Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program
Funds one research project to enhance efficiency and sustainability in laying hen and turkey production through collaborative research and technology transfer.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: July 31, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: $440,115 total; one award; project duration up to 36 months; dollar-for-dollar matching required (unless waived)
Summary: Supports a single integrated research project to improve efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and turkey production through collaborative research and technology transfer.
Key Information: Matching funds required; only one award anticipated; all research must focus on laying hens and/or turkeys.
Description
The Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program (LHTR), administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), funds one competitive research project aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and turkey production in the United States. The program emphasizes integrated, collaborative research and technology transfer, targeting scientific and practical advancements that directly benefit egg and turkey producers. Research must focus on laying hens, turkeys, or both.
Priority areas include:
- Disease prevention (e.g., vaccine development, diagnostics, resistance, pathogen transmission)
- Antimicrobial resistance (alternatives, mitigation)
- Nutrition (alternative feeds/ingredients)
- Gut health (microbiome, pathogen impacts)
- Alternative housing systems, especially under extreme weather, with a focus on precision technologies, air quality, and biosecurity
Proposals involving partnerships among multiple entities are encouraged and receive priority if deemed scientifically meritorious. The program requires a strong plan for collaborative research and technology transfer.
