Well I've been fretting and worrying about what to do for my final year project for months now! I wanted it to be something I have experience with and that interests me - I really couldn't think of an area that I could get a decent project out of with enough data and controlled enough environment (I'm used to working with wolves, snakes etc.) today we had to go discuss idea with supervisors and I still had no idea though started thinking more along the lines of hatching (wonder why! lol) and stuff.
Well when I got in for my appointment it suddenly hit me - something that I'm interested in, there's very little research and I know people (including myself) would be interested in the results of. My project title will be "The effect of diatomaceous earth as a feed addative on the behaviour and development of light sussex chicks" (the breed may change in the next few weeks as I try to find a freedom ranger type meat bird - we don't seem to have them over here though I have found a place on ebay that does Sasso cobb birds which matutre in 17 weeks so may do them. Though light sussex might be better as a recognised breed.
There are also a lot more light sussex eggs available on ebay so I think that might be the best way as I'll have to do quite a few groups to get enough data - especially since I'll be having a control and an experemental group going at the same time!
So what I'd like from you chickenny people is any links to information on Diatomaceous Earth, especially scientific articles or information from trusted sources, ie government, universities etc. or if you know of any studies that have been done using it as a food additive for other animals or even if you have experience using it yourself with your chicks or even in your own food! I would definitely like to speak to you! If there are enough people who use it then I'll get a proper questionnaire together for you to fill out if you don't mind.
I'm so excited! My supervisor seems really happy with this choice of project too! I can't wait to get started!
Well when I got in for my appointment it suddenly hit me - something that I'm interested in, there's very little research and I know people (including myself) would be interested in the results of. My project title will be "The effect of diatomaceous earth as a feed addative on the behaviour and development of light sussex chicks" (the breed may change in the next few weeks as I try to find a freedom ranger type meat bird - we don't seem to have them over here though I have found a place on ebay that does Sasso cobb birds which matutre in 17 weeks so may do them. Though light sussex might be better as a recognised breed.
There are also a lot more light sussex eggs available on ebay so I think that might be the best way as I'll have to do quite a few groups to get enough data - especially since I'll be having a control and an experemental group going at the same time!
So what I'd like from you chickenny people is any links to information on Diatomaceous Earth, especially scientific articles or information from trusted sources, ie government, universities etc. or if you know of any studies that have been done using it as a food additive for other animals or even if you have experience using it yourself with your chicks or even in your own food! I would definitely like to speak to you! If there are enough people who use it then I'll get a proper questionnaire together for you to fill out if you don't mind.
I'm so excited! My supervisor seems really happy with this choice of project too! I can't wait to get started!