Board Research Initiative (BRI) Competiton

Colibacillosis in Commercial Layers - 9/08/26

Colibacillosis is one of the most common and economically significant bacterial diseases affecting commercial layer operations worldwide. The disease is caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and typically occurs when opportunistic bacteria invade birds compromised by environmental stressors, concurrent disease or weakened immune function. Commercial layers are particularly susceptible during periods of physiological or environmental stress, including the onset of lay, peak egg production, molting, transportation and exposure to poor air quality or elevated ammonia levels. Read full initiative...

Reduced Fertility in Broiler Breeders - 9/08/26

Maintaining high fertility in broiler breeder flocks is essential for maximizing hatchability, chick production, and overall production efficiency. However, many operations experience declines in fertility due to a combination of factors, including flock age, male reproductive performance, hen fertility, body weight management, nutrition, environmental conditions, health status and mating behavior. As genetic progress continues to improve broiler growth and feed efficiency, additional research is needed to better understand the causes of reduced fertility and identify practical management strategies that sustain reproductive performance throughout the production cycle. Read full initiative...

Presence of PFAS in Incoming Potable Water Supplies to Poultry Processing Facilities - 9/08/26

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that have become an increasing regulatory and food safety concern. As federal and state agencies expand PFAS monitoring and establish drinking water standards, the poultry industry has limited scientific information on whether PFAS in incoming potable water used during processing contributes to residues in poultry products, by-products, wastewater or biosolids. Research is needed to better understand PFAS occurrence, potential transfer pathways, and distribution throughout poultry processing operations to inform future risk assessments, regulatory decisions and mitigation strategies. Read full initiative...

On-Farm Poultry Depopulation Using Nitrogen - 9/08/26

Whole-house nitrogen gas depopulation and nitrogen-infused foam depopulation have emerged as a potential emergency depopulation method for commercial poultry during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), foreign animal diseases and other emergency scenarios. While the use of nitrogen for both methods offers the potential to reduce labor requirements, improve health and safety parameters for farm staff and first responders, minimize live bird handling and accelerate the efficiency and effectiveness of mass depopulation of poultry flocks, additional research is needed to validate its effectiveness under commercial conditions. Specific research is needed to identify best management practices, optimize application parameters, evaluate bird welfare outcomes, assess operational feasibility and determine the practicality of implementing this technology across various poultry species and production systems. Read full initiative...