Poultry industry representatives had an opportunity to connect with researchers, whose discoveries help their field, at a recent barbeque held at the University of Guelph (UOG) in Ontario.
The event was a joint venture of the university, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC), Poultry Industry Council (PIC), and the Poultry Health Research Network (PHRN). It brought together industry leaders from the poultry commodity groups and industry with UOG leaders, including President Dr. Franco Vaccarino, Vice President of Research Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Ontario Veterinary College Interim Dean Dr. Kerry Lissemore, and researchers from across the campus and beyond.
In welcoming the group, Ed Verkley, a director with Chicken Farmers of Ontario and chair of the PIC, noted just how important research is for the industry. PIC works with the industry to deliver poultry extension services, event coordination, program and project management while supporting research for the poultry sector.
The poultry industry is incredibly important to the economy, said UOG Dr. Vaccarino as he addressed the group. “Knowledge in action is so very important,” he noted, “and this partnership is an example of that.” He added UOG is doing research at all levels from molecular to production, and the questions researchers address often come from the industry.
“The goal of this event was to create a forum for enhanced interactions and dialogue between researchers, as part of the Poultry Health Research Network, and our industry partners,” said Dr. Shayan Sharif, with the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pathobiology department and leader of the PHRN. “By all accounts, this forum delivered what it was meant to do.”
UOG has had a long-standing commitment to animal health with one of the largest groups of poultry scientists and poultry experts in North America.
The PHRN, established in 2012, is a network of poultry researchers and poultry health specialists who address a wide range of issues, from basic biology and environmental concerns to poultry disease, production and welfare.
The LRIC works collaboratively on behalf of Ontario livestock and poultry organizations to coordinate research priorities and engage in partnerships to maximize innovation and the return on research.
