2004 Annual Report 4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report. This report serves to document research on food and nutrient composition of poultry products conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Texas Tech University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1235-52000-051-00D, Development of Accurate and Representative Food Composition Data for the U.S. Food Supply. The current project under this agreement is to acquire and prepare samples of various types of rotisserie chickens for the determination of food composition and nutrient content. Nutrient data on poultry products for release in the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference has not been updated since 1978. Since that time, the U.S. food market has experienced increasing demands for prepared, ready-to-eat meat products. This has led to increased availability of these types of products in retail food stores and fast food restaurants. One such popular product, for which data are absent, is rotisserie chicken. During 2004, study protocols governing sample acquisition procedures, sample handling, and sample preparation of rotisserie chicken were developed. Rotisserie chickens (original flavor) were purchased from 12 retail stores nationwide (10 whole chickens/store), using the sampling plan developed for the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program and shipped to Texas Tech University. Chicken samples were dissected and component information captured, i.e., weights of skin, bone, and edible parts. Sample preparation for analysis is nearly complete. Preparations for the second round of sample acquisition (retail sampling of barbecue-flavored rotisserie chicken) are in progress. Data from this research will provide the means for estimating nutrient intake from poultry products. Such information can then be used by Government agencies for making public policy related to nutrition and health in the U.S., food fortification, and entitlement programs such as WIC, school lunch, and food stamps.