The opening ceremony was attended by senior Cobb officials headed by Dr Aldo Rossi, general manager Cobb-Vantress; Dr Robin Jarquin, manager in México-Centroamérica - Caribbean; Heath Wessels, North American director, and Jay Hughes, manager of global product testing and R & D.

Zamorano was represented by the rector Dr Robert Cuevas Garcia; academic dean Dr Raúl Espinal; Dr Abel Gernat, director of the career of agronomic engineer ing (CIA) and the Cent ro de Investigación y Enseñanza poultry.

Zamorano and Cobb have in recent years developed a close relationship in poultry research. This is in keeping with the company’s long history of supporting research centres and universities across the world, said Dr Rossi.

"We believe that part of our responsibility in the poultry industry is not only to develop and improve our products, but also participate in the development of knowledge within our industry," he stated.

“To achieve these objectives we must be involved in helping to improve the current information and technology, and also assist in the education of future generations that will play their part in our industry.

“It is a great honor for Cobb to be supporting institutions such as Zamorano, which produces graduates who are leaders in the poultry industry.”

Dr Garcia said that in addition to fulfilling its mission in its 70-year history, the university constantly strengthens its programme of research to benefit teaching. “We are developing leaders serving in the poultry industry in our private and public sectors, and in the international arena.

“Our values match the philosophy of Cobb in putting importance on research and hard work for the welfare of humanity. We appreciate the trust of Cobb in Zamorano, one that agrees on the principles and vision of Cobb to build a better world, and global food security, through science, technology and education.”

Zamorano poultry teaching and research center is one of the most prominent in Latin America, combining experimental and commercial facilities, and using them for training Zamoran students and others interested in improving their knowledge of poultry science.

This centre was created in 2006 and hosts the first table egg quality assessment laboratory in Central America.