Friday, April 23, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, MD -Dr. Jeanine Harter-Dennis is the 2010 recipient of the coveted Delmarva Poultry Industry’s (DPI) Medal of Achievement for her nearly 30 years of teaching and research at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). An animal nutrition expert, she is currently involved in a study entailing a new flooring system that will dramatically reduce ammonia emissions from commercial broiler houses.
“For me, this is the ultimate honor personally, and it is the ultimate honor for UMES,” said Harter-Dennis, associate professor and researcher. “The reduction and ammonia work that we are doing will hopefully enable the local poultry industry to survive and thrive on the Eastern Shore.”
During its 54th annual Booster Banquet, DPI recognized a total of 15 outstanding poultry growers and two other individuals for their work on behalf of the industry. The trade association is organized and operated to promote and protect the future of the industry on the Shore. In concert, Harter-Dennis’ research is specifically trained on improving nutrient utilization for and reducing ammonia emissions from broiler facilities.
“UMES gave me the opportunity, the resources and the freedom to do what needed to be done to help the local industry,” said Harter-Dennis, “and the local industry cooperated. For that I am thankful. I am also thankful for the UMES students and technicians who have been involved in my work. Without them, none of this would have happened.”
Throughout her career, Harter-Dennis has worked on many issues related to animal nutrition, including studies of phytase and other feed additives, live production matters, air emissions from chicken houses and other environmental issues, reduction of carcass fat in chickens, bone abnormalities, and much more. She has been a member of several DPI committees over the years; and in her spare time, she raises and shows English Cocker Spaniels.
For more information about Harter-Dennis and her research involving the “Chicken House of the Future” at UMES, call 410-621-3850 or visit www.umes.edu/aes and click on “research highlights” and then on “environmental quality.”
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Suzanne Waters Street, agriculture communication specialist, School of Agricultural & Natural Sciences, 410-621-3850, sstreet@umes.edu.
