Aviagen Expands Diversity of its Genetic Pool
US - Aviagen has announced its plan to purchase the 'Peterson Male' broiler breeder genetic line from Peterson Farms, Decatur, Arkansas. As part of the agreement, Aviagen will also acquire use of the Peterson brand name for broiler breeder stock.
19 August 2010
2 minute read
Randall Ennis, CEO of Aviagen Inc., explained: "Peterson has been an important male line breeder since 1959. Acquiring the Peterson male line is a strategic move for Aviagen's global business as it will increase the diversity of our genetic pool, and it supports our commitment to sustainability."
The Peterson male was the gold standard for broiler breeder males worldwide for many years providing unmatched reproductive traits, superior feed conversion and rapid growth.
Blake Evans, president of Peterson Farms, commented: "Lloyd Peterson introduced the Peterson male in 1954-55, and our primary emphasis has continued to be on the male line. We're pleased that Aviagen will preserve my grandfather's legacy and that the Peterson male line will endure for the future."
The acquisition builds on a shared history between the two companies. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the poultry industry's dominant broiler breeder paired the Peterson's male with the Arbor Acres female line, an Aviagen brand that continues to be a leading global broiler breeder brand.
