CAMPINAS, Brazil – Aviagen^® is proud to mark 15 years of Ross^® 308 AP in Brazil, celebrating the poultry producers who have helped shape its story and who work every day to provide nutritious chicken to communities in Brazil and beyond. Introduced as grandparent (GP) stock in 2011, followed by the first parent stock flocks in 2012, the Ross 308 AP was developed to meet the diverse needs of Brazilian poultry production through a balance of animal welfare, efficiency and reproductive performance.

Early placements with Céu Azul in São Paulo, Rivelli Alimentos in Minas Gerais and Granja Pinheiros in Rio Grande do Sul introduced Ross 308 AP to Brazilian poultry producers, with the breed later expanding to markets around the world.

A history of success

The original goal was to create a bird that could meet the needs of both poultry producers and processors across a wide range of production systems.

Aviagen Latin America Product Coordinator Jane Lara Grosso explains that achieving the right balance – from breeder reproductive performance through to broiler yield – was central to its development. “Our main goal was to develop a robust chick with a strong start and good early feed intake – important characteristics for coping with variations in management and climate. What set the Ross 308 AP apart was its ability to combine broiler growth and feed efficiency with breeder reproductive performance, with the goal of exceeding 140 chicks per hen housed over the production cycle.”

Proven reliability and consistency for poultry producers

Years of field experience have demonstrated the value of Ross 308 AP across diverse production environments.

“After 15 years working with the breed and receiving some of the first flocks in our region, I can say it has fully met our expectations. Our confidence was built on field results, because a good broiler starts with quality from day one. When a breeder has good egg production and consistent genetics, the results follow naturally,” said Roberto Kehl, Administrative Director of Granja Pinheiros.

“Higher chick output per hen housed increases our productivity, while excellent feed conversion and adaptability to different stocking densities reduce the cost per kilogram produced. Continuing to work with a proven breed such as the Ross 308 AP is a strategic decision based on predictability,” pointed out Carlos Rivelli, Founding Member and Board Member of Rivelli Alimentos.

For Lar Cooperativa Agroindustrial, consistent results support long-term planning. “The introduction of Ross 308 AP represented a major step forward for our production. Hatch performance remained strong, while daily weight gain reached new levels. Knowing we can rely on the genetics gives us greater confidence when making decisions about our placement plans,” commented Jair Meyer, Superintendent of Supplies and Food.

“The Ross 308 AP brings together efficiency, robustness and consistency. Its excellent adaptability, which is especially important in northeastern Brazil, has contributed significantly to the economic sustainability of our entire production chain, reducing operational risks and allowing us to focus on improving other areas of our operations,” remarked Ivan Peruzzo, CEO of Companhia de Alimentos do Nordeste (Cialne).

“Pluma’s history is closely connected with Aviagen, and we have worked together since our company was founded. This close relationship, combined with Aviagen’s expertise, gives us the confidence we need to continue creating value and growing in an increasingly dynamic and challenging market,” added Adriano Paludo, Vice President of Operations at Grupo Pluma. 

Strategic vision strengthens Ross 308 AP in Brazil and beyond

Aviagen President of Latin America Ivan Pupo Lauandos shares his perspective on the Ross 308 AP milestone. “Brazil has a unique production environment, with its continental scale, challenging climate and varying levels of housing technology. Our global team understood the market needed a bird developed with these conditions in mind. The investment in Ross 308 AP showed we were on the right path, and hearing directly from our customers today that we made the right decision is extremely rewarding. Today, the balance and efficiency of Ross 308 AP are benefiting poultry producers in countries around the world.”