PhD research a global game changer for chicken breeding

University of Adelaide PhD student Joshua Angove has been awarded the 2019 Gary Sansom Scholarship, supporting leadership in chicken meat research.

The $35,000 Gary Sansom Scholarship was awarded to Joshua for his research project on the influence of the maternal environment on how meat chickens grow.

Joshua will investigate how the nutrition and environment of the hen influences how efficiently her progeny grow. His PhD research is being supervised by Dr Rebecca Forder and Professor Phil Hynd from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

The outcomes of Joshua’s project will have a positive impact internationally because the breed of chicken used in Australia is also produced around the world.

Production gains identified in this project can be replicated elsewhere, which is an exciting prospect for the budding scientist.

“It’s an honour to be selected as the 2019 Gary Sansom Scholar. I’ve put a lot of effort into my work over the past 12 months and it is incredibly rewarding to have the potential impact of that research recognised,” said Mr Angove.

“It’s a credit to the vision of the AgriFutures™ Chicken Meat Program that they see the value in supporting young researchers to become leaders in the chicken industry and it provides motivation for young researchers to keep going and get through their PhD.

“For me, the opportunities this award presents is worth more than the value of the scholarship itself.”

AgriFutures Australia Manager, Research, Georgie Townsend said the scholarship supports future leaders to make their mark on the industry by undertaking novel research.

“Joshua’s project clearly demonstrates the Australian industry is not afraid to invest in bold research, not just for the benefit of the Australian industry, but the chicken meat industry globally,” said Ms Townsend.

The prestigious Gary Sansom Scholarship recognises high quality students, fosters a career pathway in the chicken meat industry and supports industry relevant research. The scholarship is an annual award funded by the AgriFutures™ Chicken Meat Program and supported by industry.

The scholarship is named in honour of the late Gary Sansom. Mr Sansom was a former AgriFutures™ Chicken Meat Advisory Panel Chair and was the Australian Chicken Meat Federation President.

Mr Sansom was a long-standing supporter of programs encouraging new people into the chicken meat industry and championed numerous initiatives aimed at keeping Australia at the forefront of industry best practice.