The importance of Scotland to world poultry production was stressed by UK Government Universities and Science Minister David Willetts at the opening of the National Avian Research Facility (Narf) at Edinburgh University Easter Bush campus.
He claimed half the world’s chickens could trace their genetic make-up back to research carried out at the Roslin Institute and also back to the major commercial poultry firms around the Edinburgh hub.
In his speech opening the £14 million centre, the minister described Roslin as a world leader in poultry research with its primary aim improving avian health.
“There are other research institutes around the world but if you look at the research that is produced here and if you look at its practical effect with the proven genetic breeds of chicken against those that are bred elsewhere around the world, you can see it is a very significant leader.
“The name really is world class and that is the plain unvarnished truth.”
Commenting on the UK Government’s investment programme for agricultural research and development, the minister said: “Agricultural science and technology is one of the world’s fastest growing markets and we can’t allow the UK to be left behind in the global race.
“In an industry worth £4 billion to the UK economy employing around 35,000 people, the National Avian Research Facility will enhance the UK’s reputation as a world leader in this field.”
When questioned on the UK’s future investment plans for Scotland, the minister said it would be in Scotland’s interest to be part of the UK’s science and research network.
“Scotland has about 8% of the UK’s GDP but has managed to get over 12% of the science budget because we were looking at simple tests of quality across the UK. It is clear that Scotland has got some excellent centres,” he said.
Part of the new Narf centre will contain research laboratories for the production of genetically modified chickens.
Scientists have already used GM technology to produce chickens that are unable to spread bird flu.
Referring to the negative attitude of the Scottish Government to this new science, the minister said it was dangerous for any government to oppose a branch of science.
“I very much hope that the Scottish Government will put ideology aside and support GM research here,” he said.
Also speaking at the opening of the new unit, Professor Pete Kaiser, of the Roslin Institute, who will head up Narf, pointed out the importance of chicken in the diet of the world population.
“Currently, it is second only to pig in world production of meat as a source of food and to secure this vital resource, these facilities will deliver world-leading research to improve the health and welfare of these birds,” he said
He expected the demand for chicken throughout the world to double in the coming years as developing economies produced more meat-eating people.
Professor Kaiser added that researchers at Narf would study a range of diseases that place a significant economic burden on the food industry.
These included campylobacter and salmonella.
Future development at Narf will also include specially designed sterile areas, which, together with the conventional avian accommodation and research laboratories, will enable researchers to work to improve human health by
reducing food borne diseases.