Balanced breeding improves broiler productivity and sustainability
New animation illustrates how balanced breeding contributions over the past 20 years serve to protect the planet for future generations
7 March 2023
2 minute read
By: Through balanced breeding and innovation, Aviagen® has delivered improved productivity and sustainability to the broiler industry and is committed to continue these efforts into the future. The company has just released an animation ‘Delivering Improved Productivity and Sustainability for the Broiler Industry over the past 20 years’ outlining these improvements and their concrete sustainability benefits. These breeding advantages also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritized by the International Poultry Council, which align to Aviagen’s Top Five Commitments.
Feeding the world in a responsible way
The United Nations predicts a global population of 9.8 billion by 2050. The food and agriculture industry will have the responsibility to produce enough to feed our growing societies without overwhelming the planet. Poultry is a vital low-fat, high-protein, and nutrient-rich food source needed by people everywhere.
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, because modern flocks are more biologically efficient, less feed is needed to grow robust birds. 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 utilization, 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 VP of Welfare, Sustainability and Compliance for 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.”
See the Aviagen animation for many more sustainability advantages to the global broiler industry, which are brought about by balanced breeding.
