Over 120 participant from various livestock fields to include livestock farmers, Veterinarians, Animal scientists, students and other professionals gathered in Abuja on 27th November 2019 during the second edition of the Knowledge Update on Poultry Health and Nutrition, 2019 organized by Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa with support from the ZOETIS-ALPHA Initiatives and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The knowledge updates which first kick-started in Ibadan on the 17th July 2019 recorded over 220 participants from different states within the Southwest. In its second edition of the zonal programme which took place in Abuja, over 120 participants from Abuja metropolis and within neighbouring city and states cheered the program. The second edition of the zonal programme is organized in Nigeria given the enormous desire to improve livestock health and positively impact farmers’ livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Knowledge update on Poultry Nutrition and Health, Abuja, 2019 featured National executives of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in persons of Mr Ezekiel Ibrahim and Mr Onalo Akpan who are respectively the President and the Director-General of the Association. Also in attendance, is the Chief veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Olaniyan Alabi.
The programme commenced at 8.30 am and ended at 2.30 pm. Four lectures were delivered with 30 minutes allotted to respective lectures and a ten minutes questions and answers for participants. The programme started with an opening prayer from one of the participants. This was followed by a welcome address from Zoetis country lead; Mr Joshua Olorungbemi who was duly represented by Dr Adah Ogwuche.
Dr Stephen Adejoro in his welcome address pointed out his mission on how livestock food security in South Shahara Africa can be of benefit to help develop livestock industry. This he believes can be achieved through Advocacy, education and knowledge updates.
The lecture delivery took a wonderful turn. A three-man resource person delivered four seasoned lectures; the speakers were: Dr Stephen Adejoro, Dr Niyi Bankole and Dr Adah Ogwuche.
The first lecture was delivered by Dr Niyi Bankole and is centred on “The Importance of Diagnostics Tools”. He explained the different types of laboratory test, the usefulness of ELISA serology in the final diagnosis of poultry viral diseases, quality control of feed materials (especially mycotoxins) and the essence of co-operation by farmers to demand quality farm feedstuff supplies.
The second speaker was Dr Stephen Adejoro. He
enlightened participants on the topic “Effect of Climate Change on Poultry”. He
took quality time to explain how climate change can affect poultry production.
Implications of climate change on poultry health can be in the form of; Heat and heat stress, Rainfall and flood, Mycotoxins,
immune depression and resistance development, Drought and low yield in poultry
productivity.
The third speaker was Dr Adah Ogwuche. He delivered a lecture on Antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. He pointed out the use of biosecurity as a general tip to maintain and improve productivity.
LIFA President went ahead to deliver the last
lecture, and he buttressed on the topic; Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals
and Humans. He talked on the effects of
Mycotoxins on antibiotics resistance which can manifest as increased
susceptibility of the flock to bacterial infection leading to repeated
administration and misuse of antibiotics.
In conclusion of the lecture series, questions and answers were
brought to the board and many participants asked various questions. Answers
were given appropriately based on the lecture delivered. Light refreshments
were served while taking the questions and answers section.
The programme ended with a closing prayer after a special vote of thanks. Group photographs were taken while participants received a certificate of participation with a promise to also receive the lecture materials via registered emails.
