A highly informative and enjoyable poultry research seminar was held by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, at Hillsborough on Friday 22 June 2018.

The seminar brought together poultry industry specialists from throughout Northern Ireland to hear about and discuss the latest advances taking place in the AFBI poultry research Programme.

Dr Elizabeth Ball (AFBI Hillsborough) began the technical proceedings with a presentation entitled “Sustainable Poultry Research”. Elizabeth summarized her recent work on determining the nutrient content of poultry litter and manure, the results of which are currently being used to inform revisions to the Nitrates Action Programme. Elizabeth also presented research findings on sustainable protein nutrition, the enrichment of eggs with folate and outlined newly initiated large-scale studies on ammonia and phosphorus.

AFBI’s recently appointed welfare specialist, Dr Stephanie Buijs, also gave an informative presentation entitled “Monitoring Poultry Welfare and Behaviour”. Stephanie summarized her work on laying hens and broilers throughout her career in Europe and at the University of Bristol and presented interesting behavioral studies which highlighted the need for sound science to inform welfare decisions.

This topic proved of great interest to the industry delegates and AFBI will be collaborating with Martin and Mark going forward to ensure the Northern Ireland poultry industry can avail of this ‘next generation’ technology to advance productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Notes to editors:
AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.
AFBI's Vision “Advancing the Local and Global Agri-Food Sectors Through Scientific Excellence”.
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