The Poultry Podcast Show - #13 - Is there room for improvement in poultry reproduction?

The standard method for assessing fertility involves counting the sperm penetration holes in the inner perivitelline layer or measuring sperm mobility. However, little is known about the proteins involved in either assessment. Nutrition is also an important aspect of poultry reproduction, and feed restriction has been successful in improving broiler breeders' reproductive efficiency. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Benson about improving reproductive performance and welfare in broiler breeders. This can be done through the identification of certain potential proteins associated with sperm motility and also through certain feeding strategies. We also discuss different approaches to recruit new students into poultry.

What you’ll learn:

1. Students recruitment and first contact with poultry
2. Fertility assessment on poultry
3. Feed management and reproduction
4. Changes on birds fertility in the last few years
5. Male and female fertility issues
6. Research on reproduction with other management practices 

Meet the guest:

Dr. Andrew Benson is an Associate Professor of Poultry Physiology at University of Georgia, a position he has held since 2016. Dr. Benson holds a B.S.A. and a Ph.D. in Poultry Science, from the University of Georgia. His research focus aims to improve both reproductive performance and welfare in broiler breeders through both applied and basic research approaches. He really enjoys having the opportunity to teach students and expose them to the science-based decisions that go into poultry production and the diverse career opportunities available with a degree in poultry science and avian biology.