US: Studies point to water efficiency practices in poultry industry

Published 2024년 7월 9일

Tridge summary

Global climate change and rising populations are making clean drinking water increasingly scarce, affecting nearly one-third of the world's population and the agriculture sector, including poultry. Researchers in Arkansas, led by Sara Orlowski and Sami Dridi, have developed a high water-efficient line of broiler chickens that consume significantly less water and feed while maintaining growth under heat stress. Funded by a $9.95 million USDA grant, the study also explores other physiological traits like meat quality and gut integrity. The research, which began by studying genetic differences between jungle fowl and modern breeds, uses a novel low-flow water monitoring system to select and breed the most water-efficient chickens, a trait that could extend to other poultry like turkeys, quail, and ducks.

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Original content

Global climate change and rising populations will make drinking water more scarce in the coming decades, according to a report from the United Nation’s World Water Development. Nearly one-third of the world’s population has limited or virtually no access to clean drinking water. The agriculture sector will also face water shortages. Scientists in Arkansas are trying to find ways to conserve water in the poultry industry. In the first scientific report of its kind, researchers in Arkansas showed that chickens bred for water conservation continued to put on weight despite heat stress that would normally slow growth. The specially bred line of chickens were developed by Sara Orlowski, assistant professor of poultry sciences at the University of Arkansas. The study, which was part of a five-year project funded by a $9.95 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, showed a broiler chicken’s physiology could be significantly ...

Source: Talkbusiness