Honoring Dr. Dibner: Pioneering poultry science and lasting influence on early nutrition, gut health, and cellular metabolism

Chair: Robert E. Buresh, Novus International Inc.

Wednesday, July 16th at 9:00 am ET 

This symposium celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Julia Dibner, a trailblazing scientist whose visionary research forever changed the landscape of poultry science. Dr. Dibner’s groundbreaking work in early chicken nutrition, cellular metabolism, and the biological and physiological needs of poultry addressed some of the industry’s most pressing challenges and set new standards for scientific achievement. Through her tireless dedication, innovative spirit, and unparalleled mentorship, Dr. Dibner has profoundly influenced not only the direction of research but also the lives of countless scientists who continue to build on her discoveries. Symposium speakers will explore how her pioneering contributions to early nutrition, immune cell function, and gut health remain foundational to modern poultry science and directly impact the work the industry is doing today, illustrating her lasting impact on the field and the industry. Dr. Dibner also holds the distinction of having authored the most-cited article of all time in Poultry Science Association’s flagship journal, Poultry Science.  

9:00 am Building strong foundations: Advances in early nutrition for poultry

Zehava Uni, Hebrew University

9:30 am A legacy of scientific influence: Intestinal physiology measures and approaches with meaningful impact

Todd J. Applegate, University of Georgia

10:00 am That is so cool! I know right! To glutathione and beyond

Walter G. Bottje, University of Arkansas

10:30 am Dr. Julia Dibner: A lifelong dedication to advancing poultry science – Accomplishments, milestones, and lasting impact

Mercedes Vazquez-Anon, Novus International Inc.

11:00 am Roundtable discussion

The inflammation saga: Breakthrough nutritional insights for poultry

Chair: Elizabeth Kim, IFF/Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health

Tuesday, July 15th at 1:15 pm ET 

Current market conditions are making poultry producers rethink strategies for bird health. With the rise of viral challenges, nutrition can play a key role in managing inflammation. The inflammatory response in poultry can be driven by many different factors. There are many ways to manage inflammation, but the focus of this symposium is to discuss the impact of antinutritional factors on the gut inflammation.  

1:15 pm The nutritional impact of gut inflammation

Douglas R. Korver, Alpine Poultry Nutrition, Inc., University of Alberta

1:45 pm The impact of mineral chelation and potential considerations for nutritional immunity and inflammation

Leon Marchal, IFF/Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health

2:00 pm The role of fiber in gut inflammation in poultry

Rajesh Jha, University of Hawaii

2:15 pm It’s not just about digestibility: The role of amino acids in inflammation

Woo Kyun Kim, University of Georgia

2:30 pm Managing subclinical inflammation from a commercial perspective - A nutritionist POV

John T. Halley, J Halley Poultry Consulting LLC

3:00 pm Roundtable discussion

Inflammation is not a 4-letter word: How to influence immunity while not compromising performance

Chair: Kimberly A. Livingston, Optum Immunity

Wednesday, July 16th at 9:00 am ET 

This symposium will explain the importance of inflammation in mounting long-lasting immunity and discuss innovative technologies that can affect inflammation without negatively impacting animal performance.

9:00 am The essential evil: Inflammation's role in forging long-lasting immunity

Kimberly A. Livingston, Optum Immunity

9:30 am The good, the bad, and the ugly of gut inflammation

Michael H. Kogut, USDA-ARS

10:00 am Balancing inflammation and immunity to optimize performance

Matthew K. Jones, Southern Poultry Research Group

10:30 am Immune modulation using microbiota-centric feed additives

Ramesh Selvaraj, University of Georgia 

11:00 am Immune modulation using host directed additives

Ryan Arsenault, USDA-ARS

11:30 am Improving animal health through antibody-driven targeted immune modulation

Pradyut Paul, Optum Immunity

Gut check: Exploring tools, techniques, and future directions in microbiome research

Chair: Samson Oladokun, Texas A&M University

Monday, July 14th at 10:15 am ET 

This symposium will convene leading experts to discuss the latest advancements in analytical tools and technologies for studying the poultry intestinal microbiome. Participants will engage with presentations on microbiome profiling techniques, innovative data analysis tools, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies in microbiome research. Additionally, a roundtable discussion that will foster dialogue on current challenges, opportunities, and future directions in microbiome analysis, highlighting its implications for poultry research among academics and industry professionals.  

