Poultry Module II : Commercial Layers in Utrecht, December 2024
From December 2-6, 2024, Utrecht University welcomed veterinary professionals from around the globe for the WVEPAH’s Module II – Commercial Layers Course. This comprehensive program combined online lectures and on-site activities to address key challenges and advancements in the commercial egg production industry.
A Rich Learning Experience
Participants began their journey with 45 hours of online lectures, delving into essential topics such as disease management, and advancements in egg production systems. These virtual sessions set the stage for the 35-hour on-site program at Utrecht, The Netherlands, which included practical labs, field visits, and interactive discussions with global experts on clinical cases brought by the participants .
The curriculum offered an in-depth exploration of poultry health, covering:
Disease management (enteric, respiratory, and neoplastic diseases)
Reproductive system issues and food safety in egg production
Vaccines and Vaccination programs
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in poultry farming
Participants also engaged in real-world clinical cases and hands-on labs, ensuring the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Visit to HatchTech HQ
A highlight of the on-site program was the visit to HatchTech HQ, where participants explored solutions for poultry incubation and in-ovo sexing. This visit provided valuable insights into innovative technologies designed to optimize chick health and performance, further enriching the learning experience.
Special Acknowledgment to MSD Animal Health Saudi Arabia
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to MSD Animal Health Saudi Arabia for enrolling ten participants. Their dedication and commitment to advancing their expertise in poultry health exemplify the spirit of continuous learning that WVEPAH aims to foster.
Highlights of the On-Site Experience
During the on-site sessions, participants benefited from a wealth of expertise shared by our distinguished speakers, including Dr. Mike Petrik, Dr. Stéphane Lemière, Mr. Samuel Roulleau and Dr. Vincent Guyonnet.
Highlights included:
Key points for starting and growing pullets, led by Dr. Petrik, emphasizing water quality, pullet growth management, and heat stress strategies.
Field visits, including the impactful trip to HatchTech HQ, providing an in-depth look at the latest technologies for in-ovo sexing.
A global overview of laying hen welfare and a discussion on adapting vaccination programs to local needs.
The course concluded with insights into nutrition for optimal pullet and egg production, led by Samuel Roulleau, and a collaborative session on next steps for participants.
We are proud to have hosted such a dynamic and diverse group of learners at Utrecht University and look forward to continuing to shape the future of poultry health.
