Entitled “Optimizing Broiler Performance and Economic Returns,” it combined specialist presentations with novel, interactive workshops to provide students with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied to their day-to-day working roles.

A number of Aviagen and external experts took small teams through topics of ventilation, flock health, nutrition, data analysis, rearing and lay management. Problem-solving strategies were at the heart of the entire module, which is why Aviagen adopted the novel concept of using a case study of a hypothetical company, which teams were responsible for throughout the week.

Tutors included Aviagen specialists Richard Bailey, poultry health scientist; James Wilson, finance manager and veterinarian Zoltan Marton. The external presenters were Andy Dawkins, managing director at Faccenda; Ian Dowsland, head of agri improvement projects at Moy Park and Martin Rishoj, poultry specialist at SKOV.

Graeme Dear, Aviagen UK Limited general manager, said, “We believe that you can learn more by doing than by listening and that is why there was an emphasis throughout the latest Boiler Module on practical problem solving and teamwork. This format gave students the opportunity to apply their skill sets in an interactive and productive environment. A key element of the School’s success to date has been on providing the right expert insights in a setting that encourages the sharing of knowledge and the forging of new relationships.”

Sam McKenzie, farm compliance manager at Moy Park in the UK, said, “The Aviagen Broiler School was the ideal platform for me to acquire the tools and techniques to assist me in everyday working life. Specifically, what I learned during the week will help me improve European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) results.”