Research
Research objectives
- Examine the effects of environment and management on animal behavior, welfare and productivity
- Develop animal-based indicators of welfare
- Investigate links between animal welfare and product quality
♦ Chickens ♦ Ducks ♦ Turkeys
Research projects
Some recent chicken, duck and turkey behavior and welfare projects
- What type of nesting material do laying hens prefer to lay their eggs on?
- How do behavior and activity levels of turkeys change in response to environmental changes and disease?
- How do activity levels and walking ability of turkeys change with age?
- What are the factors that influence whether ducks pluck their feathers and when does feather picking develop?
Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects
Consumer perceptions of turkey welfare and turkey product purchasing
With Dr. Nicole Widmar (Purdue Agricultural Economics) and Dr. Stacy Zuelly (Purdue Animal Sciences)
Associations between turkey behavior, welfare and meat quality
With Dr. Stacy Zuelly
Changes in turkey vocalizations in response to stress
With Dr. Jiqin Ni (Purdue Agricultural and Biological Engineering)
Effects of stocking density and bedding on turkey behavior
With Dr. Sally Noll (University of Minnesota), Dr. Michael Hulet (Penn State University), Dr. Darrin Karcher (Purdue Animal Sciences)
Changes in laying hen behavior and welfare due to parasite infestations
With Dr. Ameya Gondhalekar (Purdue Entomology) and Dr. Darrin Karcher
Effects of litter substrate on laying hen behavior, welfare and egg quality; and air quality
With Dr. Dana Campbell (CSIRO), Dr. Deana Jones (USDA ARS), Dr. Jiqin Ni (Purdue Agricultural and Biological Engineering)
Effects of probiotic supplementation on laying hen behavior and welfare
Collaborators: Dr. Heng-wei Cheng (USDA ARS) and Dr. Don Lay (USDA ARS)
Changes in broiler chicken behavior in response to heat stress
With Dr. Jay Johnson (USDA ARS)