Broiler performance examined at Aviagen France event

Approximately 130 broiler technicians, veterinarians, nutritionists and farmers attended the second in a series of technical days organised by Aviagen France. The session proposed various solutions to challenges faced by the broiler industry, particularly in relation to the important issues surrounding bird welfare.

Aviagen France celebrated its first anniversary earlier this year with the initial meeting in a series of industry events. This second meeting, held near Nantes, included a number of presentations from Aviagen experts covering a range of topics.

Dr Richard Bailey and Dr Leonardo Linares presented on gut health and broiler nutrition respectively, while Aviagen EPI’s Otto Van Tuijl looked at opportunities to influence broiler performance through practical light and feed programmes.

A key element to the day was that attendees were able to hear first-hand experiences from other countries, with Henrik Hansen from DanHatch discussing his experience of broiler growing in Denmark, which has greatly reduced the impact of pododermatitis since 2002. Nigel Joice, one of the top independent broiler growers in the UK and producer of Ross 308 broilers, also gave a practical overview of his experience of broiler growing in the UK.