Infections cost money, especially in poultry productions because of the large flock sizes. Annually, Danish poultry producers lose 10-15% of their production value due to bacterial infections and less optimal hygienic conditions in the poultry stables. Consequently, there is an obvious need to strengthen product safety and animal welfare in the Danish poultry production.
For this purpose all links in the chain of production, from producer to supplier, have formed an innovation consortium. The goal of the consortium is to break down bacterial disease pathways and reduce infections in the Danish poultry production.
The project is known as CHIP: Chicken and Hen Infection Protection.
Nanotechnology and modelling
The CHIP project will make use of the latest breakthroughs within nanotechnology and molecular microbiology. Stable environments will be screened for pathogenic bacteria and other risk factors for the product safety will be assessed.
The main focus will be on optimizing the hygiene by testing new disinfection possibilities and by nano-coating selected surfaces in the stables. In addition drinking water and ventilation systems will be optimized. All results will be incorporated in models which are to act as future risk assessment and management tools. As a result the consortium will be able to offer unique solutions to ensure food safety and productivity.
A total of 13 partners participate in the CHIP consortium. DHI is in charge of project management as well as development of a risk assessment tool. The project has received a 4-year grant of Danish kroner 13.4 mill. from the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.