Wilmer Pacheco

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. Nutrition and Physiology — North Carolina State University
• M.S. Poultry Science — North Carolina State University
• B.S. Food Science and Technology — Pan-American School of Agriculture University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Extension Specialist and Associate Professor, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University
• Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University
• Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University

HONORS AND AWARDS

• 2021: Young Scientist Travel Award, World Poultry Science Association, World Poultry Congress, Paris France
• 2020: Dean’s Grantsmanship Award, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
• 2020: The Richard L. Guthrie Award for Achievement in International Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
• 2020: Alumnus of the Month, Graduate Student Association, Pan-American School of Agriculture, Zamorano Honduras
• 2016: Young Scholar Travel Award, World Poultry Science Association, World Poultry Congress, Beijing China

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Chair/Moderator

• 2022: Southeastern Poultry Science Association, Session chain and judge

• 2017: Poultry Science Association, Session Chair

• 2017: Poultry Science Association, Moderator

• 2017: Southeastern Poultry Science Association, Judge

Industry

• 2019-present: Advisor for Alabama Feed and Grain Association

• 2017-present: Member of integrator interest group, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)

• 2016-present: Member of the planning committee for feed mill management seminar in Nashville, TN. U.S. Poultry and Egg Association

• 2016-present: Member of the planning committee for the Poultry Nutrition and Milling seminar in Guntersville, AL. Alabama Poultry and Egg Association

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Feed processing is an integral part of the poultry production in Alabama and each year approximately 5.5 million tons of feed are produced in the state. The goal of my feed mill program is to support the existing industry in Alabama and USA and to serve as a catalytic agent that bring new ideas and innovation essential for the future of the industry in the state. I work with the feed and poultry industry in Alabama as well as companies in other states by providing educational programs in areas of feed mill regulations and compliance, feed safety, process control, ingredient and feed quality, and broiler nutrition. Since 2015, companies have started complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act (Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and risk based Preventive Controls), therefore one of my focus has been to assist poultry and other feed mills to comply with this federal rule. I was involved in reviewing the standardized Food Safety Modernization Act Training for preventive controls qualified individuals (PCQI) and has helped to organize three PCQI trainings at the Charles C. Miller Jr. Center using the standardized curriculum approved by FDA. Preventive controls qualified individuals have the responsibility to develop and implement written animal food safety plans for animal food facilities.

I also organize hands-on workshops to train feed mill managers and supervisors in the region in basic feed milling operations such as grinding, batching, mixing, pelleting, and quality control of ingredients and finished feeds. I also visit feed mills in Alabama, United States, and internationally to improve their process.

In collaboration with Kansas State University and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) I helped to develop trainings in poultry production and feed processing of Soy Excellence Centers in Nigeria, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Over 2,000 participants have been trained so far, but this number is expected to increase. The online and in person trainings has helped to increase the productivity of the animal industry around the world and increase food security as companies are able to offer more affordable poultry products to the final consumer.

COURSES TAUGHT

• POUL 8960 Special Problems
• Guest Lectures – POUL 3100 Basics of Feed Manufacturing, Auburn University
• Guest Lectures – Quality – POUL 5050/6050 – Poultry Feeding, Auburn University

