Faculty of Animal Science, UNHAS Strengthens Internationalization through Collaborative Poultry Breeding Research with the University of Arkansas
The Faculty of Animal Science (FAPET), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) continues to strengthen their internationalization agenda through a collaborative research partnership with the Poultry Breeding research team from the University of Arkansas, United States. This collaboration is conducted under a collaborative research scheme funded by the Poultry Breeding Thematic Research Group (TRG) Program, chaired by Dr. Wempie Pakiding.
The University of Arkansas research team carried out a research visit to the UNHAS campus from 24 to 27 January 2026. During the visit, the team conducted field research at broiler production centers that serve as collaborative partners of the Faculty of Animal Science, UNHAS. The main focus of the study is a survey of the incidence of lameness in broiler chickens caused by a bacterial infection known as Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO), a disease that can result in significant economic losses in the broiler industry.
The visiting research team was led by Prof. Douglas D. Rhoads, Director of the Center of Excellence Poultry Breeding, accompanied by Dr. Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye, a senior researcher and Secretary of the Center of Excellence Poultry Breeding. They were also accompanied by two early-career researchers, Dr. Andi Asnayanti (postdoctoral researcher) and Dr. Dang Trieu (Ph.D. researcher), who actively supported the research activities during their stay in Indonesia.
The University of Arkansas is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading research institutions and universities in poultry science, particularly in broiler production. Therefore, this collaboration is expected not only to produce joint research outputs but also to serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation between the two institutions.
As part of the visit, Dr. Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye also delivered a public lecture at the Faculty of Animal Science, UNHAS. In his lecture, Dr. Adnan presented findings and recent developments from his research on lameness in broiler chickens, covering disease etiology, economic impacts, and potential control strategies through scientific approaches and improved poultry management practices. The lecture was warmly received by faculty members and students, especially those with interests in poultry health and production.
Looking ahead, this collaborative research initiative will be further strengthened through various follow-up programs, including capacity building for human resources, particularly young faculty members at the Faculty of Animal Science and UNHAS in general. On this occasion, Prof. Rhoads also outlined several opportunities for academic collaboration, including prospects for outstanding UNHAS students to pursue master’s (M.Sc.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) studies at the University of Arkansas through various scholarship schemes, including Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) or Indonesian Education Endowment Fund) .
Future collaboration plans also include the development of international collaborative research schemes focusing on key agricultural commodities that represent the core expertise of the University of Arkansas, particularly rice and poultry. Through this strategic partnership, UNHAS is expected to further strengthen its role in global research networks and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of science and sustainable food security.