwork for future studies to determine the effect of feed additives on gut health.
Marissa HerchlerUse of neural network deep learning algorithm analysis to identify significant indicators of gut health in turkeys fed antibiotic-free diets with supplemental enzymesPoultry Science (CALS)Machine Learning shows the improved performance parameters that result from high level phytase inclusion in coarse or fine corn diets. This project creates a baseline to generate reliable models through deep learning.
Sung Woo KimCharacterization of biomarkers for intestinal health of nursery pigs: Meta-analysis with multi-nutritional factorsAnimal Science (CALS)A meta analysis of intestinal health status in nursery pigs identified ten biomarkers that were highly correlated to growth.
Matthew KociNovel multiplex assays for the assessment of gut health, immune function, and stress in poultry (original and revised)Poultry Science (CALS)The 2019 AHNC award led to the development of a novel multiplex gene expression assay to be used by the poultry health community. Several technical barriers that limited widespread adoption led to a second and currently active project to make the assay more flexible and scalable. The new assay will be more compatible with gene expression equipment found in most research and diagnostic laboratories, making it of greater use to the community.
Raveendra Rangarao KulkarniVaccine-based control of clostridial dermatitis in turkeysPopulation Health and Pathobiology (CVM)A novel vaccine against Chlostridium dermatitis in poultry was developed and the intellectual property is currently being reviewed by AHNC member companies for licensing.
Sung Woo KimCharacterization of intestinal health biomarkers for the interaction with gut mucosa-associated microbiota in nursery pigs: Meta-analysis to correlation biomarkers with growth performanceAnimal Science (CALS)A second study of mucosa associated microbiota in the jejunum identified several microorganisms that directly impact the growth of nursery pigs.
Peter FerketUse of machine learning applications to mine commercial poultry industry data to identify variables of interestPoultry Science (CALS)Machine Learning methods were developed to identify the most important variables and create good predictions for the European Broiler Index.
Raveendra Rangarao KulkarniIdentification of biomarkers for early detection of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickensPopulation Health and Pathobiology (CVM)In Progress
Lin Li WalkerWhether campylobacter invade the avian ovum, and if so, where within the hen’s reproductive tract does it occur?Poultry Science (CALS)In Progress
Peter FerketMitigation of coccidiosis by in-ovo feeding of CpG-ODN via innovative colloidal delivery systemsPoultry Science (CALS)In Progress
Aaron KiessAssessing the well-being of laying hens through stress and behavioral parameters when raised under conventional or cage-free environmentsPoultry Science (CALS)In Progress
Frank EdensIdentification of immune markers in commercial broilers and lines of chickens selected for high and low antibody responsiveness and how those markers influence innate and acquired immunityPoultry Science (CALS)In Progress
Minliang YangStrategies to improve environmental sustainability in animal-source foods via nutrition-based life-cycle assessment (nL-CA)Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences; Biological and Agricultural Engineering (CALS)In Progress
Monique Pairis-GarciaEvaluating the efficacy of intranasal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain mitigation in piglets using a novel, needle-less drug delivery devicePopulation Health and Pathobiology (CVM)In Progress
Matt KociRevised multiplex assays for the assessment of gut health, immune function, and stress in poultryPoultry Science (CALS)In Progress
CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
CVM (College of Veterinary Medicine)