The U.S. Poultry & Egg Assn. (USPOULTRY) and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved approximately $415,000 for six new research grants at six institutions through the comprehensive research program.

The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee, which evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the poultry industry and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding, USPOULTRY said.

While the comprehensive research program dates to the early 1960s, when funds were first approved for poultry disease research, it has grown into an all-inclusive program incorporating all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. Since the inception of the research program, USPOULTRY said it has reinvested more than $32 million into the industry in the form of research grants.

“Research is an important part of USPOULTRY's and the foundation’s service to the industry. The Foundation Research Advisory Committee is the core of the research program, with committee members volunteering countless hours reviewing and evaluating research proposals before making recommendations for funding. We sincerely appreciate and value their excellent work,” said USPOULTRY chairman John Prestage of Prestage Farms.

The new research grants for each institution include:

* Georgia Tech Research Institute -- "Fate & Effect of Commercial Peracetic Acid Solutions in Poultry Processing Waste Water Biological Treatment Processes."

* Mississippi State University -- "Effect of Protease Enzyme on Corn & Soybean Meal-Based Laying Hen Diet to Reduce Feed Cost, Improve Egg Quality & Egg Solids in Post-Peak & Late Lay."

* North Carolina State University -- "Evaluating the Impact of Ventilation Shutdown for Depopulation of Broiler Breeders during a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak."

* Purdue University -- "Cage-Free Pullet Density: Production & Welfare Outcomes."

* University of Delaware -- "Feed Additive for Reducing Incidence of Wooden Breast Disease in Commercial Broiler Chickens."

* University of Georgia -- "Evaluation of a Drinker System with or without Trays on House Litter Conditions, Bird Performance, Health & Welfare."