Teagasc delegation visit AFBI Hillsborough

AFBI Hillsborough was host to Teagasc

Professor Gerry Boyle (Teagasc Director) and Dr. Noel Cawley (Chairman of Teagasc Authority) recently. The visitors were welcomed to AFBI by Mr Seán Hogan, Chair of the AFBI Board, before being given an overview of AFBI and SAFSD by Professor Seamus Kennedy and Dr. Sinclair Mayne. Dr David Johnston then provided an overview of current research projects on grass and potato breeding, top fruit and mushrooms at AFBI Loughgall, following which the group braved the weather and headed out for a tour of the AFBI Hillsborough site with Dr. Trevor Gilliland.First stop was a visit to the calf rearing facilities where Steven Morrison discussed ongoing research including recent work on colostrum quality which is being conducted in collaboration with Teagasc.

Next was a short walk to the dairy research facilities where Conrad Ferris gave an update on recent projects within the dairy unit. This was followed by a trip to the respiratory chambers and a discussion about current and future ruminant nutrition research with Tianhai Yan.  

The last stop of the tour was with Chris Johnston at the Environment and Renewable Energy Centre where Professor Boyle and Dr. Cawley were given an update on recent work within the renewable energy industry. Despite the weather, the visit proved to be very successful and provided an excellent opportunity for discussions about current and future collaborations.  

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD 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 

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