Increase In Poultry Production Research Articles

Sanitizing Hatching Eggs with Essential Oils: Avian and Microbiological Safety.

Increased meat and egg production leads to concomitant changes in poultry practices, including the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde to sanitize hatching eggs. Although this sanitizer aids in the increase in poultry production, its toxic potential for man and for avian embryos represents an obstacle to its long-term use. This review assesses whether essential oils fit into the context of hatching egg contamination, reviewing their antimicrobial efficiency, toxicity to poultry embryos and chicks, and their sanitizing effects on poultry production parameters. Studies have indicated that, because they are safer, most of the essential oils studied can be a potential substitute for formaldehyde for minimizing microbial exposure of hatching eggs and embryos. However, complementary studies on the microbiological profile of embryos and chicks hatched from eggs sanitized with essential oils need to be carried out and the economic feasibility of the candidate products should also be considered.

When Everything Becomes Bigger: Big Data for Big Poultry Production.

In future decades, the demand for poultry meat and eggs is predicted to considerably increase in pace with human population growth. Although this expansion clearly represents a remarkable opportunity for the sector, it conceals a multitude of challenges. Pollution and land erosion, competition for limited resources between animal and human nutrition, animal welfare concerns, limitations on the use of growth promoters and antimicrobial agents, and increasing risks and effects of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses are several topics that have received attention from authorities and the public. The increase in poultry production must be achieved mainly through optimization and increased efficiency. The increasing ability to generate large amounts of data ("big data") is pervasive in both modern society and the farming industry. Information accessibility-coupled with the availability of tools and computational power to store, share, integrate, and analyze data with automatic and flexible algorithms-offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop tools to maximize farm profitability, reduce socio-environmental impacts, and increase animal and human health and welfare. A detailed description of all topics and applications of big data analysis in poultry farming would be infeasible. Therefore, the present work briefly reviews the application of sensor technologies, such as optical, acoustic, and wearable sensors, as well as infrared thermal imaging and optical flow, to poultry farming. The principles and benefits of advanced statistical techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning, and their use in developing effective and reliable classification and prediction models to benefit the farming system, are also discussed. Finally, recent progress in pathogen genome sequencing and analysis is discussed, highlighting practical applications in epidemiological tracking, and reconstruction of microorganisms' population dynamics, evolution, and spread. The benefits of the objective evaluation of the effectiveness of applied control strategies are also considered. Although human-artificial intelligence collaborations in the livestock sector can be frightening because they require farmers and employees in the sector to adapt to new roles, challenges, and competencies-and because several unknowns, limitations, and open-ended questions are inevitable-their overall benefits appear to be far greater than their drawbacks. As more farms and companies connect to technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and sensing technologies will begin to play a greater role in identifying patterns and solutions to pressing problems in modern animal farming, thus providing remarkable production-based and commercial advantages. Moreover, the combination of diverse sources and types of data will also become fundamental for the development of predictive models able to anticipate, rather than merely detect, disease occurrence. The increasing availability of sensors, infrastructures, and tools for big data collection, storage, sharing, and analysis-together with the use of open standards and integration with pathogen molecular epidemiology-have the potential to address the major challenge of producing higher-quality, more healthful food on a larger scale in a more sustainable manner, thereby protecting ecosystems, preserving natural resources, and improving animal and human welfare and health.

Protective effect of Buddha's Temple extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide stimulation-induced oxidative stress in DF-1 cells.

This study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of Buddha's Temple (BT) extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative stress in Gallus gallus chicken embryo fibroblast cell line (DF-1) and its effects on the cell lipid metabolism. In this experimental study, Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells were pretreated with BT 10-7 for 24 hours, followed by their six-hour exposure to t-BHP (100 μM). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 (WST-8) assays were performed, and the growth curve was computed. The intracellular gene expression changes caused by BT extract were confirmed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Flow cytometry, oil red O staining experiment, and thin-layer chromatography were performed for the detection of intracellular metabolic mechanism changes. The WST-8 assay results showed that the BT pretreatment of Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cell increased their cell survival rate by 1.08%±0.04%, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 0.93%±0.12% even after exposure to oxidants, and stabilized mitochondrial activity by 1.37%±0.36%. In addition, qPCR results confirmed that the gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TICAM1), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were regulated, which contributed to cell stabilization. Thin-layer chromatography and oil red O analyses showed a clear decrease in the contents of lipid metabolites such as triacylglycerol and free fatty acids. In this study, we confirmed that the examined BT extract exerted selective protective effects on Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells against cell damage caused by t-BHP, which is a strong oxidative inducer. Furthermore, we established that this extract significantly reduced the intracellular ROS accumulation due to oxidative stress, which contributes to an increase in poultry production and higher incomes.

