School pupils experience research at AFBI

Date published: 19 October 2016

Areas of Expertise: Animal Health and Welfare, Sustainable Livestock, Grassland and Plant Science, Environmental Protection, Food Quality and Safety, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems, Economics

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) recently held a Science Demonstration Day for schools at its Hillsborough research farm. Pupils from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland obtained a fascinating insight into the latest scientific advances in livestock production.

Dr Conrad Ferris explains the value of good quality silage for housed dairy cattle.

The demonstrations spanned the current research programmes in beef, dairy, pig and sheep production, as well as research on animal welfare and the environmental impacts of livestock production. For example, the current challenges within pig production systems were highlighted and pupils viewed research in progress which aims to increase sow productivity and improve the welfare of pigs born into large litters.

Jack Hanna, Katie Bailey and Michael Clarke (Forthill Integrated College, Lisburn) tour the pig unit at Hillsborough to hear about careers in agricultural research from AFBI’s Aimee Craig

Pupils also had the opportunity to meet the scientists who are leading these research programmes and took the opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the work, as well as experiencing life in the day of a research scientist.

Lydia Poots and Sophie Thompson (Dromore High School) with Chris Johnston (AFBI) at the boiler which provides hot water for the Hillsborough site from burning renewable willow woodchip.

AFBI Chair, Mr Colm McKenna, commented on the visit by saying, “I am delighted that approximately 150 GCSE and A level students from Omagh, Bangor, Dromore, Belfast, Lisburn and Derrylin had the opportunity to meet AFBI scientists and find out about agri-food research taking place right here in Northern Ireland. Hopefully, this first-hand experience will inspire them to a future career in science. ”

This event appeared on BBC Newsline on 19.10.16. Conor Macauley interviewed teachers, students and the Head of Agriculture branch, Prof Trevor Gilliland. The piece is still available to view on YouTube

AFBI's Gary Lyons explains the process of anaerobic digestion

Dr Denise Lowe gives an overview of the beef research unit

Dr Conrad Ferris shows schools how research at Hillsborough benefits the dairy industry

Andrew Brown demonstrates the benefits of providing quality colostrum to new born calves

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 is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office