10:15 am Chicken gut microbiota profiling: History and future directions

Brian B. Oakley, Western University of Health Sciences

10:45 am Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies for rapid microbiome profiling

Cristiano Bortoluzzi, dsm-firmenich

11:15 am Deep Learning Models for understanding microbial communities formulation

Mahalingam Ramkumar, Mississippi State University

11:45 am Roundtable discussion

Current perspectives on the control of Avian Influenza in the poultry industry

Chairs: Yewande Fasina, North Carolina A&T State University & Douglas R. Korver, University of Alberta

Tuesday, July 15th at 8:00 am ET 

This symposium, prepared by the PSA Committee on Animal Health, will focus on providing current perspectives on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Avian Influenza in poultry. Vaccination and management approaches to mitigate Avian Influenza in commercial poultry flocks will also be explored.  

8:00 am Environmental dynamics and transmission of high pathogenicity Avian Influenza in poultry production

Erica Spackman, USDA-ARS

8:30 am Transmissibility of avian influenza from dairy cattle to poultry

Scott Kenney, Ohio State University

9:00 am A One Health approach to Avian influenza: Interrelationships between poultry, dairy, and humans

Meghan Davis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

9:30 am Vaccination strategies and surveillance of high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry

David E. Swayne, Birdflu Veterinarian LLC, University of Georgia

10:00 am Break

10:45 am Controlling Avian Influenza in turkey flocks

Katie Stumvoll, StumVet Consulting LLC

11:15 am Future research on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) for the development of superior control strategies for poultry production

Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, University of Arkansas

11:45 am Roundtable discussion

The feed milling process: A focus on the pelleting, liquid application, and their effects on animal production

Chairs: Ariel N. Bergeron, Adisseo USA & Robert B. Shirley, Adisseo USA

Tuesday, July 15th at 8:00 am ET 

Depending on ingredient pricing, feed accounts for the highest proportional cost of raising livestock, ranging between 60-80% of production costs. Even though it is important to recognize that feed cost represents a significant part animal production, it is just as important to understand various aspects of the feed milling process. The various processes built into process. The various processes built into feed milling process because of the cost involved in feed manufacturing have an undeniable impact on the final feed’s form, nutrient quality, and ultimate performance of the animals being fed. To feed the world, it is necessary to understand the practices under which the feed is made. This symposium is designed to broaden the audience’s knowledge base on feed manufacturing and the effects that feed production has on all aspects of the poultry industry. This symposium will evaluate both the scientific and real-world production approaches, with a particular focus on understanding the historical advantages of feed manufacturing and innovative technologies that are being developed to provide high quality feed for healthy growth, development, and reproduction of poultry.  

8:00 am Introduction

Ariel N. Bergeron & Robert B. Shirley, Adisseo USA

8:05 am History of the American feed industry

Charles R. Stark, Country View Valley Farms

8:40 am Perspectives on pelleting: What is too little and too much in regard to nutrition?

John W. Boney, Pennsylvania State University

9:20 am Liquid application in today's feed mill environment and importance

Todd Goldsmith, Liquid Systems Inc.

10:00 am Break

10:45 am Pellet quality from a production perspective: What is measured and why is it important

JT Pope, House of Raeford

11:20 am Feed milling dynamics: What should we monitor and what can we improve?

Shawn Bradshaw, Adisseo NA

11:55 am Roundtable discussion

A new focus on fiber in poultry: Is it a nutrient or antinutrient?

Chair: Tara York AB Vista

Wednesday, July 16th at 1:00 pm ET 

With a greater focus on increasing the knowledge and application of fiber in poultry nutrition, there is growing interest in the global industry to evaluate the beneficial effects of dietary fiber on nutrient utilization, microbiome modulation in the hindgut, and, consequently, in performance. This interest has led the industry to begin defining optimal fiber recommendations in terms of insoluble and soluble levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and lignin, enabling nutritionists to formulate diets more precisely with dietary fiber. Additionally, technologies such as NIR (near-infrared reflectance) spectroscopy allow for rapid and accurate determination of fiber composition in feed ingredients, providing a more timely and cost-effective method for measuring dietary fiber and incorporating it into monogastric diets. Given the production and health benefits of fiber observed in humans and swine, fiber nutrition remains a key area of focus for the poultry industry. A symposium focusing on the benefits of fiber in poultry production would offer an opportunity to share the latest research findings and assess what is still needed to successfully apply fiber concepts in our industry.

