The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. (UGA Research Foundation) was awarded a $749,434 Project Grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program. The grant, which runs from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2027, supports three research and extension objectives focused on pastured poultry farming systems: 1) analyzing chickens' diets and impacts on pests, beneficial insects, and weeds through molecular analysis of dietary DNA in chicken feces; 2) identifying potential sources of Salmonella and Campylobacter exposure in chickens using whole-genome pathogen sequencing and landscape modeling; and 3) quantifying the net impacts of chickens on arthropods, weeds, and soils through on-farm exclusion experiments. The project will also engage grower citizen-scientists across the Southeastern U.S. to submit samples for complete diet analysis, providing practical tools to help maximize the benefits and minimize risks of integrating pastured chickens into whole-farm planning.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $749.4k | 5/23/24 |