Author
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NORTHCUTT, JULIE |
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Submitted to: Georgia Poultry Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/27/2003 Publication Date: 9/27/2003 Citation: Northcutt, J.K. 2003. Water use and common industry practices during the processing of broilers. Georgia Poultry Conference Proceedings. The University of Georgia, Athens, GA p.1-3. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Availability of fresh water, discharge restriction and the increasing cost of water have become critical to the poultry industry. For this reason, a survey of the broiler processing establishments across the US was conducted to identify common industry practices and the associated water use. In this proceedings and the accompanying presentation, data from the water survey will be shared with the poultry industry. In August 2002, poultry processing establishments were forced to limit the number of days of processing each week because water was either not available and/or wastewater treatment and disposal were at the maximum capacity. The survey revealed that the average water usage prior to the implementation of HACCP was 20.6 L/broiler while the current, post-HACCP water usage was reported as 26 L/broiler. Based on the current average water/sewer charges ($4/100 gallons), this increase in water is costing the poultry industry at least $50 million dollars each year. Information from the survey of the broiler industry is being used to investigate opportunities to optimize or reduce water use. |
