Feeding the future: Gary Sansom scholar looks to legumes for poultry nutrition

University of Sydney PhD candidate Shay Sadr, a poultry nutrition researcher and former data analyst, has been named the 2025 AgriFutures Gary Sansom Scholar. Her research focuses on incorporating Australian-grown legumes into broiler (meat) chicken diets to reduce crude protein without compromising bird health or productivity.

Chicken is Australia’s protein of choice and it’s the chicken meat industry’s constant innovation that keeps the protein affordable and consistently available to consumers.

University of Sydney PhD candidate Shay Sadr, a poultry nutrition researcher and former data analyst, has been named the 2025 AgriFutures Gary Sansom Scholar. Her research focuses on incorporating Australian-grown legumes into broiler (meat) chicken diets to reduce crude protein without compromising bird health or productivity.

2025 scholar: advancing meat chicken nutrition 
Ms Sadr’s work investigates how legumes such as faba beans and field peas can support lower-protein diets that cut nitrogen excretion, improve gut health and immunity, and boost feed efficiency. Her work provides practical strategies to enhance productivity, sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the chicken meat industry.

“The innovation in my project lies not just in exploring alternative protein sources, but in integrating them into reduced crude protein diets – a strategy known to lower environmental impact and feed costs,” Ms Sadr said.

“These diets must be carefully balanced to avoid compromising bird health and performance.

“Maintaining amino acid balance and dietary structure is critical. Legumes can pose antinutritional and digestibility challenges that must be addressed to avoid negative impacts on gut health and growth.

“Many studies examine reduced protein or legumes in isolation. My research combines both, using modern broiler genetics and controlled trials to address a key gap in current knowledge.”

The research is expected to deliver strong scientific, environmental and industry benefits—from lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on imported soybean meal to creating new value for locally grown crops.

Investing in industry leaders 
Named in honour of Gary Sansom, former AgriFutures Chicken Meat Advisory Panel Chair and Australian Chicken Meat Federation President, the scholarship reflects his vision for a collaborative, innovative and skilled industry.

AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager – Levied Industries, Amanda Olthof, said fostering young talent is essential to the sector’s growth.
“The strength of the chicken meat sector lies in the energy and expertise of its people,” Ms Olthof said.

“By investing in early career researchers like Shay, we’re ensuring the industry continues to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

Now in her second year of a PhD at the University of Sydney’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shay has completed two feeding trials and lab analyses under a project administered by the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program. Her next phase will investigate molecular and microbiome markers of gut health and immune response, followed by commercial-scale trials to refine diet formulations.

“The scholarship has connected me with leading researchers and industry professionals across Australia and opened opportunities to share my findings internationally,” she said.
“A key lesson has been the value of bridging science and industry. Working closely with stakeholders has helped sharpen my focus and ensure the research delivers practical benefits for producers.”

Applications now open  
Applications for the Gary Sansom Scholarship are now open. The Scholarship supports emerging leaders shaping the future of Australia’s chicken meat industry. Funded by the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program and industry partners, it offers up to $30,000 in financial support, mentoring and networking opportunities to help high-potential students build impactful careers in poultry science.

Are you a higher degree student passionate about the Australian chicken meat industry? Don’t miss your chance to accelerate your career with the Gary Sansom Scholarship.

Find out more and apply here.

Applications close Wednesday, 1 October 2025 .

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