Aviagen North America concluded its 61st annual Production Management School on June 27. The month-long event in Huntsville, Alabama, welcomed 35 students from 20 countries, focusing on best practices in poultry management under the theme “Breeding Success Together.”
Top Achievers
- 1st place: Ahmed Sayed, veterinary care assistant manager at GPs Sector, Cairo Poultry Company (CPC), Egypt
- 2nd place: Jongsu Ha, director of quality assurance, Samhwa GPs Breeding Agri., INC., Republic of Korea
- 3rd place: Patrick Sakayo, breeder operations manager, Tanbreed Poultry Limited, Tanzania
In-depth Insight and “Train the Trainer” Approach
“Our goal with the North American School is to give our customers valuable perspectives on effective management techniques that have been proven to enhance both broiler and breeder welfare, sustainability, and productivity in poultry operations,” explained Dr. Marc de Beer, President of Aviagen North America. Students gained practical experience on the farm, in the diagnostics laboratory, and at the feed mill, focusing on a “train the trainer” approach.
Expansive Curriculum and Practical Experience
Students visited several facilities, including:
- Aviagen’s state-of-the-art Production Development Center in Albertville, Ala.
- Egg Distribution Center and Vet Lab in Elkmont, Ala.
- Feed Mill in Pikeville, Tenn.
- National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University
The curriculum covered over 35 topics, including bird welfare, biosecurity, feed efficiency, vaccination and disease management, ventilation, leg and gut health, hatchery and incubation management, and water quality. Participants engaged in seminars, workshops and hands-on field experiences led by Aviagen experts and guest lecturers.
Building Connections and Lifelong Networks
“Another important aspect of the Production Management School is the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded poultry professionals from around the world,” added Taylor Davis, digital and event marketing specialist. The school featured team-building activities to foster lifelong connections among participants.
Demonstrating Excellence
Students took weekly tests throughout the course, with top scorers recognized at the end. This year’s top achievers were:
- 1st place: Ahmed Sayed, veterinary care assistant manager at GPs Sector, Cairo Poultry Company (CPC), Egypt
- 2nd place: Jongsu Ha, director of quality assurance, Samhwa GPs Breeding Agri., INC., Republic of Korea
- 3rd place: Patrick Sakayo, breeder operations manager, Tanbreed Poultry Limited, Tanzania
Enthusiastic Student Response
“I valued the chance to learn the industry's latest management techniques and veterinary care from experienced experts,” commented Ahmed Sayed. Alan Mair, broiler operations manager, Turosi Food Solutions, Australia, added, “The School enabled me to enhance my management knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of Ross birds, which will help me improve the performance, health, and welfare of my flocks at home.”
For more information about the Aviagen Production Management School, visit the school page on the Aviagen website.
