Making Life Better
Poultry Science Graduate Student
Currently, poultry farmers scoop up a fistful of chicken litter and squeeze it to test the moisture. CAES graduate student Eric Shepherd hopes to change that.
He's testing more accurate methods of moisture monitoring and researching moisture prevention methods. Through this, Shepherd hopes to make the lives of poultry farmers easier, and cleaner, and help them produce better poultry.Eric's Student Profile
Name: Eric Shepherd
Hometown: Griffin, Ga.
Estimated semester/year of graduation: Summer 2010
Major: Poultry Science
Shepherd's research
His research focuses on the prevention of footpad dermatitis, a burn-like condition on chicken feet or paws. It is caused by excess moisture in the chicken litter, Shepherd said.
Litter, which is the wood shavings chickens walk on, contains bacteria naturally and from chicken waste. When there is too much moisture in the litter, however, it allows for greater bacterial growth and increases the bacteria count.
Bacteria breaks down fecal matter and releases ammonia as a by-product, said Shepherd. And the chemical reaction of the ammonia causes the burns.
Footpad dermatitis is a problem for farmers because chicken paws are the third most important part of the chicken, coming in behind the breast and wings, Shepherd said.
"In the last decade or so, chicken paws have become really important to poultry companies in the U.S. because there is such a high demand in Asia," he said. "If the paws have dermatitis, you can't sell them."
To help poultry farmers prevent footpad dermatitis, Shepherd is searching for create more accurate methods for assessing the amount of moisture in litter. With more precise testing techniques, moisture levels can be better monitored. This will help prevent dermatitis from occurring.
He is also researching ways to keep excess moisture out of litter. Moisture tests and preventative methods will help farmers eliminate dermatitis before it begins.
Along with studies on litter, Shepherd observes and samples chickens with dermatitis and studies the burns. He enjoys the research because he spends most of his time going out and working with farmers.
"I like interacting with people and the animals," he said. "We go out to farmers that report problems with footpad dermatitis and see how we can help. We hope to help the poultry producers better use the information the university finds."
Back in the classroom
In addition to poultry research, Shepherd helps teach an advanced broiler production class, which looks at the different aspects of chicken production — from breeding to growing of the birds. He also helps advise students and helps promote and organize special events as an active member of the UGA Poultry Science Club.
While Shepherd has always liked animals, growing up in Griffin, Ga., he had no exposure to farm animals. He took an interest in the CAES poultry science program after speaking with professors Mark Compton and Mike Lacy.
"Dr. Compton is very passionate about what he teaches, explains difficult subject matter well and makes it interesting," Shepherd said. "All the professors are very encouraging and have a 'doors are always open' policy."
Along with research and teaching, Shepherd tries to promote the college and the field of agriculture as much as possible.
"I try to dispel the notion that agricultural majors are dumb farmers," Shepherd said. "Making this product is really not as simple as people think and is a really tough job. The factors and science that go into growing birds is very intricate."
After graduate school, Shepherd hopes to continue research, become a college professor and continue working with UGA Cooperative Extension and farmers in the poultry industry.
"I hope to help poultry producers better utilize the information learned through our research and convince them to spend a little bit of money up front to make their lives easier and make better products," he said.