On May 8-21, I participated in a national internship at the Department of Poultry and Beekeeping at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The aim of the internship was to develop zootechnical skills and learn how to plan experiments.

During the internship, I participated in planning a new experiment on turkeys, from the logistical part, i.e. the number of animals, their distribution, the time of the experiment, the amount of feed and water given to the practical part. At the research station in Bałdy, we prepared substrates, set up drinkers and feeders. I also participated in daily zootechnical and care activities aimed at ensuring the well-being of the hen stock in the ongoing experiments. I also took part in determining the feed rations depending on the poultry species, growth phase and the purpose of the experiment. I was taught how to ensure optimal breeding conditions. I also took part in the cyclical weighing of turkey hens, which was to check the correctness of calculations of feed doses and the degree of feed assimilation.

During the internship, I was also at the slaughter during which blood and femur were taken. I was delegated to assist in harvesting the femur. Samples taken in this slaughter were submitted for further research on bone mineralization under the influence of various feed additives. The internship was very rich in knowledge and new skills. Thanks to it, I will be able to better implement the assumptions of my Individual Research Plan.

Mgr. inż. Radosław Smagieł