The initial Cobb Avian 48 grandparent stock were placed with Broiler Budeshego earlier this year on their new complex at Stromyn, in the Noginsk district north east of Moscow. Parent stock from this grandparent placement will be available in December.

The production complex is remote from other poultry farms, and has been designed to meet international bio-security standards for zoning.

The distributor, headed by chief executive Sam Lipman, is planning to produce 2.5 million Cobb Avian 48 parents a year initially, increasing steadily to more than four million.

Local production of parent stock will ensure continuity of supply in the increasing likelihood of trade barriers and notifiable diseases such as AI.

"In a country where there is a shortage of hatching eggs, customers are looking for a breed that combines breeder performance with the ability to match the demand for broilers with a live weight from 1.7 to 2.5 kg," says Mr Lipman.

"The Cobb Avian 48 fits the bill admirably and will provide customers with the opportunity for the highest economic returns."