Make my 'dissy' into a video - Becki Lindley

Posted 8 July 2011

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A final year agriculture student at Harper Adams University College has found that exposing broiler birds to higher temperatures makes them less feed efficient.

Rebecca Lindley, from Newick, East Sussex, researched whether exposing hatching eggs to a higher incubation temperature improves the thermo tolerance of broiler birds, as part of her dissertation.

The 24-year-old chose to research the subject following her placement year working with poultry at PD Hook Hatcheries Ltd.

Although mostly inconclusive, her findings show that when the temperature is increased, feed intake is reduced, and when it is decreased, the feed intake increases.

Rebecca said: “By reducing the feed intake, you are making the birds less feed efficient which increases the cost of production.

“With climate change and food security becoming increasing issues, the industry will need to produce more birds in less ideal climatic conditions.”

Rebecca, who was also awarded a scholarship with PD Hook during her time studying at Harper Adams, now hopes to pursue a career in the poultry industry.

She added: “My placement year was an excellent opportunity as previously I knew little about the industry.

“Working at PD Hook exposed me to every part of it and showed me what an exciting and dynamic place the industry can be. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities.

“I’m hoping to return to PD Hook post-graduation, looking at the broiler aspect, but also rearing and breeding.”