Evaluation of modified dried vinasse as an alternative dietary protein source for broilers

AbstractThe increase in poultry production and the high cost of soybean led to the search for alternative protein sources. One of these sources is vinasse, a by‐product of the baker's yeast industry. Modified dried vinasse (MDV) can be produced for use in poultry nutrition by making some improvements in vinasse. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of the usage of MDV in broiler diets. A total of 192 daily male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to four groups. MDV was included at the levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% in the diets for 42‐day trial. Linear significant improvements in the final weight, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility were seen with increasing MDV levels. The use of MDV caused a significant reduction in feed consumption. The relative weight percentages of abdominal fat and serum cholesterol concentration were reduced linearly with increases in MDV levels. MDV inclusion linearly decreased the malondialdehyde concentration, but increased 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity in breast meat significantly. The protein content in breast meat was increased with MDV. Cecal beneficial microorganisms and serum IgG levels were increased linearly with MDV. In conclusion, results suggested that MDV could be a feasible option for alternative protein sources for broilers.

Anaerobic Fermentation of Chicken Manure and Methods for Intensifying Methane Output

A considerable share in the formation of food security of the population is occupied by the poultry industry, which is one of the most economically attractive and competitive, as evidenced by the annual steady growth dynamics of the production of valuable food products – poultry meat and eggs, characterised by high nutritional value, excellent dietary and taste qualities. The increase in poultry production leads, respectively, to the intensification of production on the one hand, and on the other hand – the accumulation of waste due to an increase in the number of poultry. One of the priority areas for solving the problem of environmental safety in the poultry industry is the processing of animal by-products through enzymatic fermentation, which yields an added energy product and organic-mineral fertiliser, thereby preventing methane emissions into the atmosphere, and therefore global warming. Therefore, the search for ways to intensify the methane output from chicken manure upon anaerobic fermentation, namely by adding various substances, was the purpose of the planned study. The experiment was conducted using laboratory, analytical, and mathematical-statistical methods. According to the results of experimental studies, a positive effect of FeO, Fe2O3 was established, Basidiomycota fungal-based bio-compositions, biologics – Meganit Nirbator, Reduklin T, Reduklin Compost and a complex preparation for activating enzymatic processes in chicken manure on the processes of anaerobic bio-fermentation and growth of methane content (CH4) from chicken manure (in vitro) against the background of an increase in the pH value to 9.05-9.3 with a simultaneous lower level of carbon dioxide (CO2). Best results for increasing the volume of CH4 output from the fermented substrate, by 15.7-18.8%, was observed in variants with a complex preparation for activating enzymatic processes in chicken manure. Application of Basidiomycota fungal-based bio-composition contributes to an increase in methane emissions from the test substrate by 5.4-9.6%, and biologics – Meganit Nirbator, Reduklin T and Reduklin Compost cause an increase in the volume of this gas output, respectively, by 5.6-9.4%, 9.5-14.2%, and 7.1-12%. Adding FeO and Fe2O3 to chicken manure causes an increase in the level of CH4 emissions by 4.1-7.4% and 5.8-11.2%, respectively. Thus, the results obtained indicate the expediency of using the studied substances in the processing of chicken manure in biogas plants to intensify the methane yield, which will minimise the adverse impact of intensive management of the poultry industry on the state of the environment

Poultry Response to Heat Stress: Its Physiological, Metabolic, and Genetic Implications on Meat Production and Quality Including Strategies to Improve Broiler Production in a Warming World.

