BMPs for poultry farms are a specific set of practices used by farmers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving the productivity of agricultural land. This BMP manual is a guide for the selection, implementation and management of those practices that will help poultry farmers conserve soil and protect water and air resources. (PDF format only)

The primary objective of producing broilers is to optimize growth. Find information on housing, brooding, heating, lighting, feeders, waterers, feeds, feeding and health. (PDF format only)

Introduction to the 4-H Poultry Project. Downloadable project book available.

Recent changes in the Packer and Stockyards Act by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration will increase the transparency of contracts issued by vertically integrated poultry companies. This document highlights the changes set forth by the rule that contract poultry growers should expect to see.

The LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Junior Showmanship show gives members a chance to show their broilers. This guide shows how to handle your broiler for exhibition showmanship.

4-H and FFA members share their experiences raising and showing poultry at the LSU AgCenter Junior Showmanship Show.

The LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Junior Showmanship show gives members a chance to show their broilers. This guide shows how to handle your broiler for exhibition showmanship.

The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided.

Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only)

Browse this list of links for additional information on poultry health.

The brochure details the impacts of using alternative tax depreciation schedules to improve the cash flow for contract broiler producers. (PDF format only)

The purpose of this study is to analyze broiler industry executives’ decisions on where to locate a broiler complex in the United States. The specific objectives are to identify factors affecting site locations of broiler complexes in the United States and to measure the effects and relative importance of these factors on the broiler complex location decision. (PDF format only)

These links provide useful information on controlling poultry houses and ventilation.

Louisiana's poultry industry facts for 2010. Poultry production in 2010 was the largest animal agricultural industry in Louisiana, second only to forestry in total income production for all agricultural commodities.

During fall, many backyard flock owners ask, "Why have my hens stopped laying?" Several factors may cause the reduction in egg laying, says LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Dr. Theresia Lavergne.

To understand nutrient management, you must first understand what nutrients are. Nutrients are substances that are essential for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (potash).

Poultry litter and soil testing are the foundation of a sound nutrient-management program. Poultry litter testing and soil testing are important best management practices (BMPs), and they are essential components of a comprehensive nutrient-management plan (CNMP). This publication includes information on the correct procedures of sampling. (PDF Fomat Only)

Poultry production is Louisiana’s largest animal industry – a spot it has held for the past five years – and its $1.24 billion contribution to the state’s economy makes it the second-largest segment of Louisiana’s agricultural industries.

The focus of this issue is the nonruminant farm animal, which includes chickens, horses and pigs. The nonruminant animal has an uncomplicated or simple stomach as compared to the ruminant animal, which has a stomach with four compartments (cattle, sheep and goats). The nonruminant also is referred to as a monogastric.

Trace minerals are important nutrients in diets for swine and poultry. They are required for growth, bone development, feathering in chickens, enzyme structure and function, and appetite. Over the past 20 years, scientists in the LSU AgCenter have played an important role in understanding the need for and use of trace minerals in diets for animals.

The poultry industry is the largest animal agricultural industry in Louisiana and is second only to forestry in total income produced by all agricultural commodities. Louisiana poultry growers produce almost 1 billion pounds of broiler meat each year. The size of the poultry industry in Louisiana has raised concerns about the management of large quantities of litter (mixture of poultry manure and bedding material).

Trace minerals are important nutrients in diets for swine and poultry. They are required for growth, bone development, feathering in chickens, enzyme structure and function, and appetite. Over the past 20 years, scientists in the LSU AgCenter have played an important role in understanding the need for and use of trace minerals in diets for animals.

Genetic selection of broiler chickens for production performance has been associated with changes in their behavior. Traits such as aggres-siveness, mating behavior, fearfulness (propensity to be easily frightened), feather pecking and sociality vary considerably within genetic strains. Many of these traits can exert profound effects on the welfare and productivity of farmed poultry because they influence the birds’ ability to adapt to their social and physical environment.

Phytate is a compound found in many common feed ingredients that decreases nutrient availability in animal diets. The main anti-nutritional effect of phytate is that it makes phytate phosphorus unavailable for digestion and absorption by nonruminants such as swine and poultry. Phytate also has negative effects on digestive enzymes, trace minerals, calcium, protein and amino acids, and carbohydrates.

Trace minerals are important nutrients in diets for swine and poultry. They are required for growth, bone development, feathering in chickens, enzyme structure and function, and appetite. Over the last 20 years, scientists in the LSU AgCenter have played an important role in understanding the need for and use of trace minerals in diets for animals.

BATON ROUGE – Six students received top honors Saturday, winning the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 69th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.