January 8, 2024

 

Aviagen's EMEAA broiler school in Scotland, UK, enhances broiler management focus

 

Aviagen recently welcomed 33 students representing 18 countries to Edinburgh, Scotland, the United Kingdom, for the 2023 Aviagen^® Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) Production Management School Broiler Module, which took place from November 26 to December 2.

 

Students hailed from diverse backgrounds across EMEAA, united by their shared passion for poultry and a desire to exchange experiences and knowledge, Aviagen said. Discussions centered on finding effective and innovative methods to maximise broiler health and efficiencies, ultimately driving economic benefits for their businesses and contributing to environmental sustainability.

 

Tutors, consisting of Aviagen experts and guests from the wider poultry industry, shared their insight into crucial broiler topics such as male management and physiology, disease control and water quality. An interactive biosecurity exercise allowed students to gain practical expertise in an essential aspect of food safety and security.

 

A highlight of the project was a group exercise, where students navigated a realistic case study, providing collaborative, hands-on learning of key management areas such as veterinary health, house ventilation, and nutrition.

 

To cap off the course, students sharpened their presentation skills by showcasing their findings, with the best presentation receiving special recognition.

 

Students further broadened their skill set by delving into data analysis as a vital tool for improving bird welfare and productivity. Throughout the week, there was a strong emphasis on networking, teamwork and the exchange of innovative ideas and solutions.

 

At the graduation ceremony on the final day, the Aviagen team took the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding performance, leadership and potential with the David Butler award. Alba Sarda Figueras, a veterinarian from Vall Companies (Portugal), received the award in recognition of the exceptional collaborative spirit and leadership demonstrated during the course.

 

Thomas Kendal, area manager at Forest Poultry Ltd, was the winner of UK Next-Gen Scholarship to attend the Broiler Module. The scholarship supports promising UK industry colleagues aged 35 or younger in their goal to enhance management skills and knowledge.

 

Kendal said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to establish contacts with colleagues from around the world to exchange information and deliberate various topics in interesting discussions.  These foundations will help me to enhance my knowledge not only now but further into the future."

 

One team had secured the top spot for its outstanding presentation on a case study investigation which utilised analytical skills as well as information from the tutors' presentations during the week to interpret and provide solutions.

 

Niamh Halley, EMEAA school director and global technical transfer manager, said: "We congratulated our class of 2023 and celebrated their success from the week at our graduation ceremony. We appreciate their input and knowledge sharing that emphasises one of the benefits of the EMEAA Schools. Through this open and transparent communication, we are all able to contribute to the ongoing improvement in bird health, welfare and efficiencies of the global poultry sector."

 

- Aviagen