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

• *Gulizia, J. P., J. I. Vargas, S. M. Bonilla, J. R. Hernandez, L. M. Almeida, P. Soster, S. Thuekeaw, B. Hutson, S. Llamas-Moya, T. Duong, and W. J. Pacheco. 2024. Influence of diet nutrient density and a multicarbohydrase containing α-galactosidase on performance, carcass characteristics, breast myopathies, and nutrient utilization of broilers reared from 1 to 42 days of age. Poult. Sci. 103:104522.
• *Gulizia, J. P., M. T. Terra-Long, Z. Khalid, J. I. Vargas, S. M. Bonilla, J. R. Hernandez, S. Thuekeaw, R. Hauck, K. S. Macklin, W. A. Dozier, III, K. W. McCafferty, and W. J. Pacheco. 2024. Response of YPM x Ross 708 male broilers to diets containing varying inclusions of phytase, calcium butyrate, and bacitracin methylene disalicylate from 1 to 42 days of age–Part 1: Performance, processing yields, and nutrient digestibility. Poult. Sci. 103:104350.
• *Vargas, J. I., J. P. Gulizia, J. R. Hernandez, C. T. Simoes, E.G. Guzman, J. Lee, R. Adhikari, S. E. Han, and W. J. Pacheco. 2024. Dose response of xylanase enzyme on ileal viscosity, digestibility of nutrients, and performance of broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets. Accepted in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research.
•  Alfaro, G. F., V. Palombo, M. D’Andrea, W. Cao, Y. Zhang, J. Beever, R. B. Muntifering, W. J. Pacheco, S. P. Rodning, X. Wang, and S. J. Moisa. 2024. Hepatic transcript profiling in beef cattle: effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds. PLoS ONE. 19(7): e0306431.
• *Gulizia, J. P., A. D. McConnell, R. E. Strobeck, C. M. Broadwater, E. G. Guzman, C. T. Simoes, J. R. Hernandez, W. J. Pacheco, and K. M. Downs. 2024. Applied research note: The impact of retention time during the conditioning process of a broiler starter diet on performance, apparent metabolizable energy, and apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 33:100435.
• *Hernandez, J. R., J. P. Gulizia, J. I. Vargas, S. Thuekeaw, E. Guzman, C. T. Simoes, and W. J. Pacheco. 2024. Effect of metabolizable energy levels and conditioning temperatures on broiler performance, processing yield, footpad lesions, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 42 days of age. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 33(2):100414.
• *Rueda, M. S., S. Bonilla, C. de Souza, J. D. Starkey, C. W. Starkey, L. Mejia, and W. J. Pacheco. 2024. Evaluation of particle size and feed form on performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers at 39 d of age. Poult. Sci. 103:103437.
• Escobar, C., L. R. Muñoz, M. A. Bailey, J. T. Krehling, W. J. Pacheco, R. Hauck, R. J. Buhr, and K. S. Macklin. 2023. Buffering capacity comparison of Tris Phosphate Carbonate (TPC) and buffered peptone water (BPW) Salmonella pre-enrichments for manufactured feed and feed ingredients. Animals.13(19):3119
• *Vargas, J. I., J. P. Gulizia, S. M. Bonilla, S. Sasia, and W. J. Pacheco. 2023. Apparent metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility of corn from different origin fed to male broilers from 12 to 18 days of age. Animals. 13(19):3111.
• Alfaro, G. F., V. Palombo, M. D’Andrea, W. Cao, Y. Zhang, J. Beever, R. B. Muntifering, W. J. Pacheco, S. P. Rodning, X. Wang, and S. J. Moisa. 2023. Hepatic transcript profiling in beef cattle: effect of rumen-protected niacin supplementation. PLoS ONE 18(8): e0289409.
• Munoz, L. R., M. A. Bailey, J. T. Krehling, D. V. Bourassa, M. R. Hauck, W. J. Pacheco, B. Chaves-Cordoba, K. S. Chasteen, A. A. Talorico, C. Escobar, A. Pietruska, and K. S. Macklin. 2023. Role of mannan oligosaccharide supplementation with and without a Campylobacter jejuni challenge in broilers. Poult. Sci. 102: 102609.
• *Vargas, J. I., J. P. Gulizia, S. M. Bonilla, S. Sasia, and W. J. Pacheco. 2023. Effect of corn origin on broiler performance, processing yield, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 days of age. Animals 2023, 13, 1248. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 51:1, 308-322.
• *Gulizia, J. P., S. M. Bonilla, J. I. Vargas, S. J. Sasia, S. Llamas-Moya, T. Doung, and W. J. Pacheco. 2023. The effects of phytase and multicarbohydrase complex containing alpha-galactosidase on performance, processing yield, and nutrient digestibility in the broiler chicken. J. Appl. Anim. Res. Vol. 51, NO. 1, 308-322.
• Alfaro, G. F., R. B. Muntifering, W. J. Pacheco, S. P. Rodning, S. J. Moisa. 2023. Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue on performance of genotyped pregnant beef cows supplemented with rumen-protected niacin. Livest Sci. 270-105206.
• Munoz, L. R., M. A. Paul, M. A. Bailey, J. T. Krehling, R. Hauck, W. J. Pacheco, K. S. Chasteen, A. A. Talorico, C. Escobar, and D. V. Bourassa and K. S. Macklin. 2023. Effect of yeast cell wall on performance, pathogen colonization, innate immune response, histomorphology, and slaughter characteristics of broiler chickens inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni at day 21. Accepted in Poult. Sci. 102:102609.
• Downs, K. M., J. P. Gulizia, G. R. Harder, E. K. Stafford, S. J. Sasia, and W. J. Pacheco. 2023. Corn particle size variation effects on broiler performance, organ weights, and nutrient digestibility during the early growout period (day 1 to 21). J. Appl. Poult. Res. 32:100327.
• Slimen I, B., N. Taha, and W. Pacheco. 2022. Betalains in animal nutrition and health: importance os animal feed supplements: A review. Agricultural reviews, Volume 43 Issue 2: 178 – 185.
• Leiva, S. F., J. L. Sandoval, G. Abascal Ponciano, J. L. Flees, A. J. Calderon, W. J. Pacheco, and C. W. Starkey. 2022. Improper sample preparation negatively affects near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) nutrient analysis of ground corn. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 293:115492.
• *Hernandez, J. R., J. P. Gulizia, J. B. Adkins, M. S. Rueda, S. I. Haruna, W. J. Pacheco, and K. M. Downs. 2022. Effect of phytase level and form on broiler performance, tibia characteristics, and residual fecal phytate phosphorus in broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. Animals 2022, 12, 1952.
• *Gulizia, J. P., M. S. Rueda, F. K. Ovi, S. M. Bonilla, R. Prasad, M.E. Jackson, O. Gutierrez, and W. J. Pacheco. 2022. Evaluate the effect of a commercial heat stable phytase on broiler performance, tibia ash, and mineral excretion from 1 to 49 days of age assessed using nutrient reduced diets. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 31(3):100276.