The continuous increase in poultry production over the last decades to meet the high growing demand and provide food security has attracted much concern due to the recent negative impacts of the most challenging environmental stressor, heat stress (HS), on birds. The poultry industry has responded by adopting different environmental strategies such as the use of environmentally controlled sheds and modern ventilation systems. However, such strategies are not long-term solutions and it cost so much for farmers to practice. The detrimental effects of HS include the reduction in growth, deterioration of meat quality as it reduces water-holding capacity, pH and increases drip loss in meat consequently changing the normal color, taste and texture of chicken meat. HS causes poor meat quality by impairing protein synthesis and augmenting undesirable fat in meat. Studies previously conducted show that HS negatively affects the skeletal muscle growth and development by changing its effects on myogenic regulatory factors, insulin growth factor-1, and heat-shock proteins. The focus of this article is in 3-fold: (1) to identify the mechanism of heat stress that causes meat production and quality loss in chicken; (2) to discuss the physiological, metabolic and genetic changes triggered by HS causing setback to the world poultry industry; (3) to identify the research gaps to be addressed in future studies.

Comparison of Dietary Kudzu Leaf Meal (Pueraria montana Var. lobata) and Alfalfa Meal Supplementation Effect on Broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Organ Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe increase in demand for poultry products has directly influenced an increase in poultry production. This increase has placed a strain on the accessibility of high protein feed resources (e.g., soybean meal). High demands for these protein resources from large poultry production industries have left small-scale poultry producers with minimal access to these feed ingredients. In response to this demand, many small-scale poultry producers are utilizing plant leaf based ingredients (i.e., leaf meals) as a protein substitute. Leaf meals offer poultry producers a feed resource that is inexpensive and high in protein. Kudzu is a rapid growing invasive plant species that can engulf and destroy many environments. Kudzu contains a high concentration of nutrients, making it a potentially viable protein substitute in poultry production. In the present study, meat chickens (broilers) were fed a diet containing kudzu leaf meal to assess effects on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and organ parameters during a 3 week growing period. The results indicated that broilers fed kudzu performed at a relatively high level. Utilizing kudzu leaf meal as a protein substitute could benefit poultry producers in tropical countries/regions where kudzu is highly accessible and other protein sources are not.This research study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of kudzu leaf meal (KLM) and alfalfa meal (AM) on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and organ parameters. Kudzu leaf meal and AM were added at rates of 6% and 7.3%, respectively, to a complete broiler starter diet. Three treatments (control (complete broiler starter diet), KLM supplementation; and AM supplementation) with four replicates were fed to 217 male broilers over a 21 d battery cage grow out. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with battery cage representing the experimental unit. Birds on KLM and AM had a lower average body weight, lower cumulative feed consumption, and a higher adjusted feed conversion than control (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were observed treatment effects on whole breast weight (p = 0.0010), with control being higher than both treated diets. Minimal treatment effects were observed for organ parameters. Furthermore, there were no observed treatment differences for mortality (p > 0.05). Although broilers on KLM did not perform as well as those in the control group, these results are indicative that kudzu is safe to use in poultry production and has a high potential as a protein supplement in tropical regions with a low availability of commercial protein feedstuffs.

Characteristics of lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The intensive increase in poultry production requires a variety of different measures to maintain high productivity of broiler chickens while maintaining a high level of bird welfare. One issue is the growing population of Alphitobius diaperinus, which occurs all over the world. This beetle is considered a pest in poultry production and causes major losses to poultry producers. Its development cycle consists of four stages: an egg, a larva, a pupa and an adult. It is necessary to reduce the number of these insects in poultry houses, in which they constitute a serious problem both for the birds and for the buildings themselves. The beetle does a lot of damage by tunnelling in floor and wall crevices, thus destroying the insulation of the building. It has been proved experimentally that the lesser mealworm is also a vector for many serious diseases of poultry and humans. The beetle infected with pathogens may remain infectious for a long time. A. diaperinus is a carrier of dangerous pathogens and viruses as well as protozoa and parasites in poultry. The lesser mealworm shows a noticeable sexual dimorphism. Correct and quick identification of the sex of A. diaperinus on poultry farms could facilitate insect control. Field and laboratory research is being conducted to find an effective method of reducing the population of the lesser mealworm.

The impact of modernization on the formation of the poultry meat market in the Russian Federation

Food production and meeting the needs of the population in high-quality food products are among the most important practical tasks of state importance. A significant contribution to the development of domestic agriculture makes poultry. For a short period of time (2001-2018), there was an increase in poultry meat production by 5.5 times and eggs by 27% in Russia. The main factor in increasing production in the poultry industry was the implementation of innovative processes and integrated technical and technological modernization. In order to maintain the momentum and continue the progressive development of poultry production, it is necessary to ensure that its competitiveness is increased, taking into account the existing and forecasted future challenges. In order to determine the impact of modernization processes on the formation of the poultry meat market, the article analyzed the dynamics of the number of new, modernized and reconstructed poultry facilities and estimated the volume of increase in poultry production for slaughter at these enterprises. The proposed measures of state support in terms of modernization of the industry, the implementation of which, in the author’s opinion, would contribute to the achievement of full provision of the domestic market for poultry products and the transformation of the sub-sector into an export-oriented business.

