Best management practices to counter current issues facing the poultry industry in the Middle East were the topic of the fifth annual seminar held by Cobb grandparent distributor Al Watania Egypt and sponsored by Cobb Europe.
During the two-day seminar in Egypt, 70 attendees from key integrations and independent producers heard Cobb specialists talk about different aspects of management such as rearing, production and health.
“There is a long history of partnership between Cobb and Al Watania Poultry in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt to produce competitive, safe protein for consumers — our goal in serving the industry in the Middle East,” said Hosam Amro, technical manager for Cobb Europe. “Such an event is an excellent opportunity for our Cobb Europe team to listen and talk with the key producers in Egypt.
“It enables us to understand customers’ requirements to feed back to our research team, as well as to put across the best management practice to support the industry in the current difficult time with elevated local feed ingredient prices and disease challenges. Farmers and integrators need to be able to produce a competitive, profitable product.”
Tore Mercan, sales and technical director of Cobb Europe, provided a company update, followed by presentations on the genetics of today and tomorrow. Speakers were Dr. Randy Borg, European director of genetics, parent stock female management, and Mohamad Kallas, Cobb regional technical manager. Hosam Amro gave a presentation on male management to optimize fertility and brooding management.
Other Cobb speakers included Dr. Andre Derkx, senior veterinarian; Matthew Wilson, technical services manager; Dr. Andrea Pizzabiocca, technical support; Dr. Eduardo Costa, hatchery specialist; and Edward Diehl, nutritionist.
Showing posts with label Cobb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cobb. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2016
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Bates Mountain Farm earns accumulative safety award
One of the Cobb-Vantress farm complexes in Arkansas – Bates Mountain – has won a Seven-Year Accumulative Safety Award presented by The Arkansas Department of Labor.
The farm has 53 employees that have all achieved seven years without a day lost from work due to a work-related injury or illness between September 2008 and September of 2015.
Additionally, there are 14 Cobb farm, hatchery and feed mill locations in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina that have gone four years with no lost time injuries (NLT), and five of those have at least seven years with NLT. The Siloam Springs feed mill has achieved 11 years with NLT.
“We have extensive safety and health training programs and policies at all Cobb facilities,” said Chris Sherron, Cobb senior manager for Environment, Health and Safety. “Team members have detailed safety training and orientation at the beginning of their career, and then receive ongoing safety education and training, available in multiple languages, to keep them informed of important safety requirements, enhancements and best practices for the work they perform. Facilities have safety committees, which include the participation of hourly-paid team members.
”Cobb-Vantress is committed to providing a safe workplace for all team members and requires them to report any work-related injury or illness.”
The Arkansas Department of Labor, the Arkansas Insurance Department and the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission make this award to Arkansas companies who excel in on-the-job safety.
The farm has 53 employees that have all achieved seven years without a day lost from work due to a work-related injury or illness between September 2008 and September of 2015.
Additionally, there are 14 Cobb farm, hatchery and feed mill locations in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina that have gone four years with no lost time injuries (NLT), and five of those have at least seven years with NLT. The Siloam Springs feed mill has achieved 11 years with NLT.
“We have extensive safety and health training programs and policies at all Cobb facilities,” said Chris Sherron, Cobb senior manager for Environment, Health and Safety. “Team members have detailed safety training and orientation at the beginning of their career, and then receive ongoing safety education and training, available in multiple languages, to keep them informed of important safety requirements, enhancements and best practices for the work they perform. Facilities have safety committees, which include the participation of hourly-paid team members.
”Cobb-Vantress is committed to providing a safe workplace for all team members and requires them to report any work-related injury or illness.”
The Arkansas Department of Labor, the Arkansas Insurance Department and the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission make this award to Arkansas companies who excel in on-the-job safety.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Cobb has grand opening for new facility in China
To meet the growing demand of the Chinese market, Cobb-Vantress has built a new production complex in Suizhou, west of Shanghai. The official opening was held recently and attracted more than 40 guests from the country’s poultry industry.
The two-day Cobb China event began with inaugural presentations. The next day featured a tour of farm and hatchery facilities, which were developed at a cost of $35 million to meet the initial target of supplying five million Cobb500 parents a year. The facility is already receiving the first placement of grandparent stock.
