2022 Aviagen Postgraduate Scholarship was awarded to Jo Ann Chew. Jo Ann is a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Martin Zuidhof at the University of Alberta (Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science). The objective of Jo Ann’s research study is to determine the amino acid requirements for pullets and the changes in bird development, body composition and condition, and early egg performance. The results will help better understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute toward sexual maturation in pullets. This will open more avenues for laying hen research and allow more scientifically informed decisions that benefit the poultry industry.
2021 Aviagen Postgraduate Scholarship was awarded to Thiago Noetzold. Thiago is a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Martin Zuidhof at the University of Alberta (Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science). The objective of Thiago’s research study is to find an optimal growth curve for broiler breeder hens using a precision feeding system. In addition to identifying an optimal body weight curve for broiler breeders, determining the effect of body weight and body composition on the reproductive physiology of the breeders is necessary. The results may help understand more regarding metabolism and physiology related to body weight and body composition of broiler breeder hens.
2019 Aviagen Postgraduate Scholarship was awarded to Jeffrey Friend. Jeffrey is a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Clover Bench at the University of Alberta (Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science). Jeffrey’s research aims to phenotype various perching biomechanics in laying hens associated with keel damage using 3D kinematic and identify potentially associated genotypes and rearing environments. The main goal of his work is to determine if perching biomechanics cause keel damage and identify which perching phenotypes and potential genomic biomarkers are associated with improved bone and keel health. The results of his study may lead to recommendations on genomic markers which could be usable to improve laying hen welfare through selection and provide management recommendations for egg producers.
2018 The inaugural Post Graduate Scholarship for Poultry Genetics was awarded to Midian Nascimento dos Santos. Midian is a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Dr. Stephanie Torrey at the University of Guelph. In her current doctoral project, she has been evaluating and comparing the welfare and health of different genotypes of broiler chickens. The main goal of her research is to improve the welfare of broiler chickens, while considering the sustainability of poultry production. In addition, the results obtained in her study will lead to scientific-based recommendation on the use of better genetic selection program and management strategies in broiler production.