Organizational and economic aspects of technical and technological modernization of the poultry farming

The article deals with the problems of development of domestic poultry farming on the basis of technical and technological modernization. The dynamics of the number of new, modernized, and reconstructed poultry facilities was analyzed and the volume of increase in poultry production for slaughter at these enterprises was assessed. Factors constraining the development of modernization processes in the sub-industry are considered. Government support measures for the modernization of the industry have been proposed. According to the author, the implementation of these measures will contribute to the full provision of the domestic market for poultry products and the transformation of the poultry industry into a high-tech sub-industry competitive in the domestic and foreign markets.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Local and Exotic Breeds of Chickens in Pankrono-Kumasi, Ghana.

The world's poultry population is on the ascendency as a result of the high demand for poultry product by consumers. In Africa, poultry meat is estimated to represent almost 25% of all meat, whereas in some areas it covers 100% of the animal protein available. The high demand for poultry products has led to an increase in poultry production in almost all African countries including Ghana, with the domestic chicken being the most kept. The sector has been reported to have recorded a drop in production, partly due to infection of birds by diseases, causing organisms including parasites. The study conducted was to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in local and exotic breeds of chickens in Pankrono–Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Two hundred (200) cloacae of slaughtered birds were collected from slaughtering units in the study area and the faecal samples were examined for the eggs/cysts of gastrointestinal parasites using the simple flotation technique and microscopy. Nematodes and cestodes were recovered in 131 (65.5%) of the samples examined with Ascaridia galli recorded as the most prevalent. Some of the nematodes include Ascaridia galli 65 (32.5%), Heterakis gallinarum 38 (19.0%), and Capillaria spp. 29 (14.5%). Some cestodes were Raillietina spp. 19(9.5%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum 5 (2.5%) with Prosthogonimus spp. 3 (1.5%) being the only trematode recovered. The local breeds recorded a percentage prevalence of 76.0%, making them the most susceptible breed to gastrointestinal parasites. The results obtained attest to the reason behind the reduction in poultry production. It is therefore recommended that farmers are educated on farm managerial practices that will reduce the risk of infection and help increase production to meet the demand of consumers.

Modern tendencies of development of meat cattle breeding in Ukraine in conditions of European integration

European integration processes have become an indispensable feature and direction of development of meat cattle breeding in Ukraine. At the same time, the interrelated activity of the state and agricultural enterprises, aimed at ensuring food security of the state, was of paramount importance. Sales volumes for slaughter of cattle and poultry by all categories of farms increased in 2018, compared to 2017, by 34.3 thousand tons, including agricultural enterprises increased by 49.9 thousand tons, and households decreased by 15.6 thousand. The volume of sales of cattle and poultry on slaughter in all categories of farms has increased 11 regions, in agricultural enterprises – 11, in farms of the population – 8 oblasts. In January-November 2018, the overall indicator for livestock and poultry farming in agricultural enterprises increased by 65.5 thousand tons compared to the corresponding period of last year due to an increase in poultry production by 81.9 thousand tons. The stock of cattle on January 1, 2019 in all categories of farms decreased, against the corresponding period of 2018, by 152.0 thousand heads, including 27.7 thousand in agricultural enterprises, and in the farms of the population – by 124.3 thousand goals. In 2018, in all categories of farms, the number of pigs, as compared to 2017, decreased by 123.4 thousand heads, including 124.3 thousand heads in the households, and by 70 per cent in agricultural enterprises, 5 thousand heads. The bovine population in all categories of farms as of January 1, 2019 increased by 5957.5 thousand heads compared to the corresponding period of last year, including 5474.3 thousand in agricultural enterprises, and 483.2 thousand in households , while the realization of slaughter of cattle and poultry increased by 34.3 thousand tons in live weight (1.0%). According to customs authorities in 2018: exports of meat and meat products in terms of meat in January-November 2018 amounted to 368.2 thousand tons, which is January-November 2017 (320.3 thousand tons). t) more by 47.9 thousand tons, or by 15.0%. At the same time, in monetary terms, exports increased by $ 118.2 million. The United States, or 24.1%, amounted to $ 608.6 million. USA; imports of meat and meat products in terms of meat in January-November 2018 amounted to 239.1 thousand tons, which is more compared to 2017 (190.3 thousand tons) by 48.8 thousand tons, or 25.6%. At the same time, in monetary terms, imports were at the level of 170.0 million USD. US $ 55.6 million The United States (or 48.6%) more than last year ($ 114.4 million).

