Jeanna Wilson

2008 D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Extension

Department: Poultry Science

Jeanna Wilson has a national and international reputation in broiler breeder management. Her work on improving breeder fertility alone is estimated to save Georgia poultry breeders more than six million dollars annually.

Since joining the University of Georgia poultry science faculty in 1988, Dr. Wilson has focused her extension programs on solving current industry problems in hatchery and breeder management. She is considered an international authority on male broiler breeder fertility.

Dr. Wilson works to improve flock productivity, fertility and hatchability through field studies and applied research on feed restriction programs, hen nesting preferences, pattern of egg production, rooster mating activity, semen quality, embryo viability and egg contamination. Today's breeder houses are designed based on her recommendations, such as nest, drinker and feeder installation and slat configuration, separate male feeders and male selection pens.

In addition to her research, Dr. Wilson organizes the annual Georgia Poultry Conference, the Deep South Poultry Conference and an annual two-day hatchery breeder school to introduce new techniques for better breeder flock and incubation management. She is also an active supporter of youth programs through her work with 4-H and FFA poultry judging programs.

Author or coauthor of more than 85 extension and trade journal publications and 60 refereed journal articles, Dr. Wilson has presented her work at nearly every major U.S. broiler company as well as many in Columbia, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan, France, Spain and Canada.

Her honors include receiving the 2005 Poultry Science Association Award for Excellence in Extension, the highest national award an extension poultry scientist can receive, and the Walter B. Hill Award for distinguished achievement in public service and outreach at the University of Georgia.