1:00 pm Welcome

Tara York, AB Vista

1:10 pm Maximizing the benefits of fiber in poultry nutrition: Insights and ingredient evaluation

Caitlin Evans, AB Vista

1:40 pm From pigs to poultry: The evolution of fiber in monogastric nutrition

Amy Petry, University of Missouri

2:20 pm Fiber and the microbiome: What’s all the hype?

Tim Johnson, University of Minnesota

3:00 pm Break

3:30 pm Intestinal integrity and key biomarkers for performance

Michael H. Kogut, USDA-ARS

4:00 pm Fiber and performance: connecting the dots for optimal performance

Carrie L. Walk, AB Vista

2:20 pm Questions and answers

Informal Nutrition Symposium: Dynamic feed formulation in commercial poultry nutrition

Chair: Douglas R. Korver, University of Alberta

Monday, July 14th at 1:00 pm ET 

Historical approaches to poultry feed formulation have been rooted in static information, both in terms of setting nutrient specifications for stages of production, and assumptions regarding nutrient content and availability in feedstuffs. Dynamic feed formulation attempts to integrate real-time analysis of feedstuff nutrient composition and availability with more precise nutritional requirement information based on age, body weight, productivity, health status and other factors. Real-time adjustments to feed formulation to accurately meet the nutritional needs of poultry will increase efficiency and productivity, but advanced and complex information on the supply (feedstuffs) and demand (bird nutrient requirements) must be integrated accurately and quickly. The 2025 Informal Nutrition Symposium will bring together an outstanding panel of speakers to address the major topics that must be addressed in order to adopt a dynamic feed formulation approach.  

1:00 pm Introduction

Roselina Angel, University of Maryland

1:10 pm Key issues to address to successfully implement dynamic feed formulation

Michael Blair, Devenish Nutrition NA

1:40 pm Opportunities and challenges for expanding Near-Infrared (NIR) use in dynamic feed formulation

Henk Enting, Cargill Animal Nutrition

2:10 pm Dynamic formulation for amino acid and energy

Antonio M. Penz, Jr., Cargill Animal Nutrition

2:45 pm Life Mentor Awards

Todd J. Applegate, University of Georgia

3:00 pm Break

3:30 pm Beyond Least Cost Formulation – Formulating for broiler performance, yield, and profitability

JT Pope, House of Raeford

4:00 pm Putting the pieces together: The use of production datasets for predictive modeling within an integrated system

Jake S. Pieniazek, Holmes Foods Inc.

4:40 pm Questions and panel discussion

Douglas R. Korver, University of Alberta

The many facets of glucocorticoid actions from stress and beyond

Chairs: Gregory S. Fraley, Purdue University

& Grégoy Bédécarrats, University of Guelph

Monday, July 14th at 1:00 pm ET 

Glucocorticoids have many physiological functions and the stress response is just one of them. However, in much of poultry science, they are considered solely as stress hormones and assumptions may lead to misinterpretation of data. The purpose of this symposium is to give a broad historical and scientific overview of the many functions of glucocorticoids in poultry and what is known in the wild bird literature. Physiology is becoming a steadily decreasing component of PSA and often misinterpreted by other fields. It is our hope to spark a renewed interest in physiological research and to shed light on the many functions of glucocorticoids beyond just the stress response.  

1:00 pm Introduction

Grégoy Bédécarrats, University of Guelph

1:05 pm Historical and present understanding of glucocorticoid research in poultry: A case for reevaluation of the entire avian hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis

Colin Scanes, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

1:45 pm What wild bird studies can tell us about how to interpret corticosterone responses in poultry

L. Michael Romero, Tufts University

2:30 pm Glucocorticoids are not just about stress: From metabolism to epigenetics and the rheostatic control of baseline

Gregory S. Fraley, Purdue University

3:00 pm Break

3:30 pm Developmental and metabolic impacts of glucocorticoids in poultry

Laura E. Ellestad, University of Georgia

4:05 pm Physiological responses of wild birds to climate change- and urbanization-related temperature variation

Pierre Deviche, Arizona State University

4:50 pm Questions and answers

Grégoy Bédécarrats, University of Guelph

Precision poultry farming

Chairs: Martin J. Zuidhof, University of Alberta

Douglas F. Britton, Georgia Tech Research Institute

Thursday, July 17th at 1:00 pm ET 

With the aim of increasing poultry production system sustainability, this symposium will focus on sensor technologies that gather data about birds and environments, interpret that information, and either implement changes to inputs or raise a need for such a change to be implemented manually. Speakers will focus on practical solutions that hold promise to address real poultry industry opportunities.

