In June, Hy-Line had the honor of hosting 90 U.S. commercial egg managers, veterinarians, and nutrition experts in central Iowa as part of Hy-Line North America’s technical school. Hy-Line International technical and research staff alongside Hy-Line North America technicians presented on various topics, including nutrition, egg quality, genetic improvements, and lighting at Hy-Line’s Dallas Center campus, as well as the Iowa State University Feed Mill.

Global Technical Services Manager Vitor Arantes explained new vitamin and trace mineral recommendations along with a phase feeding program for Hy-Line varieties. Dr. Kaylee Rowland shared genetic improvements in egg quality which drive Hy-Line varieties to match market demands of birds through long 100-week cycles.

These include maintaining strong shells; optimizing egg shell color; and the measurement process that supports Hy-Line’s industry-leading internal egg quality. Diagnostics Laboratory manager Stephanie Schultzen discussed the testing done on Hy-Line and customer flocks for maintaining and supporting top health status. 

Dr. Ian Rubinoff and Darrin Eckhard of Hy-Line North America presented the science of the chicken’s ability to perceive different day lengths, color, and intensity of lighting, and how it affects productivity and egg weight profiles.

Hy-Line values these customer interactions as the valuable feedback assists us to adjust our approach and properly apportion trait selection emphasis to continue to provide the laying hens which most closely match the environmental conditions in the field and customer requirements.