Companies combine field data and clinical monitoring to support flock health, welfare and sustainability

CAMPINAS, Brazil – Aviagen^®, customer JBS-Seara, and animal health company Vaxxinova brought together this week close to 100 poultry professionals in São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil, for four days of knowledge sharing focused on practical biosecurity and breeder management strategies that support flock welfare, sustainability and performance.

Protecting animal health and food security

Held from July 6-9, the program brought together specialists from across the poultry value chain to exchange knowledge, practical experience and approaches to today's production challenges.

“Our goal was to work closely with the customer and share best practices from Brazil and across Latin America. When genetics, biosecurity and management work together, we create the conditions for birds to express their full genetic potential and enable producers to achieve results that reflect the highest industry standards,” said Rodrigo Tedesco, Aviagen Technical Services Manager for Brazil.

Gustavo Schaefer, Vaxxinova National Technical Manager, emphasized the importance of biosecurity in global food security. “Biosecurity leaves no room for gaps, and continuous monitoring is essential to protecting flock health and long-term productivity. Combining field data with modern diagnostic tools and effective vaccination programs helps safeguard breeder flocks while enabling birds to express their full production potential,” said Schaefer.

Strengthening flock health through prevention

The first sessions focused on proactive planning and biosecurity. Consultant Bruno Pessamilio discussed contingency planning and the importance of timely decision-making to help poultry producers respond quickly to emerging challenges.

The discussions also highlighted the role of gut health in supporting breeder flock health and performance, with Professor Jovanir Fernandes of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) sharing the latest research and practical insights.

Completing the session, Vaxxinova specialists Gustavo Schaefer and Priscila Lopes explained how field data and diagnostic tools can support effective flock health decisions and help maintain healthy, resilient breeder flocks.

Preparing breeder flocks for the future

Aviagen Vice President of Research and Development Eduardo Souza outlined the company's global breeding program, highlighting how balanced, long-term genetic progress helps prepare future generations of breeding stock to meet the changing needs of the poultry industry.

Attention then turned to the management practices that help breeder flocks realize the benefits of long-term genetic progress. Aviagen Regional Technical Services Supervisor Denilson Vanin discussed practical strategies for improving grandparent flock uniformity, emphasizing the importance of consistent body weight.

The meeting concluded with a review of JBS-Seara's regional performance and priorities, reinforcing the shared commitment of all three companies to continuous improvement.

Jean Paulo Contini, Specialist at the JBS-Seara Intelligence and Innovation Center, said, “The meeting was highly productive and provided valuable discussions on animal health, flock management and innovation in poultry breeding. Gatherings like these are essential for maintaining consistency in management practices and production results while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and best practices among everyone involved in the operation,” he concluded.