Dynamika światowej produkcji mięsa drobiowego w latach 1965 2016

Produkcja mięsa drobiowego odznacza się wysoką dynamiką wzrostu. Do największych światowych producentów mięsa drobiowego należą: Stany Zjednoczone, Chiny i Brazylia. Produkcja mięsa drobiowego w tych trzech krajach stanowiła ok. 45% produkcji światowej w 2016 roku. Pozostałymi krajami liczącymi się w świecie w produkcji drobiarskiej były: Rosja, Indie, Meksyk, Japonia i Polska. Największy wzrost produkcji drobiu w latach 1965-2016 miał miejsce w Brazylii oraz w Chinach. Natomiast udział Stanów Zjednoczonych oraz krajów obecnej Unii Europejskiej w ujęciu procentowym zmniejszał się. W Polsce wzrost produkcji drobiarskiej w analizowanym okresie był ponad 25-krotny. Od 2014 roku Polska jest największym producentem i eksporterem mięsa drobiowego w Unii Europejskiej.

Investigating Constraints to Poultry Management Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess poultry management practices among smallholder farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 80 respondents used for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean score as well as inferential statistics which include factor analysis and logit regression were used for data analysis. Results revealed that 56.7% of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 40 years, 47.5% had household size of 6-10 persons, 88.6% were literate having 1-10 years of farming experience (93.8%). Findings also show that 48% of the respondents practiced intensive system of poultry while 41.3% of them indicated that major reason for choice of poultry management system is because it is cheap/less expensive. Types of poultry management practices include proper sanitation (80%), cull sick birds (76.3%), brooding of chicks (73.8%) and use disinfectants (70%). Results further indicate constraints to poultry management which include technical, labour and input related factors. The study recommends that efforts are needed in promoting increase in poultry production through adequate pests and diseases control to enhance productivity.

Flavonoids and mannanoligosaccharides in broiler diets

INTRODUCTIONThis experiment was carried out at the at the poultry sector of theSchool of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science – UNESP, Botucatucampus, and aimed at evaluating the effect of the inclusion of flavonoidsalong with mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) as compared to otheradditives on the performance, carcass and parts yields, and meat qualityof broilers reared from 1 to 42 days of age. A total number of 1500Cobb broilers were distributed according to a completely randomizedexperimental design into five treatments, with six replicates of 50 birdseach. Treatments consisted of a control group, probiotic 1, probiotic 2,antibiotic, and flavonoids+MOS. For the period of 1 to 42 days of age,there were no differences among treatments as to daily weight gain,feed intake, mortality, and final body weight, but a significant differencewas found for feed conversion ratio for the flavonoids+MOS treatment.Carcass and parts yields were not significantly influenced by thetreatments. Tbars number, which indicates meat fat oxidation index,was significantly different in both refrigerated and frozen meat. Thelowest oxidation index was obtained with the flavonoids+MOStreatments. Under the conditions of the present study, thesupplementation of broiler diets with flavonoids+MOS was effective.INTRODUCTIONBrazil is presently the world largest exporter of poultry meat. Brazilianpoultry meat production chain generates more the US$10 billionannually, and more than one million direct and indirect job positions(Sbrissia, 2005).One of the consequences of the increase in poultry production wasthe use of additives in animal nutrition to maximize performance indexes.Poultry production is presently highly dependent on the use of growthpromoter to maintain high productivity levels. However, there is anincreasing search for alternatives to practices that may pose risks tothe consumers’ health (Miltenburg, 2000).The global concern with food safety is based on the possibility of theselection of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, which would be caused bythe indiscriminate use of antibiotics used as growth promoters (PalermoNeto, 2002).In the European Union, the ban of the use of antibiotic growthpromoters was effective since January 1

