Aviagen's EMEA Broiler School demonstrates commitment to international learning
From northern Europe to the southern Mediterranean and Mauritius, from Scandinavia to Slovenia and Saudi Arabia, the 24 students at Aviagen®’s recent Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) School in Edinburgh presented a truly international roll-call of individuals.The last of a series of week-long modules that formed this year’s School, the event comprised lectures, small-group tutorials and problem-solving exercises examining subjects such as ventilation, flock health, nutrition, data analysis and best-practice broiler management strategies.
The EMEA School – delivering learning on an international scale
The Broiler School is one of six current EMEA School modules that take place in different locations throughout the year. Each module deals with a specific element of the poultry business, covering breeders, broilers, hatcheries and incubation, as well as processing, ventilation and nutrition. The School demonstrates Aviagen’s commitment to continuous learning and customer success through communication of the latest information and industry developments.
Enhancing both theoretical and practical knowledge
“Aviagen’s EMEA Production Management Schools are designed to enhance individuals’ theoretical and practical knowledge of their specific sectors of the poultry industry,” says Michael Longley, Aviagen global technical transfer manager and director of the EMEA School. “The Broiler School takes a very hands-on approach to learning, with a series of practical tutorials and workshops aimed at investigating key management elements such as enhancing broiler performance, troubleshooting common problems, and developing readily applicable productivity improvement strategies. Taking this real-life approach delivers knowledge that can considerably enhance practical skills, job prospects and career development.”
An invaluable opportunity to learn and network
While some of the School delegates were still involved in both undergraduate and graduate academic studies, most were employed by Aviagen customers – and students were keen to endorse the School’s effectiveness as a readily applicable educational tool.
“I can usefully apply what I’m being taught here to the work that I carry out at home,” said Karlino Lareine, diversification manager for Innodis Poultry Limited of Mauritius.
Abdel Ghaffar Itani, farm manager at Lebanon’s Snagro, added: “Every lecture contained new and vital information delivered by real experts in their fields.” This year’s Broiler School was hosted by a team of nearly a dozen Aviagen specialists and independent tutors, who shared a wealth of knowledge and experience with the delegates
Many students commented that, while they absorbed a considerable amount from the School’s formal lectures and tutorials, equally valuable were the tips and techniques they gathered from fellow pupils. “The information I’ve been exposed to here, working closely with people from different cultures and backgrounds, will have real applications in my people-management skills,” observed Tom Moore, location manager for Avara Foods in the UK.
An ever-evolving educational tool
“Every School gives us the opportunity to refine and streamline the syllabus that we deliver,” concludes School Director, Michael Longley. “Thanks to constructive feedback from delegates and invaluable input from lecturers, we’re always seeking to share the very best in practical, applicable content that enhances bottom-line performance and productivity.”
About Aviagen
Aviagen® is a global poultry breeding company that develops pedigree lines for the production of commercial broiler chickens under the Arbor Acres®, Indian River®, and Ross® brand names. The Rowan Range® and Specialty Males® are specialty breeding stock from Aviagen that offer greater flexibility for customers to meet specific or niche market requirements. The company is based in Huntsville, Alabama, USA with a number of wholly-owned operations across the United Kingdom, Europe, Turkey, Latin America, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., and joint ventures in Asia. Aviagen employs more than 4,600 people and has a distribution network serving customers in more than 100 countries.
For further information, please visit www.aviagen.com.