by Assoc. Professor Reza Barekatain
During his academic studies, Gareth developed a strong interest in finding sustainable, cost-effective strategies that can improve profitability and animal welfare. This interest led him to complete an MSc in Animal Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where his research focused on the comparative efficacy of various novel phytase enzymes in young broiler diets using different sampling and statistical methods. His research journey has led to co-authoring a peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition (2022). During his MSc studies, Gareth was awarded an internship at a local feed additive company where he was responsible for coordinating their limestone research project that examined the solubility of limestone samples both nationally and internationally. The internship provided Gareth with valuable experience in trial design, statistical analysis, and translating data into meaningful outcomes for both industry and academia.
In addition to his academic training, Gareth has more than four years of professional experience, most notably as a commercial nutritionist for one of the leading poultry integrators in South Africa. During this time, he managed formulations and nutrient matrices across the poultry pyramid, from GGP flocks to broilers. While overseeing formulations, Gareth was also in charge of the feed mill’s technical department and was responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant government quality and safety regulations. These various roles have required Gareth to balance scientific rigour with commercial realities, particularly in cost management and animal welfare, and have strengthened his appreciation for how research can directly influence industry practice and profitability.
Gareth will be completing his PhD under the guidance of Dr. Mehdi Toghyani, where he will focus on determining the optimal calcium density and phytase dosage in pullet diets for optimum skeletal development at the onset of lay, along with identifying the optimal dietary calcium density and phytase dosage in late-phase layer hen diets for enhanced laying performance and eggshell quality. When he is not busy collecting eggs or writing up, you can find him on the trails enjoying his passion for long-distance running and the outdoors. After completing his PhD, Gareth plans to work in the poultry industry, where he hopes to contribute to improved sustainability through sustainable diet formulation, along with enhancing nutrient utilisation through improved feed processing methods.