In designing and constructing the complex, top priority has been given to biosecurity, which together with a well trained work force is seen as the key to producing consistently top-quality products.
The program on the first day included Cobb speakers who outlined the company’s global vision and Chinese marketing strategy, along with details of the new facilities planned and constructed over the past three years. In the evening, Cobb celebrated completion of the project and the 100th anniversary of Cobb in 2016.
“This will be a game changer in the Chinese market,” said Dave Juenger, Cobb project director. “We have high expectations of consistently achieving top quality for our customers, and we are committed to producing mycoplasma-free breeding stock right from day one.
“In these state-of-the-art facilities, for instance, everyone is required to take three showers before coming into contact with the birds. This level of biosecurity is a prime example of Cobb’s commitment to preventing the introduction of disease on our facilities.”
Pelayo Casanovas, Cobb general manager for the Asia-Pacific region, said, “Our goal is to add value to our productsand to help improve the Chinese broiler industrythrough our commitment to delivering the best genetics combined with the best quality. And that means freedom from both MS and MG as well as Salmonella, and protection from disease for our customers.
“In addition, our technical services teams—locally and globally—will give our customers expert advice covering all aspects from house preparation, breeder and broiler management to meat yield so they can maximize the genetic potential that Cobb birds provide. This strategic support in China and the Asia-Pacific market generally will enable us to react quickly to help our customers whenever this is needed.”
Roy Mutimer, Cobb senior VP, said the Cobb research and development program focuses on making continually improving, well balanced products for customers. He spoke of Cobb strategies to expand production of breeding stock in every region to make sure that products are always available in the event of any local supply shortage. He also said the China project is aligned with the company’s strategy to expand poultry output, providing for increased consumption in Asia.
The two-day Cobb China event began with inaugural presentations. The next day featured a tour of farm and hatchery facilities, which were developed at a cost of $35 million to meet the initial target of supplying five million Cobb500 parents a year. The facility is already receiving the first placement of grandparent stock.
In designing and constructing the complex, top priority has been given to biosecurity, which together with a well trained work force is seen as the key to producing consistently top-quality products.
The program on the first day included Cobb speakers who outlined the company’s global vision and Chinese marketing strategy, along with details of the new facilities planned and constructed over the past three years. In the evening, Cobb celebrated completion of the project and the 100th anniversary of Cobb in 2016.
“This will be a game changer in the Chinese market,” said Dave Juenger, Cobb project director. “We have high expectations of consistently achieving top quality for our customers, and we are committed to producing mycoplasma-free breeding stock right from day one.
“In these state-of-the-art facilities, for instance, everyone is required to take three showers before coming into contact with the birds. This level of biosecurity is a prime example of Cobb’s commitment to preventing the introduction of disease on our facilities.”
Pelayo Casanovas, Cobb general manager for the Asia-Pacific region, said, “Our goal is to add value to our productsand to help improve the Chinese broiler industrythrough our commitment to delivering the best genetics combined with the best quality. And that means freedom from both MS and MG as well as Salmonella, and protection from disease for our customers.
“In addition, our technical services teams—locally and globally—will give our customers expert advice covering all aspects from house preparation, breeder and broiler management to meat yield so they can maximize the genetic potential that Cobb birds provide. This strategic support in China and the Asia-Pacific market generally will enable us to react quickly to help our customers whenever this is needed.”
Roy Mutimer, Cobb senior VP, said the Cobb research and development program focuses on making continually improving, well balanced products for customers. He spoke of Cobb strategies to expand production of breeding stock in every region to make sure that products are always available in the event of any local supply shortage. He also said the China project is aligned with the company’s strategy to expand poultry output, providing for increased consumption in Asia.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Cobb-Vantress hosts North America Technical School
The fifth annual Cobb North America Technical School was held recently in Siloam Springs, AR. Among the attendees were 79 customers from Mexico, Central America, Canada and the Caribbean.
During the three-day event, presentations were given on 15 different aspects of bird management with speakers from Cobb-Vantress, Agri-Stats, Inc. and the University of Arkansas. The presentations enabled delegates to learn and share experiences with each other in a comfortable, classroom style setting.
“Instead of just focusing on a couple of topics, we wanted to cover areas that everyone is interested in and wants to learn about. You could tell how engaged our customers were by the number of questions they asked and the in-depth discussions after each presentation," said Ken Semon, Cobb-Vantress director of Technical Services, North America.
