Greetings PSA Members! I hope you all had a terrific holiday season, and here is looking forward to a very different, healthy and wonderful 2022!

PSA is also looking forward to 2022! We continue to plan for an in-person meeting in San Antonio in July. I cannot imagine how amazing it will be to see you all in person, and get a chance to catch up after what has been a long time of primarily zoom-only meetings! Of course, we will keep a notice on what is happening with COVID infection rates leading up to the meeting.

PSA is also working on updating technology that has caused some frustrations for members in the past few years. A new provider is working with the PSA staff, and that system should be rolled out in the next few months. We cannot wait – renewing memberships and searching data bases should be simpler with this system in place! We will keep you posted, and let you know when the transfer has been made.

We are also preparing for our mid-year Board of Directors meeting, which is scheduled just prior to IPSF/IPPE in Atlanta. COVID has again thrown a wrench into this meeting, and not all board members will be able to travel to Atlanta. However, the meeting will go forward in a hybrid fashion, and we will report outcomes to you in our next newsletter.

Just a reminder that the nomination period is open for PSA awards to be recognized at the 2022 meeting. If you would like more information, please visit the PSA website here. 

Finally, I would like to send out a quick thank you to the many volunteers that make up the Poultry Science Association family. We are an amazing organization, and that is because of the commitment that so many people make in giving their time to the organization! Thank you again, and I hope you all have a terrific spring 2022! Please stay healthy!

Sincerely,

This study from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research examines the impacts that geese stocking density can have on the birds' growth performance. This data can help producers ensure birds maintain appropriate growth and stay on track.

PSA has decided to extend the application deadline for the 2022 Zinpro Undergraduate Scholarship. Applications are now to be submited by Monday, February 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM CST. Complete details, qualifications, and link to apply are available though the PSA Website.

This scholarship opportunity is valued at up to $5,000 (total) distributed across up to 4 semesters.

Are you interested in being featured in a Member Spotlight? Or maybe you would like to nominate someone? Complete the Member Spotlight submission form here!

University of Guilan (Associate Professor)

Kansas State University (Invited Instructor)

Education:

Poultry nutrition, production, and management; Feed formulation; Feed additives

Lahidjan, a city in the north of Iran, is where I was born but I grew up and studied in Karaj. Since my childhood, I've always been fascinated with birds and I’ve enjoyed learning about them. Despite keeping chickens and ornamental birds, my exposure to the poultry industry began through my college education. It was my dream to be a veterinarian, but my teachers advised me to go to medical school instead. Ultimately, my love for birds led me to become a poultry nutritionist, which I am enjoying a lot!

Since graduating with a bachelor's degree and during my graduate studies, I've worked with poultry feed mills, laying hen and broiler chicken farms. I was responsible for formulating poultry premixes, concentrate feeds, and diets, as well as tracking farm performance. During my Ph.D., I taught a variety of workshops on poultry production and feed formulation due to my passion for teaching.

Never give up what you are interested in. If you cannot untie the knot with your hands, use your claws and teeth.

PSA membership provided me with access to a great network in academia and the poultry industry in the US, as well as several contacts that resulted in long-lasting friendships and fruitful exchanges.

My favorite industrial chicken is the White Leghorn.

Have you completed a piece of research that you would like to have featured? Let PSA know about it! You can submit the research you have published in Poultry Science^® or The Journal of Applied Poultry Research to be featured in the variety of formats offered including Let's Squawk About It, Interpretive Summaries, and Lab to Farm!

This applied research note from The Journal of Applied Poultry Research aimed at reducing the amount of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in poultry excreta. The researchers recorded the amount of H₂S in excreta from an untreated control group and a group that was given a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial supplement.

Results of the study did prove that there was a reduction in H₂S. However, Trial 1 did not yield a statistical significance in H₂S reduction. Researchers believe this is likely due to the small sample size and encourage further studies.

A full list of awards, nomination criteria, and required documents are available on the PSA website here.

The Poultry Science Association is looking forward to seeing you at the 2022 International Production and Processing Expo at the end of month! Plan on stopping by our booth (#B8538) to pick up some PSA swag, information, or just to say hello!

With on-going concerns surrounding COVID-19, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest details from IPPE on the Health Plan portion of the website.