DAY 3 AT 2025 PSA ANNUAL MEETING

This symposium honors Dr. Julia Dibner, a pioneering scientist whose research in early chicken nutrition, cellular metabolism, and poultry physiology reshaped the field.

• Her innovative work addressed critical industry challenges and set new benchmarks for scientific excellence.
• A dedicated mentor, Dr. Dibner influenced generations of researchers, many of whom continue to build on her legacy.
• Presentations highlight her lasting impact on early nutrition, immune function, and gut health—cornerstones of today’s poultry science.
• Notably, she authored the most-cited article in Poultry Science, PSA’s flagship journal.

9:00 AM | Inflammation is not a 4-letter word: How to influence immunity while not compromising performance

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

1:00 PM | A new focus on fiber in poultry: Is it a nutrient or antinutrient?

With growing interest in fiber’s role in poultry nutrition, the industry is increasingly exploring its impact on nutrient utilization, gut microbiome modulation, and overall performance.

• This has sparked efforts to define optimal levels of insoluble and soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and lignin, enabling more precise diet formulation.
• Tools like NIR spectroscopy now allow for faster, more cost-effective fiber analysis in feed ingredients.
• Given fiber’s proven benefits in humans and swine, it remains a key focus in poultry research.
• This symposium highlights recent findings and identify next steps for effectively applying fiber nutrition in poultry production.

1:00 PM | Genetic bases for resistance and immunity to avian diseases

• 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.

Today’s Special Events

• Registration Open | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Main Lobby
• PSA Business Meeting | 7:00 – 8:30 AM, Ballroom B
• Student Travel Award Meeting | 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Room 206
• Lunch and Learn sponsored by Olmix | 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Room 206
• Committee Chairs Luncheon | 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Room 205
• Latin American Networking Luncheon | 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Room 402
• PSA Past Presidents Luncheon | 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Room 201
• Ice Cream Social | 3:00 – 3:30 PM, Ballroom A
• Journal Reviewers Reception | 4:00 – 5:00 PM, Room 202
• PSA BBQ* – North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | 6:00 – 10:00 PM, Nature Exploration Center (11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601)