The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the industry, and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding. Committee members are professional specialists from different segments of the poultry and egg industry who represent a variety of disciplines.

The Association’s research programme dates back to the early 1960s, when funds were first approved for poultry disease research. It gradually grew into a comprehensive programme incorporating all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. Since the inception of the research program, USPOULTRY has reinvested more than $24 million dollars into the industry in the form of research grants, with the International Poultry Expo as the primary source for the funding. More than 50 universities and federal and state facilities have received grants over the years.

“Research is a significant aspect of USPOULTRY's service to the industry,” said Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, and USPOULTRY chairman. “The Foundation Research Advisory Committee is the essence of the research programme. Committee members dedicate numerous hours reviewing and assessing research proposals before making recommendations for funding, and we truly value their excellent insight and commitment. We would also like to give recognition to Dr John Smith of Fieldale Farms for his continued dedication in chairing the research committee.”

The latest research grants from each institution include:

Development of Campylobacter jejuni Proteins as In Ovo Vaccines for Broiler Chickens
USDA-ARS

Pilot Study - Colostomy and Urine Collection Protocol for Investigating Potential Inciting Causes of Hen Diuresis Syndrome
Mississippi State University

Role of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) in Necrotic Enteritis Development
Auburn University

Frequent Application of Litter Amendments in Broiler Houses
University of Delaware

Understanding Arkansas IBV Vaccination Failures
University of Georgia

Factors Affecting Air Velocity and Heat Removal in Tunnel-Ventilated Broiler Houses
University of Georgia

Ultrasonics and Its Synergy for Poultry Water Disinfection
Georgia Tech Research Institute

Pathotyping of Current Marek's Disease Virus Field Strains and Identification of Sequence Variants to Predict Virulence
USDA-ARS