In addition to hearing presentations covering topics on breeder and broiler management and a full-day on hatchery best practices, delegates were able to pose questions to Cobb personnel and get answers on the spot.
“This event was a huge success for everyone there. We consider it a privilege to host our technical schools for our customers. The feedback we’ve received from attendees reinforces the positive impact they feel it will have on their business,”said Heath Wessels, Cobb-Vantress Director of Sales, North America.
During the three-day event, presentations were given on 15 different aspects of bird management with speakers from Cobb-Vantress, Agri-Stats, Inc. and the University of Arkansas. The presentations enabled delegates to learn and share experiences with each other in a comfortable, classroom style setting.
“Instead of just focusing on a couple of topics, we wanted to cover areas that everyone is interested in and wants to learn about. You could tell how engaged our customers were by the number of questions they asked and the in-depth discussions after each presentation," said Ken Semon, Cobb-Vantress director of Technical Services, North America.
In addition to hearing presentations covering topics on breeder and broiler management and a full-day on hatchery best practices, delegates were able to pose questions to Cobb personnel and get answers on the spot.
“This event was a huge success for everyone there. We consider it a privilege to host our technical schools for our customers. The feedback we’ve received from attendees reinforces the positive impact they feel it will have on their business,”said Heath Wessels, Cobb-Vantress Director of Sales, North America.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics sign Joint Development Agreement
Arkansas-based Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, have signed their third consecutive Joint Development Agreement (JDA). Both companies will continue to investigate the fast-growing field of chicken genomics together and develop the next generation genomic selection tools for the benefit of both companies.
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics set up their first JDA in 2008 and, after seven years of successful partnering in research and development, they are convinced there is much more to discover with new genomic selection tools. The unique industry collaboration stimulates synergy and insight within and between the teams that can contribute to improved breeding programs and increased global production of safe, sufficient, secure food.
Dr. Mitch Abrahamsen, senior vice president of R&D at Cobb-Vantress, said, “The joint efforts of the Hendrix and Cobb R&D teams have provided more scale to our research program and delivered surprising new insights over the years. Although the basics of breeding and genomics apply to most animal sectors, it helps to exchange knowledge across species and breeding programs.”
Dr. Gerard Albers, chief technology and innovation officer at Hendrix Genetics, said, “The basic idea we had seven years ago to start sharing information and promoting our expertise has proven to be very successful. Our researchers are working side-by-side as one team exploring the chicken genome.”
A clear example of the success of the last JDA is the development of a cutting-edge SNP Chip for chickens, a tiny glass slide that can analyze some 60,000 variations in DNA sequences — or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) — which act as genetic markers and are specifically targeted to Cobb and Hendrix chicken breeding lines.
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics also partner in the Dutch research consortium Breed4Food. Together with other Dutch breeding companies, this consortium is focused on development of novel genetics and genomics tools through innovative science, beneficial to the breeding, production and consumption of animal proteins with a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of animal resources.
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics set up their first JDA in 2008 and, after seven years of successful partnering in research and development, they are convinced there is much more to discover with new genomic selection tools. The unique industry collaboration stimulates synergy and insight within and between the teams that can contribute to improved breeding programs and increased global production of safe, sufficient, secure food.
Dr. Mitch Abrahamsen, senior vice president of R&D at Cobb-Vantress, said, “The joint efforts of the Hendrix and Cobb R&D teams have provided more scale to our research program and delivered surprising new insights over the years. Although the basics of breeding and genomics apply to most animal sectors, it helps to exchange knowledge across species and breeding programs.”
Dr. Gerard Albers, chief technology and innovation officer at Hendrix Genetics, said, “The basic idea we had seven years ago to start sharing information and promoting our expertise has proven to be very successful. Our researchers are working side-by-side as one team exploring the chicken genome.”
A clear example of the success of the last JDA is the development of a cutting-edge SNP Chip for chickens, a tiny glass slide that can analyze some 60,000 variations in DNA sequences — or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) — which act as genetic markers and are specifically targeted to Cobb and Hendrix chicken breeding lines.