• Downs, K. M., J. P. Gulizia, E. K. Stafford, and W. J. Pacheco. 2022. Influence of varying dietary kudzu leaf meal particle size on performance, breast weight, and organ weight of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. Poultry (1) 30-39. doi.org/10.3390/poultry1010004.
• Jones, M. K., J. E. Ferrel, F. L. S. Castro, and W. J. Pacheco. 2022. The effects of various levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and a dacitic (rhyolitic) tuff breccia on pellet production rate and durability. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 31:100250.
• *Rueda, M., A. A. Rubio, C. W. Starkey, F. Mussini, and W. J. Pacheco. 2022. Effect of conditioning temperature on pellet quality, performance, nutrient digestibility, and processing yield of broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 31:100235.
• Hauck, R., and W. J. Pacheco. 2021. Detection of Coccidia Oocysts in Litter and Feces of Broilers in a Floor Pen Trial. Journal of Parasitology. 107(6). 878-881.
• Ayres, V. E., M. E. Jackson, S. A Cantly, S. J. Rochell, B. C. Bodle, W. J. Pacheco, M. S. Rueda, C. A. Bailey, K. Gardner, T. P. Boltz, and J. S. Moritz. 2021. The effects of Optiphos and Optiphos Plus on 21-day broiler performance and tibia mineralization. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 30:100210.
• *Pacheco, W. J., D. B. Patiño, J. I. Vargas, J. P. Gulizia, K. S. Macklin, and T. J. Biggs. 2021. Effect of partial replacement of inorganic zinc and manganese with zinc methionine and manganese methionine on live performance and breast myopathies of broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 30:100204.
• De Souza, C., C. Eyng, A. AM. Viott, A. S. de Avila, W. J. Pacheco, N. R. Junior, T. L. Kohler, K. I. Tenorio, E. H. Cirilo, and R. V. Nunes. 2021. Effect of dietary guanidinoacetic acid and nucleotides supplementation on growth performances, carcass traits, meat quality and occurrence of myopathies in broilers. Livestock Science. 251: 104659
• Alfaro, J. F., S. Rodriguez-Zas, B. R. Southey, R. Muntifering, S. P. Rodning, W. J. Pacheco, and S. Moisá. 2021. Complete blood count analysis on beef cattle exposed to fescue toxicity and rumen-protected niacin supplementation. Animals. 11(4), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040988.
• Schnuelle G, E.K. Blythe, R. Cole, S. Taylor, G. F. Alfaro, R. B. Muntifering, W. J. Pacheco, S. P, Rodning, and S. J. Moisa. 2021. Evaluation of alterations in uterine blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography in pregnant, genotyped beef cows consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds and supplemented with rumenprotected niacin. J. Vet. Sci. Res. DOI: 10.23880/oajvsr-16000207.
• Bethonico Terra, M. T., W. J. Pacheco, M. Harrison, B. A. McCrea, and R. Hauck. 2021. A survey of coccidia and nematodes in pastured poultry in the state of Georgia Avian Diseases. Avian Diseases. 65(2):250-256.
• Broch, J., V. D. L. Savaris, L. Wachholz, E. H. Cirilo, G. L. S. Tesser, W. J. Pacheco, C. Eyng, G. M. Pesti and R. V. Nunes. 2021. Influence of phytate and phytase on performance, bone, and blood parameters of broilers at 42 days old. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 51:160-171.
• Muñoz, L., W. J. Pacheco, R. Hauck, and K. S. Macklin. 2021. Evaluation of commercially manufactured animal feeds to determine presence of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. J. Appl. Poult. Res.
• *A. Corzo, J. Lee, J. I. Vargas, M. Silva, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Determination of the optimal digestible arginine to lysine ratio in Ross 708 male broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2020.100136.
• *Ovi, F. K., R. Hauck, J. Grueber, F. Mussini, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Effects of pre-pelleting whole corn inclusion on feed particle size, pellet quality, growth performance, carcass yield, and digestive organ development and intestinal microbiome of broilers between 14 to 42 day of age. J. Appl. Poult. Res. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2020.10.012.
• *Ovi, F. K. C. Bortoluzzi, T. J. Applegate, C. R. Starkey, K. S. Macklin, A. Morey, W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Effects of pre-pelleting whole corn inclusion on broiler performance, intestinal microbiota, and carcass characteristics. J. Appl. Poult. Res. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2020.100114.
• Damasceno, J. L., C. S. Rocha, C. Eyng1, J. Broch, V. D. L. Savaris, L. Wachholz, G. L. S. Tesser, A. S. Avila, W. J. Pacheco, and Ricardo V. Nunes. 2020. Corn Distillers’ dried grains with solubles to feed broiler chickens from 22 to 42 days of age. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 29:573-583.
• *Rubio, A., J. B. Hess, W. Berry, W. A. Dozier III, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Effect of corn particle size during the starter, grower, and finisher periods on broiler performance. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 29:352-361.
• Tillman, N. S., M. K. Jones, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Influence of feed ingredients, conditioning temperature and a dacitic tuff breccia (AZOMITE®) on pellet production rate and pellet quality. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 29:162-170.
• *Rubio, A. A., J. B. Hess, W. D. Berry, W. A. Dozier III, and W. J. Pacheco. 2020. Effects of feed form and amino acid density on productive and processing performance of broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 29:95-105.
• Min, B. R., F. Abrahamsen, N. Gurung, J. H. Lee, J. W. Joo, W. J. Pacheco. 2019. Association of peanut skin in diet alters average daily gain, ruminal and blood metabolites, and carcass traits associated with Haemonchus contortus infection. Anim. Nutr. 5:278-285.
• Xu, Y., C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, C. M. Williams, W. J. Pacheco, and J. Brake. 2015. Effect of dietary coarsely ground corn on broiler live performance, gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal digestibility of energy and nitrogen, and digesta particle size distribution and retention time. Poult. Sci. 94:53-60.
• Pacheco, W. J., C. R. Stark, P. R. Ferket, and J. Brake. 2014. Effect of trypsin inhibitor and particle size of expeller extracted soybean meal on broiler live performance and weight of gizzard and pancreas. Poult. Sci. 93:2245-2252

