Aviagen hosts Hå Rugeri and customers at event in Scotland

Aviagen recently hosted a visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, for one of its Norwegian Ross parent stock (PS) customers, Hå Rugeri, and a number of their customers and suppliers. The four-day trip provided the visitors with an opportunity to hear from Aviagen experts and learn about the Ross brand in the country from where it originates.
The visit was organized by Arild Pollestad, managing director of Hå Rugeri, as a fact-finding exercise and an opportunity to gain valued insights into the Ross breeding program, as well as best practice to ensure maximum flock performance. Hå Rugeri has been a customer of Aviagen SweChick since 1996, building a strong relationship with the team, although this was the first official trip of its kind to the UK.
The party was met by Alan Thomson, Aviagen's regional commercial and technical manager for Western Europe, who provided a feel for Aviagen's role within the poultry industry and what is involved in being part of a truly global network of industry specialists.
Interactive discussions were then held with Aviagen experts and guest speakers on a range of topics. Guo Jun, from Aviagen's global hatchery support team, led a discussion on hatchery influences on broiler production, Kellie Watson provided a research and development update and Stuart Thomson looked at key management inputs for broiler and breeder management.
Day two saw Thomas Carlson, Aviagen SweChick managing director, welcome attendees and provide an update on Aviagen SweChick operations. Following from this, a series of breakout sessions took place, providing an opportunity for representatives from Petersime, Innovatec, Fjøssystemer/Systemteknikk and REHA Elektro to address delegates in smaller groups and have a much more personal touch when discussing important technical details and providing advice.
Discussing the visit, organizer Pollestad said: "I am delighted that the trip was a great success from when we set off and until we returned to Norway. Everybody in the group had a great time and I am very grateful to Aviagen for their outstanding support in the planning and organization of the trip."
Thomson added: "We were thrilled to welcome the Hå Rugeri team and customers to Scotland and Edinburgh and spend time with them both on a business and social level, with the meetings proving to be constructive and informative."
Carlson said: "We worked closely with Arild to put together a comprehensive program for our guests that highlighted the main issues affecting our industry, while providing practical advice on optimizing performance. There was a good-natured and friendly spirit throughout the four days and we hope our visitors enjoyed the trip and hearing about the history and future vision of the Ross brand."
A gala dinner was held at the end of the first day in the historic Scottish setting of Gosford House, which gave Aviagen's Norwegian visitors a real taste of Scotland.