To satisfy the growing demand for an affordable protein source by an ever-expanding population, many attendees of this year's IPE were seeking to learn more about the latest technology and tools, management advice, performance and poultry genetics from Aviagen experts.

Aviagen's booth theme, 'Investing in Your Future', resonated with attendees and underscored the company's ongoing commitment to investing in people and facilities as well as in genetic improvement and advanced research and development to help its global customers be successful. For example, here are a few of the company's most recent investments to serve customers:

• Aviagen recently announced it has invested in a new hatchery in Russia. Located in Jasnogorsk, Tula Oblast, southwest of Moscow, this new hatchery will have a minimum capacity of 5.5 million parent stock (PS) when it is completed in mid-2010.
• Aviagen opened Europe's largest PS hatchery at Hilbersdorf, near Dresden, in Germany. The new facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will enhance Aviagen’s already unrivalled European supply network and will provide an estimated one million PS chicks per month, predominantly to customers in Eastern and Western Europe.
• Aviagen invested in a multi-million dollar great grandparent (GGP) production facility in India. Aviagen India Poultry Breeding Company Private Limited operates with the highest standards of biosecurity to ensure the quality and health of the stock and also provides valuable technical support to customers throughout India.
• Aviagen completed a multimillion dollar expansion of its feed processing facility in Athens, Alabama, US. This expansion modified the mill to enable the manufacturing of feed for use on the company's internal poultry production farms.

Combined with Aviagen's existing worldwide facilities, these new state-of-the-art production properties ensure the company's high-quality products continue to meet the needs of the global poultry industry. With an unrivaled global network of distributors and extensive production facilities around the world, Aviagen understands the value of providing the best product possible, and the importance of instilling the confidence customers need in security of supply to every region of the world.

In addition to the exhibit floor, the IPE also conducted a series of educational sessions to keep attendees informed on current issues within the poultry industry. Speaking at the DSM Nutritional Products breakfast, Dr Marc de Beer, Aviagen global head of nutrition, presented the latest information on best nutrition practices for optimum poultry production. His presentation focused on the effect of nutrition on skeletal health and leg strength and included a review of the latest genetic progress made to reduce the incidence of leg disorders to improve overall welfare.

Aviagen also leverages IPE to meet with the next generation of poultry industry professionals by meeting students from a variety of universities seeking career opportunities and eager to learn more about the industry.

Don Mabe, vice president of sales for Aviagen in North America, commented: "Beginning with our Arbor Acres brand, Aviagen has been a part of IPE for 56 years. IPE presents a unique venue and opportunity to meet and share knowledge with our global customers, suppliers, and partners, and to let our customers know how much we appreciate their business and friendship."

Held on 27 to 29 January at the Georgia World Congress Center, this year's event saw approximately 19,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibitors.