AFBI Hillsborough research contributes to ‘cutting edge’ science

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) and the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA, UK Branch) are two leading organisations promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge in animal production.

Their most recent annual conferences were held at the University of Nottingham in April, where national and international scientists presented their most up to date discoveries. This included a number of presentations from leading scientists from AFBI Hillsborough and their PhD students.
AFBI scientists are widely recognised as leading experts in their research areas and Drs Elizabeth Magowan and Elizabeth Ball have been appointed to serve on the Council’s of BSAS and WPSA respectively. The team from AFBI Hillsborough delivered a total of 18 scientific presentations across the two conferences.

These studies reflected local industry and DARD policy priorities for the beef, dairy, pig, poultry and sheep sectors in Northern Ireland, but also addressed critical knowledge gaps in animal production both nationally and internationally. For example, for replacement ewes, results were presented on factors influencing methane emissions and energy efficiency.  Similarly for dairy production, new information was presented on the link between methane emissions and concentrate supplementation strategy, with the underlying objective of optimising cow performance while minimising carbon footprint.

AFBI research in support of the local beef sector was also presented, highlighting differences in energy efficiency and energy requirements of different beef breeds. Finally for the pig sector, recent findings on ongoing research into the use of feed additives and the strategies and benefits of wet feeding were presented. Funding across these programmes of research is acknowledged from DARD, DEFRA, Devolved Administrations, EU FP7, AgriSearch, Pig Regen Ltd and JMW Farms.

BSAS CEO Mike Steele commented that 'Presentations of state of the art research findings from AFBI and similar cutting edge research organisations to scientific conferences like this are pivotal in identifying the application, impact and value of animal research.

We greatly value their contribution as speakers and chairpersons and in networking are happy to see so many young scientists participating.’ The prominence of AFBI scientists at BSAS and WPSA demonstrates the important national and international role of the AFBI Hillsborough research programme across all the main animal production sectors.
by Elizabeth Magowan and Aurélie Aubry, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough
 

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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