Animal science senior Tyler Gamble knows not to count his eggs before they hatch — his research on chicken hatchability has earned him a national award.
Gamble recently attended the annual International Poultry Expo in Atlanta along with the College of Agriculture’s Poultry Science Club. He was named the expo’s student of the year and was awarded the Frank Perdue scholarship worth $1,000.
Gamble said University associate poultry science professor Dennis Ingram selected him as a contender for the award.
Gamble was chosen to represent the University because of his leadership skills and his experience with poultry, Ingram said.
There were about 25 universities present at the expo and about 13 students competing for the award, according to Gamble.
Gamble has been published in the “Journal of Poultry” for his research on chicken hatchability. Gamble said his research increased hatchability by about 5 percent from a normal hatchability rate of 80 percent.
“In an average-sized hatchery, the additional 5 percent hatchability can save about $25,000,” Gamble said, comparing the cost of maintaining eggs versus the income the farm makes off them.
Ingram, who advised Gamble’s project, credited the student with all results.
Gamble said he had attended the expo in previous years and viewed the student of the year award as an unattainable goal.
“It’s just satisfying to know I’ve reached that level,” Gamble said.
Gamble also received the Oliver J. Hubbard Memorial Poultry Science Scholarship, which was given to the University by Hubbard Farms. The University then selected Gamble as the recipient.
Gamble said his plans for the future are to attend veterinary school at either LSU or Mississippi State University and earn a master’s degree in avian medicine.
Gamble said he ultimately wants to create vaccines and vaccine equipment, which he said has a lot of implications because vaccines have the potential to be used for more than 1 million birds on one farm and, if something goes wrong, can affect humans, as well.
Gamble said he was approached at the expo by Merial, an animal vaccine production company for which Gamble says he’d like to work.
“Tyler is not only a great student, but an earnest, conscientious person. He’s always gracious and accommodating,” said Betsy Garrison, the associate dean for the College of Agriculture.
 
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Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]