Description: The feathers and skin in birds are the first line of defence, but are also important in helping the bird to maintain a stable internal temperature, facilitate integral mobility and ensure successful mating in some species. For poultry, the physical conditions of feathers and skin are important barometers to assess the impact of management and ensure health and welfare. Based on the proceedings of a recent symposium, this book documents the significant developments that have been made in our understanding of the importance of the integument to poultry species. The book: . Traces the development of the integument over time and discusses our current understanding of its embryonic development.. Includes a broad range of studies covering genetics, welfare, health, nutrition, and management.. Promotes research opportunities in an under-studied field.Providing a comprehensive yet concise summary of the available research, this book is an invaluable resource for both the poultry industry and for researchers in animal science and welfare at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Brief description: - Dr. Oluyinka A. Olukosi is an Assistant Professor in Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia in United States of America. He was previously a senior poultry researcher in the Animal and Veterinary Sciences group at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) in United Kingdom where his research comprises applied and basic nutrition research areas. Prior to his appointment at SRUC, he obtained B. Agric. (Hons) and M. Phil (Animal Science) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria and Ph.D. (Animal Sciences) from Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana in USA. His applied nutrition research is mainly in the areas of feedstuffs evaluation and strategies to enhance nutrient utilisation in poultry and pigs. His basic nutrition research themes are in nutrient metabolism (especially minerals) and nutritional strategies to improve gut health. In the last 12 years, Dr. Olukosi has authored, or co-authored, more than 160 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference abstracts or proceedings papers. Dr. Olukosi is currently on the editorial board of Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture as well as serves as regular reviewer for several international journals.