Blog #2 Could Chicken Genetics Study Solve World Hunger?

Summary
This past week, Iowa State University Faculty (ISU) has been studying chicken genetics to fight hunger and poverty in Africa. Animal science faculty members  are studying the genetic makeup of chickens in Africa in an effort improve nutrition and alleviate food scarcity across the continent. Susan Lamont, a leader on the project, visited Africa on a two week trip to lay the groundwork for a project aimed at identifying the genetic mechanism that strengthen the resistance of chickens to heat a potentially devastating disease. The five year project is being funded by a grant from the US Agency for International Development. Two Universtites in Africa will also contribute to the project. Professor Lamont has stated that the research team will explore the local genetic diversity of chickens in Africa and eventually breed birds that are more resistant to heat stress and Newcastle disease, which is an acute respiratory illness that can kill half the birds in a flock in a matter of days. Newcastle disease is the number one health limit to poultry production in these countries. Addressing Newcastle disease through genetic resistance holds extreme importance because most vaccines available to combat the disease require refrigeration, which isn't an option in these areas of Africa with limited access to electricity.In terms of health, eggs are an important source of protein, especially for children. Boosting the stress resistance of chickens means African families can meet their nutritional needs and have more birds left for selling purposes.

Analysis
This article touches on how world hunger can be minimized through chicken genetics in some of the poorest countries, like Africa. The United States joining forces with Africa on this project creates a social family due to our ability of giving them aid. Starting this program here in Africa could open doors for other underdeveloped nations if it is shown to be effective. One of the benefits of this project is that after boosting the stress resistance of the chickens, the African families nutritional needs will be satisfied and they'll also have a surplus of birds that can be used for selling. This will generate some income directly into the pockets of the families which could also be the start of enhancing the economy.This work also has the potential take on nutritional needs and lessen poverty.


http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/31440/could-chicken-genetics-study-solve-world-hunger