Atmospheric nitrogen inputs to the Delaware Inland Bays: the role of ammonia

A previous assessment of nitrogen loading to the Delaware Inland Bays indicates that atmospheric deposition provides 15–25% of the total, annual N input to these estuaries. A large and increasing fraction of the atmospheric wet flux is NH 4 +, which for most aquatic organisms represents the most readily assimilated form of this nutrient. Particularly noteworthy is a 60% increase in the precipitation NH 4 + concentration at Lewes, DE over the past 20 years, which parallels the increase in poultry production on the Delmarva Peninsula over this period (currently standing at nearly 585 million birds annually). To further examine the relationship between local NH 3 emissions and deposition, biweekly-integrated gaseous NH 3 concentrations were determined using Ogawa passive samplers deployed at 13 sampling sites throughout the Inland Bays watershed over a one-year period. Annual mean concentrations at the 13 sites ranged from <0.5 μg NH 3 m −3 to >6 μg NH 3 m −3, with a mean of 1.6 ± 1.0 μg NH 3 m −3. At most sites, highest NH 3 concentrations were evident during spring and summer, when fertilizer application and poultry house ventilation rates are greatest, and seasonally elevated temperatures induce increased rates of microbial activity and volatilization from soils and animal wastes. The observed north-to-south concentration gradient across the watershed is consistent with the spatial distribution of poultry houses, as revealed by a GIS analysis of aerial photographs. Based on the average measured NH 3 concentration and published NH 3 deposition rates to water surfaces (5–8 mm s −1), the direct atmospheric deposition of gaseous NH 3 to the Inland Bays is 3.0–4.8 kg ha −1 yr −1. This input, not accounted for in previous assessments of atmospheric loading to the Inland Bays, would effectively double the estimated direct dry deposition rate, and is on par with the NO 3 − and NH 4 + wet fluxes. A second component of this study examined spatial differences in NO 3 − and NH 4 + wet deposition within the Inland Bays watershed. In a pilot study, precipitation composition at the Lewes NADP–AIRMoN site (DE 02) was compared with that at a satellite site established at Riverdale on the Indian River Estuary, approximately 21 km southwest. While the volume-weighted mean precipitation NO 3 − concentrations did not differ significantly between sites, the NH 4 + concentration observed at Riverdale (26.3 μmoles L −1) was 73% greater than at Lewes (15.2 μmoles L −1). More recently, a NADP site was established at Trap Pond, DE (DE 99), which was intentionally located within the region of intense poultry production. A comparison of the initial two years (6/2001–5/2003) of precipitation chemistry data from Trap Pond with other nearby NADP–AIRMoN sites (Lewes and Smith Island) reveals fairly homogeneous NO 3 − wet deposition, but significant spatial differences (∼60%) in the NH 4 + wet flux. Overall, these results suggest that local emissions and below-cloud scavenging provide a significant contribution to regional atmospheric N deposition.

Poultry development strategies in India

Poultry production in India has made rapid progress in the last three decades. The estimated 27 billion eggs produced in 1991 represented a 12-fold increase compared with 1961. Broiler production, which was only four million in 1971, increased to around 250 million in 1991 – almost a 60-fold increase in 20 years. The retail value of poultry and poultry products was about 35 billion rupees in 1991 compared with around 8 and 0.65 billion rupees in 1980 and 1961, respectively. The increase in poultry production also created employment for about 100 000 farm workers. Efforts are directed at achieving self-reliance and self-sufficiency in all spheres of poultry production by 2000 A.D. The annual output of eggs is likely to increase to 40 billion and broiler production to 400 million during this period. Not only will this increase the per capita availability of eggs and poultry meat and so help in the fight against malnutrition, it will also provide many additional job opportunities. To achieve these objectives more emphasis is being placed on applied research, the creation of infrastructure, and on facilities for producing adequate numbers of trained people. There is also greater effort aimed at stimulating transfer of technology and making more investment capital available from financial institutions. This in turn will contribute to improved rural production, greater diversification within the poultry sector, and the introduction of basic quality control at all stages of production and marketing. The scope for market intervention to help provide producers with reasonable prices is being assessed. The opening of Indian markets to non-resident Indians and others interested in poultry development and accelerating the pace of development by the creation of appropriate organizations such as the National Poultry Development Board and the National Bureau of Poultry Genetic Resources, are also envisaged.