Dr. Gigi Lin is a board certified poultry veterinarian based in Abbotsford, BC. She provides diagnostic, consultation, teaching, and field services to all levels of commercial poultry industry and small flock owners. Gigi earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2013 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2017. In 2023, she achieves diplomate status with the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. Passionate about animal agriculture, Gigi particularly enjoys participating in disease investigations and developing continuing education opportunities for livestock producers. Since 2017, she has presented at over 100 industry workshops, scientific meetings, and university courses, sharing her experience in disease management and exchanging knowledge with fellow colleagues and producers.
Title of the presentation: Managing the flock you have, not the flock you hoped to get.
Questions
- Can you give a brief ‘elevator pitch’ summary of your presentation and explain why this is an important topic for Alberta poultry producers?
Regardless of breed or chick quality, the fundamental approach to broiler brooding remains the same. Optimizing brooding practices can significantly impact performance, regardless of starting quality. This presentation aims to provide producers with practical, flexible approaches to optimize brooding and improve flock performance. By examining some real-life case studies, I will demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all solution – success relies on adapting strategies on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, I will share troubleshooting tips to address common brooding challenges using a systemic approach.
This topic is becoming increasingly important to poultry producers, especially with rising concerns about chick quality amid ongoing challenges with avian influenza resulting in supply shortage.
- Can you recommend any resources that we can share with our producers ahead of time to help them learn about your topic?
Producers already have access to excellent resources from breeder companies. My go-to references are the breeder and broiler performance & management guides, such as those from Aviagen and Cobb. These guides provide comprehensive baselines that work for most broiler flocks.
Aviagen broiler management handbook: https://aviagen.com/assets/Tech_Center/Ross_Broiler/Ross-BroilerHandbook2018-EN.pdf
Cobb broiler management guide: https://www.cobbgenetics.com/assets/Cobb-Files/Broiler-Guide_English-2021-min.pdf
- We look forward to learning from you in February! Any final comments?
Come with an open mind and be ready to share your experiences so we can learn from one another. This will be an interactive session, participation from everyone is highly encouraged
Dawn has an MMUS from Northwestern University and worked from 2017 - 2021 as the U of A Heritage Chicken Program Coordinator. With extensive experience as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor, Dawn is the scribe for the PIP team. Duties include transcribing minutes, creating action lists, organizing team ideas and projects, editing, writing articles, and interviewing subjects for the People of Poultry series in the PIP newsletter. Dawn also assists in PIP tech transfer initiatives.
