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Joined-up approach helps point the way to a future antibiotic free poultry sector

abn33rd Poultry Science Symposium (PSS) – Pre and probiotics: nutritional, veterinary and production perspectives

An all-encompassing approach to exploring the future of a reduced or antibiotic free sector will form the topic of the 33rd Poultry Science Symposium (PSS) taking place at Clare College, Cambridge on 22-24 August 2022.

Helen Masey O Neill

Dr Helen Masey O’Neill, chair of the organising committee of the 33rd Poultry Science Symposium

Organised by the UK branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), this year’s event, postponed from 2021 due to Covid restrictions at the time, is entitled Pre and probiotics; nutritional, veterinary and production perspectives, and will welcome a varied line-up of independent speakers looking into the wider topics of gut health and reduced antibiotic use.

“From a human health and responsibility perspective, reducing the use of antibiotics in animal production is the right thing to do,” explains Dr Helen Masey O’Neill, chair of the organising committee.

“However, that brings potential challenges to bird health, welfare and efficiency. We are therefore delighted to welcome some excellent speakers, from a variety of organisations and many geographies, to help us discuss this challenge,” she adds.

The event will start with some perspectives of the industry and the benefits previously gained from antibiotics, considering the gap this leaves, before thinking about potential solutions and future innovation.

These topics will be covered from veterinary, production and nutrition perspectives, all of which will help to design solutions for the future. This joined-up approach will be essential, with the industry working together to maintain good gut and overall bird health in a future reduced or antibiotic free sector.

ABN poultry

As a charity, WPSA is extremely grateful to its sponsors to help bring this, the 33rd Symposium back to Cambridge, but also prides itself on a strict independent speaker programme and agenda with no links to sponsorship. This allows for an informed and open discussion considering all perspectives, including from academic and commercial viewpoints. The work of the WPSA is about promoting excellence in poultry science, husbandry and education.

“We believe as a business it is extremely important to support the sector and help provide the platform for international experts from all parts of the industry to discuss and consider future innovations and solutions,” says Joanne Gatcliffe, technical and quality director with ABN, the feed manufacturer sponsoring the session looking at how pre and probiotics interact with other components of the poultry diet.

“The reduction of antibiotic use in diets, and improving efficiencies in the poultry supply chain through improved gut health, has formed a key part of our pre and probiotic trial work at ABN. Specifically, we are looking to see how this research translates in the field, as part of our wider remit to help support the industry to improve gut health.

“We are delighted to help support the Symposium, and look forward to hearing the different perspectives from the impressive speaker line-up,” she adds.

The 33rd Symposium takes place from Clare College, Cambridge between 22-24 August. Early bird registrations are still available, but end on 15 July – visit https://www.wpsa2022.org/registration/ to book your place.

Membership of WPSA (UK branch) is open to anyone with an interest in the poultry industry and poultry science and includes benefits such as reduced rates for attendance to the Symposium – become a member today https://wpsa-uk.com/membership-of-the-wpsa/.