Aviagen® was excited to welcome 33 students representing 18 countries to Edinburgh for the 2023 Aviagen Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) Production Management School Broiler Module, which took place Nov. 26-Dec. 2.The students hailed from diverse backgrounds across EMEAA, united by their shared passion for poultry and a strong desire to exchange experiences and knowledge. Discussions centered on finding effective and innovative methods to maximize broiler health and efficiencies, ultimately driving economic benefits for their businesses and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Exploring innovative broiler management
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.
Interactive, shared learning experience
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.
Recognizing potential for excellence
At the graduation ceremony on the final day, the Aviagen team took the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding performance, leadership, and potential:
- David Butler award: Alba Sarda Figueras, Veterinarian from Vall Companies, Portugal, received this award in recognition of the exceptional collaborative spirit and leadership demonstrated during the course. The award is named after David Butler, a poultry industry pioneer and mentor dedicated to inspiring passion in up-and-coming professional
UK Next-Gen scholarship: Thomas Kendal, Area Manager from Forest Poultry Ltd, was the winner of UK Next-Gen Scholarship to attend the Broiler Module. This scholarship supports
promising UK industry colleagues aged 35 or younger in their quest to enhance management skills and knowledge. He commented: “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.”
Winning group presentation: The blue team secured the top spot for their outstanding presentation on the case study investigation which utilized their analytical skills as well as information from the tutors’ presentations during the week to interpret and provide solutions for the example company.
Jordan Tweedale, Customer Support Manager, Annyalla Chicks, UK, summarized his experience: “Aviagen’s Broiler School has been a great opportunity to meet people from around the world and celebrate the variety of languages and cultures. We spent the week sharing information and comparing broiler production in our own countries. During the week, we were able to develop a network of colleagues and lifelong friends.”
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 emphasizes 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.”
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