MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University poultry sciences associate professor was recognized by the National Chicken Council for his research contributions.

Alex Corzo received the council’s Broiler Research Award for research work that has positively impacted the broiler industry. An eight-year veteran of the university, Corzo is a scientist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. His research is focused on how poultry absorb nutrients and use dietary ingredients.

“Dr. Corzo’s research has a direct impact on the poultry industry because it allows them to develop feed alternatives that provide all nutrients at lower costs,” said George Hopper, MAFES director.

Most recently, Corzo has examined the use of distilled dried grains with solubles, a byproduct of ethanol production, as an alternative feed ingredient for poultry. Corzo is dedicated to helping the poultry industry find efficient, nutritionally sound ways to feed chickens.

“Approximately 70 percent of the cost of raising chickens is the feed,” Hopper said. “Dr. Corzo continues to look at ways to reduce these costs by finding alternative feeds. His work with distilled dried grains with solubles has found a market for what is, essentially, a waste product.”

Poultry is important to the state as its No. 1 crop, generating $2.29 billion in production in 2010. Approximately 1,400 farms are in operation, mostly throughout the southern portion of the state.

Corzo earned a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad de La Salle in Bogota, Colombia. He obtained a master’s at Oklahoma State University and a doctoral degree at Auburn University.

In his short career, he has been invited to speak in 13 different countries, co-authored a book chapter, and written 79 peer-reviewed manuscripts. In addition to his research, Corzo teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at MSU.

The National Chicken Council is a non-profit trade association representing the U.S. chicken industry.