EChook News/SARDI researcher joins project on chicken health
From Poultry Hub
SARDI researcher joins project on chicken health
Thursday, 19 October 2006
A Poultry CRC research project focussed on understanding gut function and gut health of chickens has been bolstered by the appointment of SARDI’s Mark Geier to the project team.
Based at SARDI’s PPPI (Pig & Poultry Production Institute) Nutrition Laboratory at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus, Mark’s role of Senior Research Officer in Poultry Nutrition is funded through the Poultry CRC’s Project 05.2: An integrated approach to understanding gut function and gut health of chickens, led by SARDI’s Dr Bob Hughes.
“With the poultry industry under increasing pressure to reduce the prophylactic use of antibiotics in chicken feed, I aim to use my knowledge of probiotics, prebiotics and other bioactive dietary supplements within the context of poultry nutrition,” says Mark.
“The objective of this research is to develop effective strategies for sustainable production of chicken meat without reliance on antibiotics.
“This requires the identification of new feed components that can suppress pathogenic invasion and promote the development and maintenance of a desirable gut microflora.
“It will involve the assessment of a range of dietary supplements including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, indigestible carbohydrates (prebiotics), and beneficial bacteria (probiotics) on mucosal immunity, gut structure and function, as well as corresponding production efficiency and bird health.”
“Attracting talented young researchers like Mark is vital if the Australian poultry industry is to adapt to changing regulations and public demand for more sustainable production practices,” says Bob Hughes.
“Mark brings a fresh perspective to the issues faced by poultry industries worldwide and his expertise will help the Australian poultry industry meet its current and future challenges.”
Mark completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Adelaide’s School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, completing honours and doctoral studies in the field of physiology. He is currently completing a PhD on the use of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of experimental colitis in rats.
