From humble beginnings to global impact: Story of the Aviagen Research and Training Center in Albertville, Alabama
Aviagen Albertville Research and Training Facility
Nearly seven decades ago, a modest commercial chicken hatchery in Albertville, Alabama, began what would become a journey of global influence in the poultry industry.
Elements from this historic hatchery were thoughtfully integrated into the new facility, preserving the tradition, legacy, and innovation that helped shape the company’s roots.
Established in 1957 by Arbor Acres Farms, this facility aimed to provide strong broiler breeding stock to farmers in Alabama and Mississippi. What started with a simple goal has grown into a world-renowned center for poultry innovation.
The early 2000s marked a defining moment when Aviagen acquired Arbor Acres, eventually transforming the hatchery into a Research and Training Center. By 2019, the original facility was remodeled, preserving its historic charm while introducing state-of-the-art research and training capabilities. Today, after 24 years as part of Aviagen, the Albertville facility continues to lead the way in enhancing broiler breeding stock.
A key focus of the center is testing new methods to meet current and future market needs. This work helps Aviagen continue improving its broiler breeding stock, enhancing feed efficiency, production performance, health, and welfare, while supporting the sustainability of the chicken industry. The center also serves as a hub where customers receive valuable hands-on advice on flock management and feeding to help them boost performance and increase their return on investment.
From data to industry-wide benefits
At the Albertville Center, real-world trials are conducted to identify which broiler breeding stock performs best in commercial environments. These trials produce extensive data, which our experts analyze to make informed breeding decisions. The result is stronger, more efficient birds that drive progress across the industry.
This continuous research allows us to fine-tune our breeding program, focusing on specific areas for improvement. By zeroing in on these key traits, we can make targeted advancements that are then integrated into Aviagen’s balanced breeding strategy. This enables us to select the most resilient broiler breeding families with traits that enhance performance, welfare, and sustainability. These key traits include healthy growth rates, strong livability, high-quality meat yield, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, and robust reproductive performance. Feed efficiency is a critical focus, as it not only supports sustainability by reducing emissions and conserving resources like land and water but also directly benefits producers by lowering feed costs—the biggest expense in poultry production.
The Research and Training Center is also a testing ground for optimizing feeding and nutrition programs. The optimum diet formulas identified are shared with customers and the broader industry through our published Nutrition Specifications, online resources, and hands-on training opportunities. Our mission is to help producers continually improve their flocks and strengthen their businesses.
Sharing knowledge with the world
The Derek Emmerson Education Center, named in honor of the late Dr. Derek Emmerson, geneticist and former Vice President of Research and Development at Aviagen is located at the Albertville campus and plays a crucial role in spreading the insights gained from our research and trials. Each year, this modern, high-tech facility hosts numerous workshops, schools, seminars, and meetings. The Education Center promotes a culture of collaboration, enabling Aviagen teams to connect with customers and industry colleagues. This knowledge exchange helps optimize the real-world performance of our birds.
Advanced monitoring and diagnostics
The Aviagen Research & Training Center is equipped with a state-of-the-art Farm Operations Center, where staff and visitors can observe and monitor flock behavior and house conditions through streaming video from each poultry house on-site. The campus also features a necropsy training room, which is vital for improving disease diagnosis and prevention.
Vision for the Future
What began as a simple hatchery has evolved into a hallmark in poultry innovation. The Aviagen Research and Training Center is at the forefront of driving the future of the industry, ensuring poultry producers worldwide have access to the best management advice. From its humble origins to its current role in advancing bird performance, welfare, and sustainability, Aviagen remains committed to ongoing investment in this facility.
“Aviagen’s Research and Training Center is essential to advancing our genetic selection program, combining innovative research with hands-on training. This enables us to continually fine-tune our breeding practices and uphold the highest standards in poultry genetics, ultimately helping to feed local communities with a healthy, affordable source of protein,” said Dr. Eduardo Souza, Vice President of Research and Development, Aviagen.
“Out of the extensive R&D that takes place in Albertville comes a wealth of knowledge on breeding advancements and best practices, all aimed at continuous progress for our customers in a spirit of ‘breeding success together,’” he added.