EXTENSION ARTICLES

• Philpot, S., W. J. Pacheco, J. Gulizia, K. Downs. 2022. Backyard and small poultry flock management series. Feeding the laying hen. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2913.
• Downs, K., W. J. Pacheco, J. Gulizia. 2022. Backyard and small poultry flock management series. Brooding tips for successful bird performance. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2920.
• Pacheco, W. J., J. Gulizia, and I. Vargas. 2021. Effect of diet particle size on poultry performance. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR- 2289.
• Pacheco, W. J., K. S. Macklin, and P. Brown. 2020. Economic Impact of a new feed mill in Alabama. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR- 2673.
• Bourassa, D. B., A. Giron, K. L. Woods, W. J. Pacheco, and K. S. Macklin. 2020. Mejora de la calidad e inocuidad de huevos en pequeños gallineros. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2657.
• Bourassa, D. B., K. L. Woods, W. J. Pacheco, and K. S. Macklin. 2020. Enhancing Egg Quality and Safety in Small Flocks. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2642.
• Macklin, K. S., S. Bonilla, W. J. Pacheco, and D. B. Bourassa. 2019. Bioseguridad para las aves de traspatio. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR- 2611.
• Pacheco, W. J., D. V. Bourassa, K. S. Macklin, and J. B. Hess. 2019. Broiler chicken development, Day 1 to Day 50. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR-2482.
• Bourassa, D. V., W. J. Pacheco, K. Macklin, J. Hess. 2018. Protect yourself from Salmonella in backyard poultry. Small Poultry Flocks. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension
• Pacheco, W. J., C. R. Stark, A. Fahrenholz. 2015. Effects of diet particle size on poultry performance. Alabama A&M & Auburn Universities Extension. ANR- 2289.