This highlight is "for the birds!"
story by Emily Pfeiffer

Students in Miss Quigg’s animal science class are working on a broiler project for part of the second marking period to study nutrition, growth, and digestive anatomy. Dr. Martin, a cooperative extension specialist gave an overview of the poultry industry before bringing the chicks on October 29th. They were kept in a brooder for three weeks and recently were moved to a floor pen where they will stay for another three weeks before being brought to a local processing plant.

The class was divided into three groups and each group was given their own set of 8 birds to monitor during a nutritional study. Every Friday the groups weigh the birds to see how the different carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels in the feeds affect their weight. They are using the data they collect to calculate average weights and weight change and plot growth curves.

A group of eight students from the class are responsible for ruling the roost. Every morning during homeroom they go in pairs to check on the birds, feed them, give them new water, clean their cages/pens, and make sure they are all healthy. As a reward for their extra effort, they will visit Eberly Poultry at the conclusion of the project.