The recent Breeder Module of Aviagen^®’s Production Management School for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) welcomed poultry professionals from 18 countries to Edinburgh for a week of learning, sharing, and growth. From Aug. 25-31, these dedicated participants connected with experienced Aviagen tutors from various areas of poultry breeding and production, who were eager to share their insights on key topics like biosecurity, new technology, environmental management, and data analysis.

Learning while working together

Working in teams, participants explored crucial areas such as female and male rearing, health, ventilation, and nutrition. The collaborative setting inspired lively discussions, problem-solving, and sharing of fresh ideas. The best-performing team was recognized at the graduation ceremony for their outstanding contributions during the workshop sessions. Throughout the workshops, they demonstrated strong teamwork and critical thinking by actively sharing experiences from their own operations. This sparked lively discussions and enriched the learning experience for all participants.

Through practical workshops, attendees applied their new knowledge to real-world scenarios, covering essentials like feed formulation, brooding, and grading. Each session was designed to give a deep dive into breeding stock management and broader poultry industry topics.

Rewarding excellence

As the week drew to a close, the Aviagen team presented the David Butler Award to João Lourenço of Lusiaves Group, Portugal. This award is given to a student who shows leadership, innovation, and a commitment to the sustainability of the poultry industry. João was selected for demonstrating a passion for poultry, eagerness to connect with his peers, and embodying the qualities that define a David Butler Award recipient.

Reflecting on the experience, João shared, “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of this group. The content we covered was highly relevant and engaging, and the tutors made everyone feel truly involved in the discussions. It was incredible to spend a week with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared dedication to the birds and our industry.”

“We’re so proud of João for the growth he has shown this week, his eagerness to help others and his genuine passion for poultry. Our aim with the module is to help our students take their breeder management skills to the next level while making strides in bird welfare, performance, and sustainability. But just as important, we want to create opportunities for them to work together in real-world settings, building lifelong connections with fellow industry professionals from around the globe,” said EMEAA School Director and Global Technical Transfer Manager Niamh Halley.

Insights from students

The Breeder Module left a lasting impression on the participants, equipping them with new knowledge and skills that will benefit their careers and operations at home. Here, Robert Muirhead from PD Hook in the UK, Konstantinos Evangelou from Nitsiakos, Greece, and Kyle Bobryzcki from Avara Foods, UK, share their experiences.

"I had a fantastic time last week and learned so much," reflected Robert. "The presentations were excellent, and I especially enjoyed the workshops. The experience has given me more confidence in my role as Area Manager."

Konstantinos added, "I would like to thank Aviagen for organizing such an insightful and well-structured Breeder School. The learning experience was invaluable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge in this field. A big shout-out to my amazing teammates for their exceptional collaboration and teamwork, which led us to win the 'Best Team Award.' I'm looking forward to applying what we've learned and continuing to grow together."

Kyle shared that he enjoyed exchanging ideas with classmates from diverse cultures. "The course offered insights into poultry management that I would never have gained from daily work on the farm. It was fascinating and inspiring to learn how classmates from different countries manage their operations. I also appreciated the focus on bird anatomy and promoting good gut health."