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics also partner in the Dutch research consortium Breed4Food. Together with other Dutch breeding companies, this consortium is focused on development of novel genetics and genomics tools through innovative science, beneficial to the breeding, production and consumption of animal proteins with a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of animal resources.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Cobb technical seminar features hands-on learning
Thirty-five delegates attended a recent three-day Cobb breeder, hatcheries and veterinary seminar in Lusaka, Zambia. African Poultry Development – the group name of Hybrid Poultry, Zambia; Kenchic, Kenya; Interchic/Tanbreed, Tanzania – hosted the meeting.
“This provided a unique opportunity to get together and benefit from technical and practical training from experts in their field,” said Simon Wilde, general manager. “From the feedback we realize how valuable the program of talks, practical workshops and site visits was to all the delegates.”
Cobb poultry specialists Pieter Oosthuysen and Dr. Andre Derkx and Richard Scorgie from Hybrid Poultry Farms gave the talks. Oosthuysen emphasized the importance of good rearing programs for high egg production; male management; and a new approach to male feeding for optimal reproduction. Dr. Derkx shared his knowledge on vaccination, health monitoring and biosecurity, while Scorgie demonstrated chick grading and embryo diagnosis.
On the final day the delegates were divided into three groups for hands-on learning: they were shown the art of male breast condition and scoring at Sunset Breeder Farm; they learned about the new facility at Broken Hill grandparent hatchery; and they carried out postmortems and reviewed their own vaccination and monitoring programs at Chamba Laboratory.
“The positive response I have had from all the participants has been overwhelming,” said Richard Keeley, managing director, Hybrid Poultry Farms. “It is clear that we have a great deal to do. We look forward to continuing the program with Cobb, as I am certain it will add tremendous value to our business going forward.”
Dr. Lazaro Kapella, an Interchic/Tanbreed veterinarian, said, “It was a wonderful time for me and the whole team. Now it’s our turn to implement the vast knowledge we have gained for the better performance of our operation in Tanzania.”
Ian Baxter, Tanzania production coordinator, commented, “We now have a far better understanding of what is required to produce 140 chicks per hen housed.”
Seif Musyoki, hatchery manager from Tanzania, added, “My colleagues and I learned a great deal during the training and we’ve developed a completely different paradigm shift on how we’ll manage our breeder farms in the future.”
“This provided a unique opportunity to get together and benefit from technical and practical training from experts in their field,” said Simon Wilde, general manager. “From the feedback we realize how valuable the program of talks, practical workshops and site visits was to all the delegates.”
Cobb poultry specialists Pieter Oosthuysen and Dr. Andre Derkx and Richard Scorgie from Hybrid Poultry Farms gave the talks. Oosthuysen emphasized the importance of good rearing programs for high egg production; male management; and a new approach to male feeding for optimal reproduction. Dr. Derkx shared his knowledge on vaccination, health monitoring and biosecurity, while Scorgie demonstrated chick grading and embryo diagnosis.
On the final day the delegates were divided into three groups for hands-on learning: they were shown the art of male breast condition and scoring at Sunset Breeder Farm; they learned about the new facility at Broken Hill grandparent hatchery; and they carried out postmortems and reviewed their own vaccination and monitoring programs at Chamba Laboratory.
“The positive response I have had from all the participants has been overwhelming,” said Richard Keeley, managing director, Hybrid Poultry Farms. “It is clear that we have a great deal to do. We look forward to continuing the program with Cobb, as I am certain it will add tremendous value to our business going forward.”
Dr. Lazaro Kapella, an Interchic/Tanbreed veterinarian, said, “It was a wonderful time for me and the whole team. Now it’s our turn to implement the vast knowledge we have gained for the better performance of our operation in Tanzania.”
Ian Baxter, Tanzania production coordinator, commented, “We now have a far better understanding of what is required to produce 140 chicks per hen housed.”
Seif Musyoki, hatchery manager from Tanzania, added, “My colleagues and I learned a great deal during the training and we’ve developed a completely different paradigm shift on how we’ll manage our breeder farms in the future.”
Monday, October 26, 2015
Romanian Cobb seminar strengthens business ties
More than 100 poultry specialists from Romania and the Republic of Moldova took part in a technical seminar organized by Cobb Germany and the Cobb team in Romania at the Palace Hotel in Sinaia.
“The main purpose was exchanging new ideas, information and technical updates on the Cobb500 family of products, and also strengthening business relationships between the participant specialists,” said James Truscott, director of Cobb Germany.
