Editorial

Extract

Already we have the second issue of the Journal for 2018. Several topics are represented in this issue, including novel feed ingredients, minerals, antioxidation, choice feeding, welfare, human health products (eggs) and pathogen detection methods. In addition, we have an interesting review on enzymes, which reflects the recent talk given at the WPSA UK Spring meeting, held in Dublin, by Dr Mike Bedford on his receipt of the Gordon Memorial Medal – which is very well deserved. Dr Bedford is well known in the poultry world for his extensive and pioneering work in the world of enzymes, and I have been privileged to work with Mike over the years, going back to my early commercial work at Finnfeeds International in the 1990s. He is an exceptionally able scientist, never afraid to confront technical challenges or to look at problems in new ways, as well as being an approachable and friendly face in the industry. Congratulations to him, and to his lovely and supportive wife Linda.

There are many events coming up in 2018, including the excellent Hafez turkey meeting in Berlin, the 6^th Mediterranean Poultry Summit, both in June, the PSA (with the US WPSA branch meeting) in San Antonio in July and the 25^th European Poultry Conference in Croatia in September, where the next WPSA board meeting will be held. Various branch meetings are happening, and full details can be found on our website (www.wpsa.com). Do please support these events, as they not only provide useful and interesting scientific sessions, but also provide a great networking opportunity.

One issue that is becoming more prominent for all journals is the future of publishing peer reviewed papers. This is something that has changed greatly in recent years, and continues to change, especially with the advent of open access. This is something that is being discussed in all spheres of publishing, as the costs of open access are still high and have to be borne by authors. The WPSJ is in a strong position, as it does not charge submission charges to authors, making open access rather more affordable for authors. All papers are eligible for open access – details of which are on the submission website. In addition, we are seeing a shift in regional souring of the papers submitted, which is something that needs to be addressed to keep the journal content balanced, and which I am focussing on. For anyone who is interested in publishing a review, but perhaps needs some assistance or advice, do feel free to email me with your idea or draft. The editorial office is happy to help young or new authors get their work out in the public domain.

Dr Lucy Waldron

Editor