The impact of multiple exposures and movement on the fear response of poultry.

Fear tests are a common research method to assess the affective state of an animal. This study aimed to assess: 1) the impact of repeated exposure to fear tests on fear response and, 2) how the addition of movement to fear stimuli during a novel object test impacts bird fear response. Over two trials, a total of 3,600 Ross 308 birds (1800 birds/trial) were raised until 42 days of age.

Evaluating the impact of gypsum as a novel bedding material on broiler performance, foot pad health, and fear response.

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is a byproduct of the coal-fired power plant process commonly used to remove sulfur dioxide emissions from the flue gas. FGD gypsum has numerous industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications. This study aimed to explore a novel approach involving the use of FGD gypsum combined with different litter treatments as bedding for broiler production.

Meat quality of broiler chickens processed using electrical and controlled atmosphere stunning systems.

Increased consumer concern for animal welfare has led some poultry producers to alter their stunning methods from electrical to controlled atmosphere stunning. The potential for different impacts on meat quality between commercially applied controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS) and electrical stunning (ES) using current US parameters needs further evaluation. Three trials were conducted in a commercial broiler processing facility that uses separate processing lines for ES and CAS.

Evaluation of intravenous T-61 as a euthanasia method for birds.

The use of T-61 as a sole euthanasia agent for birds was investigated. Nine broiler chickens were euthanized by intravenous T-61 and assessed for insensibility [brainstem reflexes: nictitating membrane reflex (NIC), palpebral blink reflex (PAL)], brain death [isoelectric electroencephalogram activity (EEG)], cessation of audible heartbeat, and abnormal electrocardiogram. Birds were considered dead when the heart rate was less than 180 beats/minute with an isoelectric EEG.