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News Release |
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HISTORY OF ALABAMA'S POULTRY INDUSTRY REVIEWED AUBURN, Ala.__--The story of how the poultry industry developed in Alabama is the best example I know of agribusiness success in the state. And the same thing can be said for the nation. Although the poultry industry as we know it today seems new, poultry has been important to the U. S. economy for a long time. In fact, income from chicken and eggs accounted for more farm income than any other U. S. farm enterprise in the 1800s. Alabama's poultry industry provided little economic impact until the 1950s, but Auburn University was already doing research that would provide the support needed for the industry to develop. A modern research facility had been built by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station in 1924, and this facility served the poultry research program well for more than 50 years. Then in 1977 it was replaced with a state of the art facility that allows Auburn researchers to continue to serve the poultry industry. Throughout the years, Auburn research has paralleled needs of the industry. Such things as upgrading nutrition, managing farm flocks to produce eggs the year round and force molting for off-season production were important efforts in early years. The problem posed by diseases and parasites was recognized early, and solutions generated through research. Genetic resistance was a successful solution resulting from research, and foundation breeding stock for the Auburn Leghorn was supplied to layer breeders. Emphasis was shifted to poultry meat in the 1950s to best utilize available financial and faculty resources. This has continued to the present, with current emphasis on reproductive efficiency, health management, nutrition and body composition. Rapid expansion of broiler production is likely to continue, with attendant problems. Thus, research must be continued on such performance parameters as growth, feed utilization, health management, body composition and product wholesomeness, as well as on waste management and utilization. As I approach retirement on July 1, I like to reflect on my 33 years at Auburn, 30 of which were involved directly with the poultry teaching and research programs in the College of Agriculture and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. I am honored to have been associated with faculty who have shown full dedication to the dynamic poultry industry. I also wish to commend the poultry industry for its trust, support, and belief in this small group that was attempting to provide the scientific support needed by the industry. -30- By: |