March 23, 2023

Aviagen: Balanced breeding brings improved productivity and sustainability to broiler industry

Aviagen^® has delivered improved productivity and sustainability to the broiler industry and is committed to continue these efforts into the future, the company said.

It has also released an animation called "Delivering Improved Productivity and Sustainability for the Broiler Industry over the past 20 years," which outlines these improvements and their concrete sustainability benefits. These breeding advantages also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritised by the International Poultry Council, which align to Aviagen's Top Five Commitments.

Due to great strides in biological efficiency over the years, today, fewer inputs than ever before are required to yield greater output. As an example from the animation, as modern flocks are more biologically efficient, less feed is needed to grow robust birds, Aviagen said.

Since feed represents 60-70% of the cost of a poultry business, producers now can enjoy greater economic sustainability.  

In addition, a better feed conversion leads to better nutrient utilisation, resulting in a 28% reduction of nitrates and phosphate excretion, thus decreasing harmful pollutants. 

"Aviagen is committed to helping our customers meet the needs of an increasing population in a responsible way that is gentler on our natural environment," explained Tim Burnside, global vice president of welfare, sustainability and compliance at Aviagen Group. "We invest heavily in research and development, and due to ongoing genetic selection and field testing, gains in feed efficiency will continue, sustaining the businesses of our customers, their local societies and the planet for decades to come." 

- Aviagen