MICROBIAL POPULATIONS IN COMMERCIAL HOUSING SYSTEMS ...
2015 MPF Convention
MICROBIAL POPULATIONS IN COMMERCIAL HOUSING SYSTEMS Deana Jones, Ph.D. USDA Agricultural Research Service 950 College Station Road Athens, GA 30605 Office: 706-546-3486 [email protected] Darrin M. Karcher, Ph.D. 474 S. Shaw Lane, 1287 Anthony Hall East Lansing, MI 48824 Office: 517-775-0485 [email protected] The Coalition for a Sustainable Egg Supply (CSES) is comprised of a multistakeholder group encompassing egg suppliers, food manufacturers, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, restaurant, foodservice, and retail food companies who are collaborating on a commercial-scale study of housing alternatives for U.S. egg-laying hens. In order to sustain the U.S. egg supply, the coalition members believe a balanced and objective evaluation of egg production needs to be investigated between alternative housing systems. Three different egglaying systems (conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary) are being evaluated from five different sustainability areas: behavior and well-being, environmental, food safety, worker health and safety, and food affordability. While some research within respective areas suggest benefits to one type of housing system, the commercial-scale research will evaluate all areas simultaneously allowing for any trade-offs within an area to be identified. Michigan State University and University of California, Davis scientists are leading the research with additional scientists from Iowa State University and the USDAARS Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit. The first research flock was placed in April 2011 with the second of the two-flock study housed in July 2012. The flock data collection is complete for both flocks. The flock one interim findings have been released with the second flock data currently being analyzed. A comprehensive final report will be available in 2015. The Coalition’s work will result in science-based data that will provide guidance to the future of egg production and purchasing decisions within the U.S. For additional information or interest in becoming a member, visit http://www2.sustainableeggcoalition.org.
MICROBIAL POPULATIONS IN COMMERCIAL HOUSING SYSTEMS Deana Jones, Ph.D. USDA Agricultural Research Service 950 College Station Road Athens, GA 30605 Office: 706-546-3486 [email protected] Darrin M. Karcher, Ph.D. 474 S. Shaw Lane, 1287 Anthony Hall East Lansing, MI 48824 Office: 517-775-0485 [email protected] The Coalition for a Sustainable Egg Supply (CSES) is comprised of a multistakeholder group encompassing egg suppliers, food manufacturers, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, restaurant, foodservice, and retail food companies who are collaborating on a commercial-scale study of housing alternatives for U.S. egg-laying hens. In order to sustain the U.S. egg supply, the coalition members believe a balanced and objective evaluation of egg production needs to be investigated between alternative housing systems. Three different egglaying systems (conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary) are being evaluated from five different sustainability areas: behavior and well-being, environmental, food safety, worker health and safety, and food affordability. While some research within respective areas suggest benefits to one type of housing system, the commercial-scale research will evaluate all areas simultaneously allowing for any trade-offs within an area to be identified. Michigan State University and University of California, Davis scientists are leading the research with additional scientists from Iowa State University and the USDAARS Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit. The first research flock was placed in April 2011 with the second of the two-flock study housed in July 2012. The flock data collection is complete for both flocks. The flock one interim findings have been released with the second flock data currently being analyzed. A comprehensive final report will be available in 2015. The Coalition’s work will result in science-based data that will provide guidance to the future of egg production and purchasing decisions within the U.S. For additional information or interest in becoming a member, visit http://www2.sustainableeggcoalition.org.
