USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project by researchers from the University of Arkansas that worked to develop a multispecies bacterial vaccine for the protection against bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness for broilers. Made possible by an endowing Foundation gift from Georges Inc., the research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A summary of the completed project is below.

Project #F106: Developing a Multispecies Bacterial Vaccine for Protection Against Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis Lameness in Broilers

(Dr. Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye, John Tyson Center for Excellence in Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.)

BCO is a significant issue in the commercial broiler industry and is recognized as a key factor causing lameness in broilers. Dr. Alrubaye, professor of poultry science and biological sciences, and colleagues at the University of Arkansas recently completed a research project that aimed to achieve lameness reduction in broiler chickens via in ovo immunization with an electron beam (eBeam) technology treated with a multi-strain Staphylococcus vaccine. Findings from the study indicated that an eBeam-inactivated, whole-cell bacterial vaccine can be a promising alternative to efficiently control BCO in commercial broiler chickens. This could benefit the industry immensely, in addition to improving animal welfare and health by reducing clinical conditions of BCO and discomfort.

The research summary can be found on the USPOULTRY website. Information on other Association research may also be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY website, uspoultry.org.