Glycerine is a by-product in the production of biodiesel, and the management of large quantities of this by-product (the "glycerine glut") with the expected increase in biodiesel production is a potential challenge. While glycerine has a variety of industrial uses (for example in the pharmaceutical and food industries), these uses will not be able to absorb all of the glycerine generated from biodiesel operations. Strategies for the innovative utilization of glycerine from biodiesel production, is an active area of study. Scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) found encouraging results in the use of glycerine as a feed supplement in poultry feed. In 7-day to 10-day old chicks, glycerine supplementation resulted in a higher AME (Apparent Metabolizable Energy) intake compared to the control, although there were no significant differences in the amount of feed consumed, body weight, or the amount of energy lost in feces and urine (energy excretion). In 42-day to 45-day old chicks, however, increases in feed consumption, gross energy, and AME were observed with glycerine supplementation. According to animal scientist, William Dozier, the technology "can serve as an alternative dietary energy source that could result in lower feed costs.".