“This growing success is based on the increasingly high reproductive potential combined with competitive broiler performance and the highest meat yield,” he told more than 40 participants from these countries at the annual Cobb Germany conference ahead of the Wimex Group's Christmas party at Dessau in eastern Germany.

This had led to significant gains in market share, he said, not only within Europe but in countries all over the globe with major broiler producers switching to the breed, as recently seen in Egypt and Mexico.

Delegates heard about the latest technical developments including use of LED technology in the lightning program, as well as the situation in different European markets.

Dr Thomas Janning, from the German Poultry Federation, spoke about the EU market covering imports, exports and aspects of improved animal welfare which, he stated, brought the industry closer to retailers and the customers. His closing remark on sustainability can be summarised as ‘Eat poultry to save the world!’

International Cobb speakers covered topics ranging from embryonic development and achieving desired embryo temperatures in the hatchery to improved hygiene during various production stages and updates on broiler, breeder and hatchery management.