Local poultry producers and other interested parties will learn more about gut health and its impact on production animals at a workshop presented by leading industry expert Professor Filip Van Immerseel form Ghent University, Belgium later this month.
The workshop will focus on the design of feed additives to promote gut health and is hosted by the New England sub-branch of the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) at the University of New England.
“Attendees will also hear how to develop markers to measure gut health,” Dr Isabelle Ruhnke, President and Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, said.
The New England sub-branch of the WPSA was recently re-established after a lengthy hiatus and aim to share knowledge and advance understanding of poultry science and the industry across the New England region. Office bearers are Dr Ruhnke, President; Professor Steve Walkden-Brown, Treasurer; and Dr Natalie Morgan, Secretary.
“This is our second workshop since we re-established the sub-branch,” Dr Ruhnke said. “Our first workshop, held November last year, focussed on improving health and egg quality in laying hens and the impact of diseases and management on egg quality. It also offered participants hands-on demonstrations of quality testing.
“We are very excited about our future plans and events and will share information with members and producers on a regular basis.”
The workshop is free to attend with lunch provided. It will take place on 20 February 2020 from 11am – 2pm at the University of New England.
Please email nsw_wpsa@une.edu.au to become a member of the WPSA New England Branch, and register for this and future workshops.
In addition to being a recognised expert in microbiota and the impact that dietary factors can have on production animals, Professor Van Immerseel is editor of the journal Avian Pathology, and author of over 100 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
