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For More Information Contact: |
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Sarah Robinett, Osborn
& Barr Communications (314) 746-1928 |
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Andrea Mollett, Osborn & Barr Communications (314) 746-1949 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Research Puts Power of Propane to Work
In Poultry House Sanitation
Washington, D.C. (January 24,
2007) – The Propane Education &
Research Council (PERC) will partner with Flame Engineering of La Crosse, KS,
and the University of Missouri – Columbia to research effective pathogen
reduction in poultry houses using Flame Engineering’s propane-fueled Red Dragon
poultry house flame sanitizer.
Propane-fueled poultry house
sanitizers use 2,000-degree heat to kill harmful pathogens and reduce ammonia levels
that accumulate in poultry houses. Unlike chemical disinfectants, bacteria,
viruses, and fungi cannot build resistance to heat, and there is no residue or
water contamination risk with propane flaming.
“Previous research into
poultry house sanitation with propane flaming has proved the innovative technology’s
effectiveness,” said PERC Director of Agriculture Programs Mark Leitman. “This
next step is to identify the most efficient method of treatment to provide
poultry producers with the greatest return on investment.”
The research project will use
six broiler houses in Missouri during a 15-month period, beginning in early
2007. Four broiler houses will undergo various propane flame treatments for
testing while the remaining two will serve as a project control.
A University of Missouri –
Columbia graduate school research team led by Dr. Jeff Firman, professor of animal
sciences, will take initial measurements of the microorganism levels in each
house. The four test houses then will be subjected to treatments with the
poultry house sanitizer. The research team will use and document various
speeds, different numbers of passes, and lengths of exposure to the propane
flames to determine the most successful treatments for reducing pathogens in
broiler houses, and improving the weights and livability of the broilers.
The commercially available Red
Dragon Poultry House Sanitizer to be tested was on display at the Flame
Engineering booth at the International Poultry Expo on January 24-26, 2007.
“This research partnership
with Flame Engineering and the University of Missouri – Columbia brings PERC
closer to its goal of making propane a trusted energy source for America’s
farmers and producers,” said Leitman.
PERC’s vision in agriculture
is that, by 2010, the agricultural industry will recognize propane as a
preferred energy source offering exceptional value. This value is achieved
through a unique combination of product benefits, including cost-effectiveness,
efficiency and productivity, reliability, portability, and environmental
friendliness.
For more
information on PERC and its programs to promote the safe and efficient use of
propane in agriculture, call (202) 452-8975 or visit www.agpropane.com. For more information on the Red Dragon
Poultry House Sanitizer, call (888) 388-6724 or visit www.flameengineering.com.
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