Dr Sushant Labh had an insightful conversation with Dr Bhardwaj about his career, professional development as a commercial nutritionist, and personal journey. This discussion offers valuable insights for poultry professionals, aspiring nutritionists, veterinarians, and newcomers to the industry.
How did your journey in poultry nutrition begin, and could you share an overview of your career path in this field?
After completing my Master’s program, I began my career with Cadbury India Limited as a Quality Control Officer, from 1991 to 1993. Gaining valuable work experience, I then pursued a Ph.D. at CCSHAU Hisar in Animal Nutrition. I completed my doctorate in 1997, focusing on Ruminant Nutrition, after which I worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Dairy Cattle Nutrition at NDRI, Karnal, where I focused on greenhouse gas emissions for six months.
I returned to CCSHAU Hisar in September 1997 as a Research Associate and worked there until September 2004. During my academic tenure, I published eight research papers in national and international journals, co-authored a reference book, and contributed to three laboratory manuals. Additionally, I presented over 50 oral and poster presentations at various national and international conferences.
On October 1st, 2004, I made a pivotal career shift, moving from cattle nutrition to poultry nutrition, and joined Skylark Group as General Manager (Nutrition), marking the beginning of my career as a commercial nutritionist.
Could you describe some of the key responsibilities and tasks you perform in your role as a commercial poultry nutritionist?
As a freelance poultry nutritionist, I offer nutrition services to feed millers, breeders, and layer farmers both in India and internationally. My role also involves assisting clients with feed manufacturing technology, ensuring quality control, and helping with the procurement of raw materials and feed supplements. Currently, I manage the nutrition needs of over 50 clients.
What are some of the challenges you typically encounter in your work, and how do you overcome them?
One of the major challenges I face, along with my customers, is the issue of substandard medicines, feed supplements, and adulteration in feed ingredients. To address this, I focus on educating my clients about the importance of quality control and develop quick testing methods in the laboratory to detect and prevent these issues.
Can you share some notable achievements that commercial nutritionists have made in South Asian conditions?
One of the key achievements of commercial poultry nutritionists in South Asia is the consistent improvement in the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) for broilers. Despite challenging climatic conditions, they have managed to reduce the average culling age to around 32-34 days, with broilers reaching 2 kg body weight. This is a significant accomplishment, considering the environmental challenges that poultry farmers in this region face.
What gap do you see between academia and industry in terms of poultry nutrition research and its practical application?
The gap between academia and industry is gradually narrowing, but there is still significant potential for further collaboration. Academia should focus on research that addresses practical challenges faced by the industry. Universities and research institutes could enhance their impact by fostering closer interactions with the industry and making research facilities and laboratory resources more accessible to industry professionals. This collaboration can lead to more relevant and actionable poultry nutrition research.
Outside of your work as a poultry nutritionist, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
Apart from my professional work, I have a strong interest in traveling, particularly visiting holy places. I make it a point to travel whenever I get the opportunity, as it helps me unwind and recharge.
How do you balance your professional and personal life, and do you find any overlap between the two?
Balancing professional and personal life can be challenging, but I make an effort to spend as much time at home as possible. Both my wife and son are working professionals, so they understand the importance of my work. This mutual understanding helps me manage my time well, and overall, life runs smoothly.
Are there any specific experiences or personal interests that have influenced your career choices or approach to poultry nutrition?
My love for driving and traveling to new places has significantly impacted my professional life. I can travel long distances by road, train, or air without feeling fatigued, and I always feel refreshed after such travels. In fact, I travel more than 20 days a month, which not only allows me to stay connected with clients but also broadens my perspective, aiding my approach to poultry nutrition.
What motivated you to pursue a career in poultry nutrition, and how did you decide to specialize in this field?
After successfully working for 15 years with Skylark, I felt a strong desire to expand my knowledge and share my expertise with multiple companies rather than being limited to just one. When I transitioned to offering freelance services, the response was overwhelming, and I realized that the industry was in need of such services. My passion for the poultry industry, combined with my dedication to delivering honest and effective solutions, continues to motivate me to work even harder and contribute to the growth of the sector.
How do you stay updated with the latest technical knowledge in nutrition? Have you pursued any additional education or certifications to advance your career as a poultry nutritionist?
I make it a priority to attend various national and international seminars and conferences to continually update my knowledge. Additionally, I regularly engage in technical discussions with industry experts, both from national and international companies, who often visit my location. These interactions help me stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in poultry nutrition, ensuring I can provide the most effective solutions to my clients.
Can you describe any mentors or influential figures who have guided you in your career?
My primary mentor has been my elder brother, Dr M.C. Bhardwaj, who is currently the principal of a degree college in Ganganagar, Rajasthan. He has been a guiding influence since my childhood and continues to offer valuable advice. Additionally, my father has been a constant source of inspiration, instilling in me the values of honesty and hard work, which have greatly shaped my professional journey.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a poultry nutritionist or looking to advance their career in this field?
My sincere advice to aspiring poultry nutritionists is to remain dedicated and focus on the quality of their work. It’s important to approach the field with integrity and avoid shortcuts in professional growth. Success comes from hard work, continuous learning, and building a solid foundation of knowledge and experience.
How do you collaborate with other professionals in the poultry industry to stay at the forefront of poultry nutrition?
I collaborate with other nutrition professionals through regular communication via phone, WhatsApp, email, and personal meetings at various seminars, symposiums, and exhibitions. This helps me stay updated and share insights on the latest trends and research in poultry nutrition.
Can you share any specific examples of how your career has evolved or grown over time, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Throughout my career, I have always believed in organic growth, which may be slower but more stable. I’ve faced numerous challenges, but overcoming them has taught me valuable lessons: regular hard work, commitment, and honesty are far more rewarding than taking shortcuts or seeking help from unconventional sources.
Conversation compiled by Dr. Sushant Labh, a dedicated professional passionate about poultry nutrition, Indian ingredients, and performance and cost optimization. Dr. Labh actively engages with nutritionists, researchers, and poultry producers, playing a key role in disseminating new findings and innovations in poultry nutrition to the industry.
