UGA’s Poultry Science Department’s Poultry Research Center (PRC); a multi-building complex that comprises buildings that have evolved from the mid-1930s until the most recent 3 buildings which were built in 1998. Researchers have utilized this facility for decades, making world-renowned advances in nutrition, genetic
-selection, environmental management, physiology, reproduction, and health advancements. The PRC currently is home to decades-old random-bred broiler strains that are essential for our full implications of genetic selection methods, processing facility, hatchery, continuing education classroom, as well as
research facilities for broilers, broiler breeders, and laying hens. The PRC has had the broadest capabilities of poultry research of any of the Poultry Science departments in the country; but is needing updates to address the changing needs facing poultry production and processing. Upgrades to the facility are critical to attract world-renowned poultry scientists and provide them with the facilities to be more competitive for federal grants and corporate grants/contracts in each of the department’s signature areas.
This project includes extensive upgrades to various mechanical systems in a variety of building types. Architectural modifications will also be required to support changes and updates in research programing
at the facility. The work will need to be completed in phases to minimize downtime to facilities and accommodate class and research schedules.
The following is a programing scope for the project:
- Processing facility (renovation to allow for GA state inspection – thus allowing for taste
panel and other collaborative research with Food Science and other partners)
- Upgrades to Steam boiler system
- Further processing room HVAC to meet food grade standards and further processing equipment for driving product innovation in ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products
- Blast freezer (improper installation and function mid-1990s– inoperable)
- Floors in processing rooms –food grade standards and safety
- L House
- Conversion of one wing of building to be used for BSL2 pathogens (e.g.cocci/salmonella/campylobacter)
- Classroom building
- “Egg grading” room conversion to a teaching lab and to be a source point for instructional demonstrations
- Feed mill upgrades
- updates to mixing system bagging, and conveyor system, additional upgrades to vacuum system (dust control for explosion prevention)
- New fencing, alarm system, key system and paving of PRC
- Classroom building
