The USPOULTRY Foundation has approved $570,000 for five research grants at four institutions for research relating to current topics challenging the poultry industry. 

• South Dakota State University received a grant to develop both live attenuated and inactivated vaccines for avian metapneumovirus subgroup B. 
• The USDA Agricultural Research Service received was funded to develop multivalent vaccines to protect against avian metapneumovirus: -
• Georgia Southern University will investigate carbonized feathers to control poultry odor emanating from plants. 
• Texas Tech University will evaluate statistical approaches and biomapping in secondary processing.
• North Carolina University will evaluate the possible effects and synergy between dietary phytase and acidic tuff to support extended laying cycles for commercial egg-producing flocks.

Given the availability of funds through USDA appropriations it is questioned why USDA-ARS laboratories are eligible for USPOULTRY Foundation research grants.  Personnel at these institutions and their operating budgets are supported by public funds.  Grants to USDA and possibly commercial entities deprive universities and academic institutions of valuable seed funding to initiate research projects.