Successful conference examines animal science challenges

A successful conference brought together more than 50 attendees to discuss the latest challenges which are facing animal science.

The Joint AgriFood Charities Partnership Conference was held in the Harper Adams Food Academy earlier this summer, and drew researchers, students, academics, farmers, charity representatives and more for a full day of discussion and networking.

Among the organisers were Harper Adams Honorary Professor in Agricultural Economics Bob Bansback and ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production Professor Jude Capper.

Bob said: “It was really encouraging to have over 50 conference attendees at this highly successful event.
“There was participation from AFCP member charities, animal scientists and researchers from Harper and other universities, post-graduate students in animal science as well as farmers - the excellent presentations and the variety of participants really enhanced the whole day. There was a particular buzz of conversation during the lunchtime poster session.”

Alongside academics from other universities, Harper Adams was well represented during the day, with research and presentations from Professor Michael Lee, Professor Liam Sinclair, Professor Karl Behrendt, Professor Bob Bansback, Dr Lynn McIntyre and the Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Simon Thelwell.

Professor Capper emphasised the importance of the conference in encouraging the next generation of animal scientists.

She said: “It was a real pleasure to be part of the organising committee for the Joint Agrifood Charities Partnership Conference on the challenges facing animal science. We had a great day, delegates ranging from farmers to academics, students to industry professionals.

“The number of topics covered were equally diverse, from sharp focuses on sheep foot health and modelling environmental and economic sustainability of beef finishing systems; through to the global challenge of choosing the correct metrics to quantify the sustainability of ruminant systems. 

“Of particular note were the excellent posters presented by Harper Adams MRes, PhD and post-doctoral researchers.

“The conference provided these early-career researchers with a great opportunity to talk one-on-one and explain their research to interested delegates.

“It was lovely to see how much interest these posters generated and the very high quality of these short poster presentations."

The conference was kindly supported by sponsors Alltech and MSD Animal Health.

AFCP Chairman, Professor Graham Jellis, added: “AFCP is very grateful to HAU for hosting this meeting and providing some of the excellent speakers and posters, and to our sponsors for their support. It was also a pleasure to hear presentations and read posters from current and past students supported by AFCP charities.”

Further information about the AFCP can be found at their website.