Reflecting on a Career in Poultry: The Legacy of Anne-Marie Neeteson-van Nieuwenhoven
In the rural Dutch town of Ospel, Anne-Marie Neeteson-van Nieuwenhoven’s passion for food production was ignited. “Speaking up for the people who are involved in making our food has kept me going all these years,” she shares as she prepares for retirement, reflecting on her career in the animal sector.
Poultry meat, now an affordable protein option globally, has seen significant improvements in feed conversion rates alongside better animal welfare. These advancements have come as a response to rising demands driven by global population growth and increased incomes.
Early Inspirations and Challenges
Anne-Marie’s journey began in 1995, coinciding with the cloning of Dolly the sheep, sparking debates over animal breeding. Understanding the growing disconnect between consumers and food producers became essential as she pushed for sustainable practices within the breeding community.
“We initiated investigations into where breeders could make a difference towards sustainability, supported by ethicists and welfare organizations. This led to the creation of the Code of Good Practice—a tool illustrating our commitment to sustainable practices,” she explains.
Bridging the Gap between Perception and Reality
Despite improvements in poultry breeding practices, societal perceptions of animal welfare present ongoing challenges. “Poultry often becomes a target for criticism, leading to discrepancies between actual welfare and societal expectations,” she notes.
Anne-Marie maintains that better advocacy is needed within the industry, targeting policymakers and citizens alike with factual information on the real developments in poultry welfare and sustainability.
Innovations Making a Mark
Some standout innovations include:
- Individual feed and water measurements in group settings.
- Multi-environment selection enhancing breeding for health and robustness.
- Computed tomography for assessing various traits in poultry.
- Genomic advancements that improve selection accuracy and outcomes.
Collectively, these innovations have led to healthier, more productive birds, further enhancing environmental sustainability in poultry farming.
The Path Forward for the Poultry Sector
Anne-Marie envisions promising opportunities in the poultry sector through enhanced understanding of bird biology and behavior, which can lead to even more tailored innovations. “A collaborative effort across poultry organizations is essential. We must invest in communication and outreach to cultivate better public understanding,” she emphasizes.
Evolution of Attitudes Toward Welfare and Sustainability
She observes a significant evolution in industry attitudes toward welfare and environmental sustainability. “Initially, these concepts were peripheral. Now, they are pivotal to business strategies, incorporated into daily practices,” Anne-Marie highlights.
She champions integrating welfare and sustainability into core business operations, an effort that is ongoing within the Aviagen Group and internationally among various organizations.
Building a Cooperative Future
Anne-Marie’s extensive international collaborations, including contributions to the Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Partnership, have helped shape poultry policies. “I’m proud to have led initiatives that promote collaboration and robust welfare indicators, ensuring a better future for the sector,” she reflects.
A Vision for the Next Generation
As she embarks on retirement, her legacy mirrors her dedication to the poultry industry. “The next generation holds the potential to innovate and positively impact food security. I encourage aspiring poultry professionals to embrace the beauty and significance of their work in feeding the world,” she concludes.
