Anderson, Kenneth (Ken) E

Professor Prestage Department of Poultry Science
ken_anderson@ncsu.edu
919-515-5527
919-515-7070 fax

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Animal Welfare and Management: As the Director of the North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Program and investigator on the associated test, I am provided the tool to address current industry production concerns. This extension program has been ongoing since 1958 in cooperation with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services along with the Primary Breeders of Commercial Egg Strains. Thirty-eight flocks have been completed and a major facility remodel I underway. The initial purpose of the test was to provide strain evaluations in a common environment to the producers in North Carolina. However, in recent years, the test and the support it provides has given the industry an avenue with which to examine common problems with the housing alternative environments and management of the different strains of leghorns available. There are two other tests in the world but this test is the only one of its type, scope, and distribution remaining in the world. The NCLP&MT reports are sent to all the producers in North Carolina and an additional 230 reports are sent to producers, industry representatives, and academics throughout the US and 16 different countries. In 2012 every report published was posted onto the internet and an historical summary of the first 37 tests was compiled. The primary breeders and egg companies are utilizing the test in increasing intensity to compare and evaluate the strains and the different environments, which are imposed upon them.

Biological Basis for Chemoprevention of Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that kills more women than all other gynecological cancers combined. Each year in the United States, 27,000 to 28,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, and 16,000 to 17,000 women will die from it. Despite progress made in treating cancers, most women who contract ovarian cancer will die because diagnosis of the disease is often discovered in an advanced stage. Researchers at North Carolina State University and other medical schools have been shown the chicken to be a viable model due to their high rate of naturally occurring ovarian cancer. The epithelial, or surface, cells of chicken ovaries are similar to the epithelial cells of human ovaries and appear to respond to the hormone progestin the same as those of humans. Hopefully this research will provide methods for early detection and validated a model with which to develop and evaluate therapies for preventing a deadly human cancer. These projects will allow for greater insight into the reproductive mechanisms in gallus domesticus and the maintenance nutritional requirements of a non-ovulating hen.

Molting: The commercial egg industry is being bombarded by animal welfare guidelines, which are being promoted without the use of scientifically supported information. The molting research has resulted in development of a non-anorexic program now used extensively by the industry. Strains requirements vary and research examining alternative molting programs, supplemental nutrition during the molt, feeding regimens pre-molt, during the stress, and post-molt are continuously needed. This work will provide the egg industry with scientific research concerning molting practices and the impact of these practices on the welfare of the laying hen. This information may be used by the industry to educate the businesses concerning this practice and help them differentiate between the theology/philosophy perspective on molting and the reality.

Egg Processing and Safety Program: The North Carolina Egg Industry and consumers need to be assured that egg safety and quality are the highest priority and are dependent on the processing conditions and storage temperature. Consumer perceptions are based upon what they see and hear which can dictate consumption. This program evaluates egg processing methods and cooling always keeping in mind the microbial contamination potential in shell eggs. The Piedmont Research Station, Shell Egg Pilot Processing Center has allowed research on in-line cooling, washing temperatures, and storage modifications to facilitate economically viable egg processing for quality and reduced microbial contamination rates.

Type(s) of International Experience:
Instructor at an academic institution overseas | Speaker at an international conference | Other international activities | Advisor for international students | Host for international faculty | Host for international post-doc

Language(s):
English

Projects:
Where is the Poultry Industry in the United States heading on its path to sustainability? Training/Workshop
06/23/2021 - 06/25/2021
Funding Agency/Sponsor:
Institutional Partner:

Layer Nutrition Associated with Different Production Systems Training/Workshop
02/08/2021 - 02/10/2021
Funding Agency/Sponsor:
Institutional Partner:

Poultry 101A/101B: Veterinary Stability Operations Pre-Deployment Course Training/Workshop
02/11/2010 - 02/12/2010
Funding Agency/Sponsor: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Institutional Partner:

Poultry Production in the Developing world: Chicken 101 Health Training/Workshop
02/11/2010 - 02/12/2010
Funding Agency/Sponsor: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Institutional Partner:

USDA/ Cochran Training Program, Poultry Breeding and Health Team Training/Workshop
11/02/2003 - 11/15/2003
Funding Agency/Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Institutional Partner:

USDA/ Cochran Training Program, Poultry Breeding and Health Team Training/Workshop
01/19/2003 - 02/01/2003
Funding Agency/Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Institutional Partner:

USDA/ Cochran Training Program, Poultry Breeding and Health Team Training/Workshop
01/12/2003 - 01/25/2003
Funding Agency/Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Institutional Partner:

Integrated Poultry Short Course - Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Training/Workshop
10/01/2001 - 10/11/2001
Funding Agency/Sponsor: American Soybean Association (ASA)
Institutional Partner:

Integrated Poultry Short Course - Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, and Uzbekistan Training/Workshop
09/10/2001 - 09/21/2001
Funding Agency/Sponsor: Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Institutional Partner:

Integrated Poultry Short Course - Russia Training/Workshop
02/11/2000 - 02/26/2000
Funding Agency/Sponsor: American Soybean Association (ASA)
Institutional Partner:

Layer Management and Nutrition Training/Workshop
01/25/2000 - 01/25/2000
Funding Agency/Sponsor:
Institutional Partner: ACDI/VOCA, USA

CALS International Programs

Faculty Overview

Anderson, Kenneth (Ken) E