EDINBURGH, Scotland. – The Aviagen^® Incubation Team was excited to welcome customers to the 10^th annual Hatchery and Incubation Management Module of the Production Management School for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA). From April 19-26, 39 students from 19 EMEAA countries came together in Budapest, Hungary, a country known for its strong poultry sector.

Rich agenda designed to optimize hatchery performance

The course was specially designed to empower attendees with enhanced skills and strategies to optimize their hatchery operations. Each day students engaged in knowledge sharing with Aviagen and external hatchery and incubation specialists, including these essential topics:

• Day 1: Biosecurity, hatching egg care and data handling and analysis techniques
• Day 2: The science of incubation, including temperature, humidity and air quality management
• Day 3: Embryo development, fertility considerations, temperature logging practices, an egg storage case study and the considerable impact of incubation on broiler performance
• Day 4: Alternative hatching systems, hatchery transfer protocols and chick quality assessment
• Day 5: Ventilation strategies, hatchery design and a practical case study
• Day 6: Biosecurity and final exam

A highlight of the program were the practical sessions, for example the hands-on activity led by Incubation Specialists Bo Jiang, Guillermo Reyes, and Yao Fang, where students constructed mini-incubators. Throughout the week, students cared for their fertile eggs and monitored their development.

Student perspectives

Here are insights shared by participants of the 2024 Hatchery module:

“It was an exceptional week with the Aviagen team, improving our existing skills and gaining new ones. I especially enjoyed interacting with students and tutors from diverse parts of the world, all facing different challenges.” Carlos Paiva, Hatchery Manager and Planner, PD Hook Hatcheries, UK.

“I enjoyed learning the most critical aspects of embryo development, maintaining the right balance between air and embryo temperature throughout the incubation process.” Nothando Zungu, Assistant Hatchery Manager, Rainbow Chicken Farms, South Africa.

“From start to finish, the course maintained great content delivered by some of the industry’s most knowledgeable and experienced people. Having only been in the industry for a year, the course enhanced my understanding of hatchery processes, focusing on performance and welfare." William Fleck, Maintenance Manager, Moy Park, UK.

“Although I’ve been in the industry for more than a decade, the course provided new opportunities for growth and learning. I liked the informal, interactive format, where I could ask questions and engage in conversation.” Emelyn Gompot, Hatchery Technical Manager, Gama Foods Corporation, Philippines.

Rewarding excellence, honoring an industry great

Aviagen is committed to encouraging excellence, and each year chooses one promising student to recognize with the prestigious David Butler Award.

The award recognizes students who have shown outstanding leadership, communication and innovation, along with notable progress and growth. The 2024 Hatchery Module’s David Butler Award was presented to Ionut Ciuca, Hatchery Manager, Carmistin International, Romania.

“Receiving this award motivates me to keep improving my education and skills, propelling my career forward,” said Ionut. “Every day in that School environment filled me with gratitude, surrounded by a diverse and knowledgeable community. Despite our different backgrounds, we easily bonded through our shared passion for the hatchery.”

“On behalf of the Aviagen Incubation team, I congratulate Ionut on this remarkable achievement, and look forward to his ongoing contributions to the industry. Like industry legend David Butler, Ionut has shown a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for poultry,” commented Eddy van Lierde, Global Head of Incubation Services.

Eddy went on to say that he and the Hatchery team are proud of all 2024 Hatchery School graduates: “They represent the future of our industry, and we have every confidence they will apply the knowledge learned here to enhance their home operations and drive progress throughout our industry.”