1:00 pm Introduction

Martin J. Zuidhof, University of Alberta & Douglas F. Britton, Georgia Tech Research Institute

1:05 pm Precision poultry farming: A purposeful endeavor

Tomas Norton, KU Leuven

1:45 pm Real-time monitoring and management of broiler health and welfare

Guoming Li, University of Georgia

2:10 pm Smart poultry systems: Commercializable insights from a sensor-equipped poultry house and vision-based production research

Michael T. Kidd, University of Arkansas

2:35 pm What will a smart poultry farm look like?

Alex Samoylov, Georgia Tech Research Institute

3:00 pm Break

3:30 pm Precision feeding to reduce environmental impact of poultry production

Thiago L. Noetzold, University of Alberta

4:00 pm A poultry value proposition: Precision feeding to eliminate spiking of broiler breeder roosters

Martin J. Zuidhof, University of Alberta

4:30 pm Roundtable discussion

Emerging technologies in poultry genomics: Unlocking innovation for the future of sustainable production

Chair: Huaijun Zhou, University of California, Davis

Tuesday, July 15th at 1:15 pm ET 

Advancements in genetics, genomics, epigenomics, and bioinformatics are transforming the way we approach breeding, health management, and production efficiency in the poultry industry. This symposium will focus on cutting-edge genomic technologies and their potential to revolutionize poultry research and applications. Key topics will include CRISPR-based gene editing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and multi-omics integration, alongside discussions on AI-driven genomic selection, epigenetics, and microbiome-host interactions. The symposium aims to highlight how these emerging technologies can address challenges such as disease resistance, environmental sustainability, and improving production traits, while fostering collaboration among scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers. By showcasing these innovations, the symposium will provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of poultry genomics and epigenomics, offering actionable insights for sustainable production systems in a rapidly changing world.  

1:15 pm Welcome

Huaijun Zhou, University of California, Davis

1:25 pm Functional annotation to support interpretation of genomic analysis

Fiona M. McCarthy, University of Arizona

2:00 pm CRISPR-based in vitro approaches for investigating chicken genome function

Tae-Hyun Kim, Pennsylvania State University

2:35 pm A census of immune and non-immune cell types of the adaptive immune systems for the bursa and thymus of chicken

Wesley Warren, University of Missouri

3:15 pm Break

4:00 pm Harnessing the poultry microbiome: Enhancing health, productivity, and sustainability in modern production

Glenn Zhang, Oklahoma State University

4:35 pm Integrative omics in poultry genomics: Unraveling complex traits for enhanced production and health

Huaijun Zhou, University of California, Davis

5:10 pm Panel discussion

Genetic bases for resistance and immunity to avian diseases

Chairs: Ryan Arsenault, USDA-ARS

Rami A. Dalloul, University of Geogia

Robert L. Taylor, Jr., West Virginia University

Wednesday, July 16th at 1:00 pm ET 

Diseases continue to significantly impact poultry production. Viruses (avian influenza, Marek’s, Newcastle), bacteria (Salmonella sp., Clostridium sp.), and parasites (Eimeria) are important disease-causing organisms. Some of these organisms affect food safety as well as poultry health. Pathogen evolution complicates the animal’s response against the disease and therapeutic vaccines. Identifying genes that influence disease resistance and understanding their contributions to overall health become more critical as production reduces reliance on antibiotics and other treatments.

1:00 pm Why understanding the poultry enteric nervous system is critical to poultry health and production

Valentina Caputi, USDA-ARS

1:30 pm What the kinome reveals about resistance to foodborne pathogens

Ryan Arsenault, USDA-ARS

2:00 pm Functional perspectives of host-microbiome interactions in poultry production: Where we are and where we need to go

Joshua M. Lyte, USDA-ARS

2:30 pm Poultry microbiota’s influence on disease: A breeder perspective

Travis Williams, Hy-Line International

3:00 pm Break

3:30 pm Identifying chicken alloantigens to understand their influence on disease and production traits

Robert L. Taylor, Jr., West Virginia University

4:00 pm Host genetics associated with coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis

Rami A. Dalloul, University of Geogia

4:30 pm Commercial breeding for disease resistance

Jesus A. Arango, Cobb-Vantress Inc.