Kelly McTavish has worked in the Australian chicken meat industry for more than 20 years and is passionate about animals and enhancing their welfare. “My love of animals is a lifelong one, that only increases with time!”
Kelly said, “My interests were sparked when I was given the option to study ethology – the science of animal behaviour – at uni as part of my animal production degree. It was in these ethology classes conducted by Dr Judith Blackshaw that I saw what was possible and my passions were ignited!”
“This was when I was introduced to the workings of Dr Temple Grandin and using the science of animal behaviour to improve management practices, production and productivity via the inevitable improvement of the animal’s welfare,” said Kelly.
“I often say I fell into the Australian chicken meat industry and made the quick realisation that I was here to stay, as I had really fallen in love with the birds, the people who are working in direct contact with the birds, and the entire industry.”
Kelly said, “My passion and drive for the science of enhanced animal welfare outcomes for the animal, and the betterment of the Australian chicken meat industry, has definitely increased over time.”
For Kelly the Nuffield Scholarship program is a unique opportunity to increase her knowledge base via access to a network of international agricultural industries to collaborate with and share knowledge for the betterment of all agriculture.
“Improving animal welfare is my life passion! My 2021 Nuffield Scholarship is a unique opportunity to access a global network to investigate and research existing practices and identify future trends in animal welfare across all agricultural industries in Australia and internationally.”
