The poultry genetics company, Aviagen, has opened a new hatchery in New South Wales, Australia, completing a two-year series of investments in the country with a total outlay of $35 million (£24m).
The new hatchery has a capacity of 6.5 million chicks a year, which the company says will enable it to satisfy the market’s current needs and keep pace with growing demand in the region.
“The new facility includes the latest advances in hatchery design and technology and incorporates features to enhance biosecurity and improve chick quality,” said the company.
“One innovation is a live embryo detection unit to ensure that only living embryos are transferred into the hatchers, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and protecting the health of chicks during the hatching period. The installation of special flooring surfaces through the hatchery allows thorough washing and sanitation to be implemented and enhances the overall hygiene and chick quality standards.”
Aviagen, which has been supplying breeding stock to companies in Australia since 1991, said the latest investment demonstrated its dedication to providing customers with the highest quality, biosecure and locally produced breeding stock to meet the industry’s business and performance requirements.
Headline image shows Aviagen CEO, Jan Henriksen; regional MP, Pru Goward, and Aviagen Australia managing director, Michael Leahy.
