Industry sources indicate the average inventory of grandparent stock in the first half of 2024 is higher than the same period of 2023. Post expects the higher inventory of grandparent stock in 2024 will enable higher production of white broiler chicken in 2025, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report.

China’s production of commercial white broiler chicken partially depends on imported genetics while domestically produced genetics has increased market share. Since 2022, several major poultry genetics exporting countries, including the United States, notified the PRC of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections. Subsequently, the PRC placed genetic import controls on these suppliers. In the first half of 2024, although poultry genetics imports have resumed from some origins, HPAI-related import restrictions on avian genetics remain on several US states.

Due to sanitary and zoosanitary limits on imported genetics, white broiler producers increased the use of domestically produced genetics. According to industry and market signals, it seems that there were higher numbers of grandparent stock available in 2024 and that domestically produced genetics have increased in market share. 

Domestically-produced genetics have a lower per unit price compared to imported genetics. More importantly, the production efficiency of domestically produced genetics is improving. According to media reports, a domestic company developed a domestically produced genetic line named “SZ 901” in 2019. In 2023, this company introduced an improved line, “SZ 901 Plus”, that has a better feed conversion ratio.