AFBI transforms classroom lessons to real life farming practice

Agriculture systems and related biology is now a key feature of the GCSE and A Level curriculum in Northern Ireland. In recognising the value of the next generation as ‘researchers of the future’ AFBI regularly hosts visits by both GCSE and A level students, for educational purposes, and to facilitate work placements

Recently young students from Portadown College and St Aidan’s High School Derrylin visited AFBI Hillsborough to aid their understanding of the theory they are taught in the classroom and to highlight its relevance for our agri-food industry.  During the visit, students were first given an introduction to AFBI’s main areas of activity.  They then went on to see the Dairy Unit where the importance of colostrum for calves and good grass quality for grazing were highlighted.  Students also learnt about the importance of measuring greenhouse gases (GHGs) and how they are monitored in cattle and sheep using calorimetric chambers.  They then viewed the technology being used to convert animal-produced GHGs (such as methane from manure) into energy, as well as the technology used within the AFBI laboratory facility to enable farmers to deliver precision nutrition to their herds.  Students were then given an overview of nutritional methods currently being investigated to decrease the excretion of polluting nutrients from pigs and poultry.

To wrap up the visit students had the opportunity to learn about the career pathways of some postgraduate students currently conducting engaged in PhD research, as well as post-doctoral and senior research staff.

These visits have proven to be highly valued by the schools who commented that ‘they significantly enhanced the students’ understanding of animal science’ and ‘were particularly useful at this stage of their learning to provide examples of future jobs they could aspire to’.

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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