Discussions addressed environmental control, litter quality, and breeder and broiler management

CAMPINAS, Brazil – On May 13 and 14, Chapecó, Santa Catarina (SC) hosted another edition of “Connection Aviagen^® – In Company,” an exclusive event organized for customer BRF. Focusing on winter management for broilers and breeders, the meeting brought together approximately 70 participants, including environmental coordinators from BRF's broiler, turkey and breeder areas, as well as Aviagen's customer support team, two international consultants – one from Dubai and the other from North Carolina in the US – and professors from the Federal University of Paraná and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

Sharing knowledge through theory and practice

The program involved theoretical and practical content, with an emphasis on the challenges faced during the colder months, especially related to the welfare and performance of the chickens, as well as effective management techniques for breeding males. During two days of intense activities, participants were able to deepen their knowledge with experts such as Food Chain Enterprises associate Michael Longley, Poultry Guard Technical Services Manager Connie Mou, and professors Alex Maiorka and Ricardo José Garcia Pereira, as well as members of Aviagen's customer support team.

Tackling cold-weather challenges in poultry production

Among the topics covered were poultry physiology in the face of cold, strategies for minimum and transitional ventilation, set-up of negative-pressure housing and environmental practices directly in the field, allowing participants to relate theory to production reality.

Focus on future gains through innovation and genetics

The event's program included a series of engaging talks on poultry production. On May 13, Aviagen Product Coordinator Jane Lara Grosso opened the presentations with the theme “Future prospects for poultry production,” addressing the expected gains from genetic advances. Professor Alex Maiorka, from the Federal University of Paraná then discussed “Poultry physiology: responses to the environment.”

Afterwards, Aviagen Technical Services Manager Marco Aurélio Romagnole de Araújo and Connie Mou gave a talk on “Male breeding management: conformation targets and interval management/bedding quality.” Professor Ricardo Pereira, from the University of São Paulo, and Connie Mou spoke about “Reproductive physiology and bedding management” with an emphasis on physical quality and the impact on intestinal microbiota.

Closing the first day, Michael Longley presented “Set up of negative pressure poultry houses and minimum ventilation." On May 14, Longley continued the program with talks on “Transitional ventilation, inlet management and humidity control.” He was also responsible for the practical part of the event, dedicated to “poultry house setup,” with a focus on environmental quality.

Positive feedback from BRF teams

“The winter management event organized by Aviagen was really productive. Relevant professionals in the field of environmental management gave very complete and assertive approaches, which will certainly help us reduce the negative impacts on the chicken performance during the winter,” said BRF's Parent and Grandparent Specialists, Liana Martinelli and Jean Panisson.

According to Arthur Schunk, Poultry Animal Production Specialist at BRF's CIEX Agropecuário, training and awareness are pillars of the company's animal welfare program. “This year, we had the participation of Aviagen in the winter management training, which was aimed at all poultry breeding and finishing environmental extension workers. Aviagen spared no effort in supporting the event’s organization and bringing in renowned consultants in the areas of genetics, nutrition, management, and ambience. The quality of the meeting was recognized by the participants, who gave it an NPS^® rating of 100,” he explained.

Shared commitment to success

For de Araújo, Connection Aviagen – In Company is a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with customers and provide tailored support for each operation. “Through initiatives like this, Aviagen reinforces its commitment to Breeding Success Together with our customers. This program aims to promote productive excellence and on-farm success, while always respecting the unique regional and operational characteristics of every business we work with,” he concluded.