Well after a two year hiatus the World Poultry Congress did not disappoint. The conference was held from the 7-11th August in Paris, France, almost 100 years to the day since the very first congress. Over 2,500 people were able to attend in person and many others joined in online. The conference began on Sunday by exploring why water is key for sustainable nutrition, highlighting the importance of water quality in a balanced poultry diet. This session certainly started some great discussion amongst delegates, as many had not ever thought of water as a key ingredient in poultry nutrition and health. The presentations also highlighted the importance of litter quality and sustainability. The following days were a mix of plenary talks and concurrent sessions. The one welfare session highlighted the challenges but also the opportunities we have in the poultry sector not only to improve welfare but also the dialogue that goes with it.
Poultry Hub Australia was able to showcase our Virtual Chicken resource and finally launch the App. Users of the Oculus VR can now purchase the VR App for enjoyment on their device. The feedback on our VR Chickens was fantastic, as was the entire education session where it was presented. The exhibitions hall enabled colleagues to catch up, and for new meetings and discussions to be had. There was also a live radio/TV booth that was hosting interviews and discussions on hot topics in the poultry sector. Lastly, the conference was home to many poster presentations that were housed electronically on TV screens, enabling delegates to search posters and read the ones they were most interested in. As the conference presentations were all recorded, delegates are able to watch any session online till the end of this year. At the conclusion of the conference the committee announced that the next World Poultry Congress will be held in Toronto, Canada, July 12-16 2026.
