L-R: Dmitry Efimov, Jim McAdam, Janna Emanuylova

Held in Moscow’s Sergiev Posad All Russian Research and Development Poultry Institute, the meeting attracted poultry industry experts including Roel Mulder, General Secretary, WPSA, and Zhanna Emanuylova, director and chief geneticist at Smena, The Federal State Breeding Poultry Company.

Jim McAdam told the audience: “Despite continuing global growth, the poultry industry has faced some tough challenges in recent years. Most notably, the threat from disease and the volatile nature of raw materials has meant that trying to find a ‘standard’ production system is more difficult than ever.”

Mr McAdam also highlighted the potential for significant progress in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, predicting double digit growth in those and other emerging markets. Aviagen plays a crucial role in helping emerging markets grow by providing products that are best suited to the marketplace and offering the highest quality technical support in the industry.

Mr McAdam said: "Thanks to increased efficiency and improvements in welfare and genetic potential, chicken meat is now a major source of protein across the world and accessible to people who just a few years ago would simply not have been able to afford it.

“Aviagen produces birds with a very high genetic potential for the global market. However, the only way to be sure that these birds will meet that potential in wildly varying conditions is through a balanced breeding programme.

“A single pedigree male is ultimately responsible for around 50 million broilers or 70,000 metric tons of poultry meat. Consistently selecting the right candidates to produce the next generation is critical. The delivery of improvement in key traits is achieved by incorporating sophisticated selection tools, enabling steady improvements in body weight, feed efficiency, processing traits, broiler welfare and liveability while at the same time optimising reproductive performance.”

Aviagen has an ongoing commitment to providing on-the-ground technical support for the poultry industry around the world. It continues to offer ongoing support but places great value in events such as those arranged by the WPSA, which have the specific aim of advancing knowledge and understanding of all aspects of poultry science.

Mr McAdam added: “Aviagen has a shared goal with the WPSA – we are very proud of the practical support we can offer the industry and this event was a perfect example of how delegates can improve their knowledge and share insights for mutual benefit.”