Decades of breeding for welfare and sustainability
Aviagen is firmly committed to bird welfare and sustainability, which go hand in hand to ensure a safe and secure supply of robust breeding stock to the world’s poultry farmers. For decades we have introduced innovations into our breeding programme that have served to champion animal welfare, while boosting the economic success of poultry producers.
In our new publication, ‘Decades of breeding for welfare and sustainability’, we provide an update to our ‘Decades of Welfare and Sustainability Selection at Aviagen Chickens and Turkeys’. This update shows measurable improvement within our breeding programme over time, resulting in considerable field advances.
Balanced breeding. Our goal is to breed healthy, efficient birds with optimal welfare traits. At the same time, these birds are highly sustainable. They use fewer resources, leave behind less pollutants, and emit lower harmful emissions.
Biodiversity. To meet current and future market demands, we maintain a broad gene pool of over 30 different lines. This biodiversity enables us to breed choice for our customers. We collaborate closely with them to keep a close pulse check on the market, enabling them to meet current needs, while anticipating future demands.
Breeding innovation. We continually leverage technology to improve our breeding program. By adopting advancements like feed stations and computed tomography (CT), we are steadily enhancing our selection processes. Genomic selection has further refined our trait selection accuracy.
Breeding efficiency. One significant achievement has been our focus on improving Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) since 1979, reducing both the carbon footprint and environmental impact of poultry production. At the same time, we advance the economic sustainability of poultry production, as feed represents the greatest cost of a poultry business.
Advancing cardiovascular and leg health. Much of a bird’s overall welfare and performance depend on cardiovascular, leg and foot health. Since the 1970s, we have leveraged technology such as the lixiscope and oximeter to identify birds at risk for leg defects and cardiovascular issues. By strengthening leg health and cardiovascular function, livability is also elevated. Additionally, in 2008, we began genetic selection to alleviate footpad dermatitis.
Adaptability: Through field testing under various farming conditions and climates, we can ensure birds thrive in diverse production environments.
Through our commitment to balanced breeding, we have consistently elevated bird health, welfare, and performance, ensuring a safe and sustainable supply of a nutritious food source. This dedication serves to benefit poultry producers and the global communities they support now and in the future.
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