STORRS, CONNECTICUT — Researchers, industry leaders, and poultry producers from around the world recently gathered at the University of Connecticut (UConn) to share groundbreaking progress in antibiotic-free poultry farming and to evaluate innovations developed under the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project.
The two-day event, hosted by UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), highlighted scientific breakthroughs that are making poultry production safer, more sustainable, and healthier for birds, people, and the planet.
Funded by a $10 million USDA-NIFA grant awarded in 2020, the SAS Poultry Project is led by Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan, CAHNR’s senior associate dean and professor of animal science. The project brings together a multi-institutional team to tackle the challenges of poultry farming without antibiotics—a shift increasingly demanded by consumers and regulators alike.
“This has been a collective effort,” said Dr. Venkitanarayanan. “We’ve made significant progress in bird health, human health, and environmental impact—and these meetings help us share insights and keep innovating.”
🔬 innovations for a healthier poultry industry
Key achievements shared during the meeting included:
- A UConn-patented probiotic spray that improves chick health and hatchability
- Technologies to reduce heat stress and improve bird welfare
- Energy production from poultry litter, reducing environmental waste
- Strategies to reduce poultry disease without relying on antibiotics
In addition to technological innovation, the team has developed educational programs for farmers and students, including a hands-on poultry farming class at UConn.
🌍 global voices, shared goals
International experts from Mexico, Southeast Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa offered valuable perspectives on global poultry farming practices, further enriching the project’s One Health approach—linking animal health, human health, and environmental sustainability.
An industry panel Q&A and poster session allowed students, producers, and researchers to interact, ask questions, and explore ideas for future collaboration.
“CAHNR is proud to lead this interdisciplinary effort,” said Venkitanarayanan. “Our work is vital to creating a more sustainable, resilient, and trustworthy food system.”
🏛 institutions collaborating on the SAS Poultry Project
This landmark initiative includes experts from:
- Appalachian State University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Georgia
- Auburn University
- Kansas State University
- University of Maryland
- University of Minnesota
- North Carolina A&T and NC State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- USDA-ARS divisions in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi
As the grant enters its final year, the team is assessing the wide-reaching impact of its work and exploring ways to scale solutions for global poultry systems.
