Robert A Swick, UNE Poultry Research Hub

University of New England

  • Project code: PRJ-007382

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Saturday, June 25, 2011

  • Project completion date: Thursday, November 1, 2018

  • National Priority: CME-Priority 3-Contributing to efficient and secure chicken production systems

Summary

Robert A. Swick will provide leadership and experience to manage the poultry nutrition “hub” at UNE. The hub will recommend, facilitate and manage projects related to poultry nutrition within Australia. Major poultry nutrition research providers within Australia will be consulted and used for projects including SARDI, University of Queensland, University of Sydney and others. The main objective is related to improving production efficiency of the overall poultry industry. The key concern to be addressed is food security in the face of climate change. Research will be directed toward improving nutrient utilization of existing sources of raw materials and investigating new sources of raw materials in broilers, layers and other classes of poultry. The use of exogenous enzymes and other novel feed additives will be investigated to determine effects on nutrient utilisation and production efficiency. Nutritional strategies to decrease reliance on antibiotic growth promoters will be developed. Improvement in feed conversion efficiency is expected to improve gut health and minimize welfare issues. Development of cost effective new nutritional strategies to control endemic and emerging infectious and non-infectious diseases will be investigated.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

University of New England

Objective Summary

1. Develop a significant research program at the University of New England that focuses on poultry nutrition and/or digestive physiology.
2. Provide leadership for and oversee the poultry nutrition research program at the University of New England.
3. Identify and facilitate collaborations between scientists within the University community.
4. Foster strong linkages with the commercial chicken meat sector and communicate.
5. Foster strong linkages between the undergraduate program in relevant faculties at the University of New England and the poultry program.
6. Foster the development of a strong honours and post-graduate program in poultry nutrition at the University of New England, thereby fostering next generation poultry researchers and industry personnel.
7. Co-ordinate the University of New England’s involvement in implementation of the National Poultry RDE strategy, in particular by fulfilling its role as the national ‘hub’ of poultry nutrition R&D by coordinating the research activities undertaken by major providers of Australian nutritional R&D.