“The presentations covered the latest information in hatchery technology, breeding and broiler farming and also the development of the global poultry market to provide good quality, safe products to help meet future food needs,” Truscott added. “We looked at how Cobb Germany manages to fulfill these needs through its organization and diversified agricultural activities. We also dealt with veterinary aspects of broiler and breeding farming to maintain high standards of biosecurity and animal welfare.”
The technical presentations were given by international specialists James Truscott, Ron Meijerhof and Gheorghe Ciripoi of Cobb Germany; Matthew Wilson and Paul Welten of Cobb Europe; and Romanian poultry veterinarian Dr. Ovidiu Sicoe.
“The main purpose was exchanging new ideas, information and technical updates on the Cobb500 family of products, and also strengthening business relationships between the participant specialists,” said James Truscott, director of Cobb Germany.
“The presentations covered the latest information in hatchery technology, breeding and broiler farming and also the development of the global poultry market to provide good quality, safe products to help meet future food needs,” Truscott added. “We looked at how Cobb Germany manages to fulfill these needs through its organization and diversified agricultural activities. We also dealt with veterinary aspects of broiler and breeding farming to maintain high standards of biosecurity and animal welfare.”
The technical presentations were given by international specialists James Truscott, Ron Meijerhof and Gheorghe Ciripoi of Cobb Germany; Matthew Wilson and Paul Welten of Cobb Europe; and Romanian poultry veterinarian Dr. Ovidiu Sicoe.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Cobb global conference kicks off 100-year celebration
Leading figures in the global poultry industry took part in the week-long Cobb-Vantress, Inc. 5th Distributor Conference in Boston, MA, marking the start of celebrations to commemorate the first 100 years of Cobb in 2016. More than 140 senior representatives from 51 Cobb grandparent distributors and customers from 34 countries were among almost 200 people attending the event.
Jerry Moye, president of Cobb-Vantress, said, “To celebrate our centennial anniversary with the extended Cobb family of distributors was a very special privilege. These friends have been integral to Cobb’s success, and I can’t think of a better way to enter the next century than to have all of them at our side.”
Boston was chosen for two reasons. “First, Robert Cobb senior started in the breeding business nearby in the town of Littleton, Massachusetts,” said Moye. “Second, Boston sits at the heart of the birth of the United States and provides a great venue to get a glimpse of our country’s history.”
The Cobb poultry breeding business – the oldest in the world – was based at Concord and Littleton for almost 70 years until its move to the current headquarters in Arkansas.
Guest speakers included Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, parent company of Cobb-Vantress; Louise Fresco, president of the executive board of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands; Bill Cordingley, managing director of Rabobank Global Sector Head, Animal Protein, New York; Dr. Lowell B. Catlett, regents professor from New Mexico State University, and Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco.
“It’s an honor to welcome our partners from across the globe to celebrate the Cobb-Vantress 100th anniversary,” said Smith. “This incredible milestone was made possible by the tenacity, hard work and dedication of the Cobb team members over the past century. If history is any indication, the future is bright for Cobb and all the global distributors who’ve helped make this company the world leader in broiler breeding.”
Jerry Moye, president of Cobb-Vantress, said, “To celebrate our centennial anniversary with the extended Cobb family of distributors was a very special privilege. These friends have been integral to Cobb’s success, and I can’t think of a better way to enter the next century than to have all of them at our side.”
Boston was chosen for two reasons. “First, Robert Cobb senior started in the breeding business nearby in the town of Littleton, Massachusetts,” said Moye. “Second, Boston sits at the heart of the birth of the United States and provides a great venue to get a glimpse of our country’s history.”
The Cobb poultry breeding business – the oldest in the world – was based at Concord and Littleton for almost 70 years until its move to the current headquarters in Arkansas.
Guest speakers included Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, parent company of Cobb-Vantress; Louise Fresco, president of the executive board of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands; Bill Cordingley, managing director of Rabobank Global Sector Head, Animal Protein, New York; Dr. Lowell B. Catlett, regents professor from New Mexico State University, and Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco.
“It’s an honor to welcome our partners from across the globe to celebrate the Cobb-Vantress 100th anniversary,” said Smith. “This incredible milestone was made possible by the tenacity, hard work and dedication of the Cobb team members over the past century. If history is any indication, the future is bright for Cobb and all the global distributors who’ve helped make this company the world leader in broiler breeding.”
