Animal Science

Close-up photo of a dairy cow

The University of Delaware provides support to animal operations and enthusiasts throughout the state. Areas of assistance include equine, dairy, livestock, and poultry.

Dairy science research, teaching, and extension programs of the University of Delaware work cooperatively to integrate the findings from basic and applied research into cost-effective management practices for the dairy industry.

Animal Science | Cooperative Extension | University of Delaware

As Delaware’s primary agriculture industry, UD is dedicated to supporting poultry growers, processors, and supporting industries.


 

 

Related facilities

Related Fact Sheets


All Results

Clear All Filters

Sorry, no results found.

  • AWARENESS OF POTENTIAL PLANT TOXICITY TO GRAZING ANIMALS

    Effects on animal health from consuming or contacting potentially toxic plants can range from none to death. Potential deleterious effects include tainted milk; liver or kidney damage; cardiovascular, nervous system, musculoskeletal, or gastrointestinal problems;

  • CONSIDERATIONS FOR HERBICIDE USE IN PASTURES

    Weeds are often not desirable in pastures for many reasons. Many weeds are less palatable to animals, weeds decrease rapidly in nutritive value as they mature, and some can be toxic if consumed in large enough quantities. Weeds can also reduce the amount of desirable vegetation. Weed infestations can often be prevented by implementing cultural practices that maintain a dense cover of desirable forage where weeds find it difficult to germinate and grow.

  • EFFICACY OF VEGETATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BUFFERS TO CAPTURE EMISSIONS FROM TUNNEL VENTILATED POULTRY HOUSES

    Emissions of dust, gases and odors from poultry facilities pose major challenges for the poultry industry. In addition to environmental issues associated with air and water quality, nuisance complaints associated with alterations in the ventilations system and urban encroachment are becoming a greater concern. 

  • ESTABLISHMENT OF VEGETATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BUFFERS AROUND POULTRY FARMS

    For many years the poultry industry has discouraged planting tall crops, shrubs or trees around poultry houses for fear the vegetation would restrict summer-time ventilation in naturally-ventilated poultry houses.

  • IN-HOUSE WINDROW COMPOSTING AND ITS EFFECTS ON FOODBORNE PATHOGENS

    Control of foodborne pathogens at the farm is a growing concern that is being addressed in the industry. Several methods have shown varying effectiveness in reducing pathogens on the farm, one of which is in-house windrow composting.

  • LEVELING UP POULTRY BIOSECURITY: FOOTWEAR

    Dedicated footwear or disposable boots for each poultry house is best for biosecurity. Disposable boots can be purchased online or at local farm supply stores.

  • LITTER AMENDMENTS: THEIR ROLE AND USE

    The use of litter treatments has become an important tool in the management of built-up litter. Because litter treatments cover a broad range of products and functions, thefollowing discussion is limited to those whose primary function is controlling ammoniavolatilization from poultry litter.

  • LITTER MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES ON NEW POULTRY FARMS

    Commercial poultry operations are required to handle poultry litter in a way that minimizes environmental impact, while also complying with State and Federal regulations. The use of permanent manure storage structures is supported by years of scientific data. 

  • MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR UTILIZING HARDWOOD SAWDUST AS POULTRY BEDDING

    Many concentrated poultry-producing areas of the USA including the Delmarva Peninsula have shortages of quality pine-base bedding materials. Yet, there are often ample supplies of cost-effective hardwood sawdust (HW) that could supplement this deficit. However, the poultry industry has been reluctant to use HW due to periodic mold-induced respiratory health concerns.

  • MANAGING BUILT UP LITTER

    Farm-related factors that contribute to poor litter conditions may include; wet or poor bedding quality, inadequate litter depth, poor site drainage, house condensation problems, improper management of the drinkers, cooling and ventilation systems, and not maintaining uniform bird density in houses. 

  • Maximizing the Potential of Poultry Litter as a Valuable Nutrient Source for Sustainable Crop Production

    The Delmarva Peninsula stands out as a prominent hub for broiler production, accounting for more than 596 million broilers in 2022 (Delaware Chicken Association, 2023). In 2022, Delaware raised approximately 234 million broilers, with a production value of 1.53 billion U.S. dollars (USDA NASS, 2023).

  • PHOSPHOROUS IN POULTRY LITTER: GUIDELINES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

    Delaware produces more than 250 million broiler chickens each year, making poultry production the single greatest contributor to state agricultural receipts. It also means that about 280,000 tons of poultry litter (manure and bedding material) are produced annually.

  • TEMPORARY MORTALITY MANAGEMENT ON NEW POULTRY FARMS

    Commercial poultry operations are required to implement mortality management practices to comply with State and Federal regulations. New operations are unable to apply for financial assistance to offset the costs of establishing permanent mortality management structures (e.g., composting units, mortality freezers) until they are actively raising chickens. 

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4


Program contacts