Cobb announces new funding for research grants

Nine recipients have been named for the 2023 Cobb Research Initiative 

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark., USA, July 18, 2023 — Cobb is pleased to announce nine grant recipients in funding for the 2023 Cobb Research Initiative (CRI).

“We are excited to announce our first grant recipients for this new initiative and the partnerships that come from the developments of these projects,” said Dr. William Herring, Vice President of Research and Development, for Cobb. “Each proposal was carefully reviewed and we believe that the chosen recipients will help propel us forward not just in genetic progress, but in numerous areas including new innovative technologies and advanced research. We must find ways to control and prevent diseases, improve animal health and welfare outcomes, reduce production costs and enhance product quality while advancing sustainability needs. We thank all those that submitted their ideas and look forward to our rolling submission process moving forward.”

The CRI program was developed to help propel poultry genetics further by creating opportunities that bring together diverse scientific research disciplines to create advancements in global protein production. Innovations like artificial intelligence, data system collection and management, robotics, automation and application of biotechnology are all areas of focus in this initiative.

“Cobb, as a leading genetics company, is at the forefront of what we believe is the convergence of science, technology and animal health,” said Joyce J. Lee, President for Cobb. “This funding not only shows Cobb’s commitment to genetic progress, but our understanding that the demand for quality protein around the world will continue to increase with the global population. We will use innovative research, new technologies and data analysis to help further our genetic progress and answer key issues facing the global poultry industry.”

2023 grant recipients are listed below and you can learn more about the Cobb Research Initiative, including research priorities at www.CobbResearchInitiative.com.

 

2023 Cobb Research Initiative Grant Recipients

Researcher

Project Title

Institution

Yang Zhao

A vision-based precision livestock farming system for real-time detection of mating behaviors in broiler breeders

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Marian Dawkins

Accelerating genetic progress through improved assessment of broiler chicken welfare, digital phenotyping and gut health

University of Oxford

Allison N. Pullin

Advancing animal welfare and health of broiler breeder pullets via innovative assessment of feed and water programs

North Carolina State University

Guoming Li

An artificial intelligence-assisted gait scoring system for individual broilers in group settings

University of Georgia Research Foundation

Stephanie Richter

BBAI: Broiler breeder development modeling and anomaly identification based on automated CT scan analysis

Georgia Tech Research Institute

Breno Faragomeni

Genomic selection as a tool to mitigate salmonella shedding in broilers

University of Connecticut

Colin Usher

High fidelity data collection and analytics for enhanced broiler breeder livability

Georgia Tech Research Institute

Si Hong Park

Investigation of reproductive tract of hen and deteriorated egg microbiome to increase the hatchability

Oregon State University

Charlene Hanlon

The impact of restricted feeding regimens on reproductive capacity and successful fertilization in broiler breeder flocks

Auburn University

 

 

About Cobb-Vantress

Cobb-Vantress, LLC, a leading global poultry genetics company, makes quality protein accessible, healthy, and affordable worldwide. Our research and technology innovates the global poultry industry. Founded in 1916, we are the world’s oldest pedigree broiler breeding company and we distribute poultry to more than 100 countries. Find more at cobbvantress.com.

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