The Aviagen^® Australia New Zealand (ANZ) team was pleased to welcome customers to its first in-person conference since before the global pandemic in 2019. Held May 18-19 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, the event saw 60 participants, who engaged with Aviagen experts, both in-person and virtually, on the theme of, “A focus on broilers – current and future challenges to meet customer requirements.”

Michael Leahy, Managing Director, Aviagen ANZ, opened the conference by extending a warm welcome to all. “It was wonderful to see our valued customers once again and share ideas on hot topics that are relevant to the success of their businesses. While we were able to effectively use Zoom and other technology to keep in touch throughout the global crisis, nothing can replace the camaraderie and relationship-building that takes place in these face-to-face events.”

Some popular subjects addressed by conference speakers included the importance of gut health, biosecurity to strengthen food security and safety, and antibiotic-free or reduced-antibiotic poultry production systems. Other conversations focused on growing chickens on vegetarian diets and environmental and economic sustainability.

“One of the most important issues we addressed was how to respond to the increase in raw material costs currently faced around the world, while at the same time, optimizing broiler nutrition,” added Leahy.

Great attendee reviews

Customer feedback over the 1.5-day event was positive.

Sheridan Alfirevich, General Manager, Farming, for Ingham’s Australia, commented, “The seminar was well-aligned with our ongoing objective to continually look for new and innovative ways to maximize performance and animal welfare outcomes. Speakers were engaging and provided practical advice for improving antibiotic-free farming along with bird nutrition.”

“It was rewarding to be part of the latest Aviagen broiler conference, explore the latest on matters facing the Australian broiler industry, and network with my industry colleagues,” remarked Jorge Ruiz, General Manager, Livestock Division, Baiada.

Debbie Fisher, Technical Services Manager Aviagen ANZ, concluded, “It was fantastic to be able to bring our customers together again to listen to advice and ideas from our speakers and specialists, and also share their experiences and knowledge amongst each other.”