Friday, September 25, 2015
Cobb grandparent customers gather in Brazil
Cobb grandparent customers from all over South America held their seventh biennial event in São José do Rio Preto (SP), Brazil, aimed at strengthening the partnership which has made the Cobb500 the most widely used broiler breeder across the continent.
The three-day event provided the opportunity for discussing the latest developments in research and development, production of grandparent stock and benchmark practices.
"Our main goal was to promote the exchange of experiences between the Cobb team and our customers,” said Rodrigo Terra, Product Manager for Cobb-Vantress Brasil. “The interaction with our team of specialists and technical assistants will not only spread new ideas but also help to strengthen the relationship with our customers and improve their trust in our company.”
The program featured presentations by Cobb international specialists including Dr. Frank Siewerdt, Global Director of Genetics, and Mark Cooper, Global Director of Product Management. Other speakers included Philippe Gouault, Grandparent Specialist for Cobb Europe, and Ben Green, Incubation Specialist for the Cobb World Technical Support Team.
After a presentation by Cobb-Vantress Brasil technical expert Jose Luis Januario on concepts of grandparent house ventilation, delegates visited the Cobb trials farm for practical exercises on the topic.
The three-day event provided the opportunity for discussing the latest developments in research and development, production of grandparent stock and benchmark practices.
"Our main goal was to promote the exchange of experiences between the Cobb team and our customers,” said Rodrigo Terra, Product Manager for Cobb-Vantress Brasil. “The interaction with our team of specialists and technical assistants will not only spread new ideas but also help to strengthen the relationship with our customers and improve their trust in our company.”
The program featured presentations by Cobb international specialists including Dr. Frank Siewerdt, Global Director of Genetics, and Mark Cooper, Global Director of Product Management. Other speakers included Philippe Gouault, Grandparent Specialist for Cobb Europe, and Ben Green, Incubation Specialist for the Cobb World Technical Support Team.
After a presentation by Cobb-Vantress Brasil technical expert Jose Luis Januario on concepts of grandparent house ventilation, delegates visited the Cobb trials farm for practical exercises on the topic.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Cobb-Vantress invests US$15 million in Brazil expansion
Cobb-Vantress is investing US$15 million in increasing its farm and hatchery production in Brazil as part of a major two-year expansion program scheduled for completion in September.
The project includes expanding and remodeling the Cobb great grandparent and grandparent farms in Brazil to increase production capacity by 23 percent and hatchery capacity by 10 percent.
“This investment in expanding and improving our facilities will also enhance the welfare of our birds, which is one of our core policies,” said Idir Savoldi, production manager at Cobb-Vantress Brasil. “With the latest advances in technology and automated controls, we can look forward to continuing increases in performance on the farm and at the hatchery.”
At the company's two great grandparent farms in Paulo de Faria, São Paulo, and Itapagipe, Minas Gerais, the housing capacity has been expanded to allow for introduction of the Male MX line to meet demands. The associated hatcheries have been expanded with additional rooms to allow hatching dates and quantities to be more flexible.
The project includes fitting the latest environment controls providing quicker and more precise adjustments to ensure bird comfort, and installing minimum ventilation and CO2 control devices. “This advanced automation will help improve production and hatching rates,” added Savoldi.
The grandparent farms in Itapagipe, Minas Gerais; Guapiaçu, São Paulo; Palestina, São Paulo; and Água Clara, MatoGrosso do Sol, have also undergone major renovations. The production capacity at the Itapagipe farm has been doubled to allow for an increase of 2 million breeders per year.
At the Guapiaçu hatchery, more than1,200M2 of floor space has been added, and the entire hatching facilities have been replaced by Petersime machinery. The environment control system has also been replaced bringing this facility in line with the other Cobb hatcheries operating state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Cobb-Vantress Brasil, founded 20 years ago, has its headquarters outside Guapiaçu in the state of São Paulo, and has some 670 employees.
The project includes expanding and remodeling the Cobb great grandparent and grandparent farms in Brazil to increase production capacity by 23 percent and hatchery capacity by 10 percent.
