Chemuniqué recently participated in the 41st Scientific Symposium of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), held on March 4–5, 2025, at the CSIR Conference Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. Themed “Advances in poultry science: A holistic approach”, the event attracted over 400 delegates, including prominent local and international experts, to discuss advancements in poultry science and practical nutritional strategies for optimum performance. Here are some of the highlights we took note of.
1. Anti-microbial resistance (AMR)
Prof. Shabbir Simjee led a session on AMR, emphasising the importance of localised monitoring programmes.
- Localised monitoring: AMR monitoring is more effective when conducted at a local government level. This approach helps in detecting resistance in both animals and humans more efficiently.
- Collaboration across sectors: Collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial for effective AMR management, as resistances can spread across species.
2. Broiler breeder management
Dr Rick van Emous presented innovative strategies for managing modern broiler breeders.
- Male-to-female ratio: Adjusting the male-to-female ratio is critical to prevent aggression, over-mating, feathering problems, injuries, and reduced fertility.
- Feeding strategies: Implementing male-specific drinkers, scatter- or floor-feeding, and twice-daily feeding can improve welfare and performance by aligning with natural behaviours.
- Data-driven management: Collecting data on female behaviour helps tailor management practices to their natural tendencies, enhancing overall welfare and productivity.
3. Dietary energy in poultry
Dr Reza Abdollahi discussed the pivotal role of dietary energy in poultry nutrition.
- Factors influencing energy utilisation: Variables such as bird age, breed, gender, intestinal health, and dietary factors like calcium levels and feed processing conditions affect energy utilisation.
- Pelleting vs mash diets: Pelleting reduces feed wastage and improves intake but requires careful balancing of ingredient form and conditioning temperatures to avoid negative impacts on nutrient digestibility.
4. Mycotoxin exposure
Prof. Gunther Antonissen explored the effects of mycotoxin exposure on poultry health.
- Chronic exposure risks: Chronic exposure to low levels of mycotoxins can damage the gut epithelium, increasing susceptibility to infections like coccidiosis and bacterial infections.
- Biomarkers for health: Using biomarkers to assess intestinal health can help predict the impact of mycotoxins and guide mitigation strategies.
- Impact on intestinal morphology: Mycotoxins can impair intestinal integrity, leading to reduced villus height and area, which affects nutrient absorption.
5. Infection biology
Dr Kirsty Gibbs used a football analogy to explain host-pathogen interactions.
- Host–pathogen dynamics: The host’s defence mechanisms (like gut barrier function) act as defenders, while pathogens (bacteria, parasites) are the attackers.
- Environmental factors: Nutrition, husbandry, and management practices influence the success of both the host’s defences and the pathogens’ attacks.
- Nutritional strategies: Nutritional elements can impact bacterial behaviour, influencing infection outcomes. Nutritional immunity involves mechanisms to limit nutrient availability to pathogens.
6. Genetic improvements in gut health
Dr Richard Bayley discussed genetic advancements for enhancing gut health and microbiome function.
- Microbiome optimisation: Genetic improvements can help optimise the gut microbiome, leading to better nutrient absorption and immune function.
7. Avian influenza biosecurity
Dr Devin Stuart shared insights on biosecurity measures to mitigate avian influenza risks.
- Biosecurity protocols: Implementing strict biosecurity protocols, such as using mesh over vents and lasers to deter wild birds, is crucial.
- Contractor and visitor controls: Ensuring contractors and visitors follow strict hygiene practices can prevent virus introduction.
- Water management: Addressing water leaks is important, as avian influenza can remain virulent in water for extended periods.
8. Dynamic vs static nutritional modelling
Dr Peter Chrystal discussed the EFG model for optimising feeding strategies:
- What-if scenarios: Models allow nutritionists to explore different feeding strategies under various conditions to identify economically viable methods.
- Economic optimisation: These models support decisions that maximise profitability by balancing feed costs with revenue from meat yield or liveweight gain.
- Nutritional strategies: By predicting growth responses under specific conditions, models help minimise nitrogen excretion while optimising protein levels for economic efficiency.
9. Trace minerals for broilers
Prof. Mike Kidd emphasised the importance of trace minerals in broiler nutrition.
- Role of trace minerals: Trace minerals act as co-factors for enzymes involved in diverse metabolic pathways and enhance intestinal barrier integrity.
- Zinc supplementation: Zinc is crucial for metabolic processes, hormone secretion, and immune function. Appropriate timing, amount, and type of zinc supplementation needs to specific to each customer dependent on their production goals.
- Statistical vs numerical significance: Understanding the difference between statistical and numerical significance is important for interpreting the impact of trace minerals on broiler health and performance.
Conclusion
This symposium showcased cutting-edge research and practical solutions aimed at improving poultry welfare, productivity, and sustainability. Chemuniqué is proud to have been able to participate as a Diamond sponsor, and would like to invite you to reach out to our team to discuss how we can assist in connecting the dots towards a more sustainable future.