“This investment in expanding and improving our facilities will also enhance the welfare of our birds, which is one of our core policies,” said Idir Savoldi, production manager at Cobb-Vantress Brasil. “With the latest advances in technology and automated controls, we can look forward to continuing increases in performance on the farm and at the hatchery.”
At the company's two great grandparent farms in Paulo de Faria, São Paulo, and Itapagipe, Minas Gerais, the housing capacity has been expanded to allow for introduction of the Male MX line to meet demands. The associated hatcheries have been expanded with additional rooms to allow hatching dates and quantities to be more flexible.
The project includes fitting the latest environment controls providing quicker and more precise adjustments to ensure bird comfort, and installing minimum ventilation and CO2 control devices. “This advanced automation will help improve production and hatching rates,” added Savoldi.
The grandparent farms in Itapagipe, Minas Gerais; Guapiaçu, São Paulo; Palestina, São Paulo; and Água Clara, MatoGrosso do Sol, have also undergone major renovations. The production capacity at the Itapagipe farm has been doubled to allow for an increase of 2 million breeders per year.
At the Guapiaçu hatchery, more than1,200M2 of floor space has been added, and the entire hatching facilities have been replaced by Petersime machinery. The environment control system has also been replaced bringing this facility in line with the other Cobb hatcheries operating state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Cobb-Vantress Brasil, founded 20 years ago, has its headquarters outside Guapiaçu in the state of São Paulo, and has some 670 employees.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Golden Comb Awards presented in South Africa
The annual Golden Comb Awards—to honor Cobb customers by recognizing outstanding achievements in broiler, hatchery and breeder performance—has become one of the biggest events in the calendar of the South African poultry industry.
In announcing the awards based on data from all over South Africa, Theo Bezuidenhout, technical and sales manager of Cobb South Africa, highlighted the notable increase in demand for Cobb over the last 15 years – thanking the loyal customers for their continuous support.
He said that both parent stock and broiler results had improved again year on year, emphasizing that Cobb is “the most balanced breed in the market.”
The Golden Comb Award winners for the 2014 financial year are:
In announcing the awards based on data from all over South Africa, Theo Bezuidenhout, technical and sales manager of Cobb South Africa, highlighted the notable increase in demand for Cobb over the last 15 years – thanking the loyal customers for their continuous support.
He said that both parent stock and broiler results had improved again year on year, emphasizing that Cobb is “the most balanced breed in the market.”
The Golden Comb Award winners for the 2014 financial year are:
- Best Breeder Flock Performance under 15,000 pullets – Sterkfontein Poultry
- Best Breeder Flock Performance over 15 000 pullets – Koster Breeders
- Hatcheries producing less than 250 000 chicks per week – Caledon Hatchery
- Hatcheries producing over 250,000 chicks per week – Eagles Pride Group
- Best Broiler Performance under 300 000 broilers per cycle – Pirates cycle 126 for Sovereign Foods
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Cobb-Vantress hosts first National Hatchery Conference
More than 100 delegates including 75 hatchery managers from across the United States and Canada took part in the first national hatchery conference hosted by Cobb in Memphis, TN.
During the two-day event there were presentations on 20 different aspects of hatchery management with speakers from 16 organizations, enabling delegates to learn and share with each other in the unique, cross-industry event.
“Instead of just focusing on a couple of topics, we set out to cover areas that everyone is interested in and curious about. You could really tell how engaged our customers were by the number of questions that they asked and the interesting discussions held after each presentation," said Scott Martin, hatchery specialist in the Cobb World Technical Support Team.
In addition to hearing presentations covering topics from sanitation, maintenance and importance of vaccination to industry trends and animal welfare, delegates were able to visit the booths of 11 different vendors, which included: Jamesway, Merial, Smithway, Zoetis, Clearview, KL Automation, Ivesco, Incubation Systems, Chickmaster, Hatchery Planning and CID Lines.
“The event was a huge success for everyone with a classroom setting to share experiences and put questions to Cobb personnel, industry vendors and other hatchery managers,” said Ben Green, hatchery specialist in the Cobb World Technical Support Team.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
New Cobb breeder award for Holland
A new broiler breeder award has been introduced by Cobb for the Dutch market with the initial honor going to the Aitink-Jansman family for a flock that achieved 138.2 chicks/breeder to 60 weeks of age.
They have a typical Dutch family-owned farm with four houses and a total capacity of 33,000 breeders in the Hellendoorn area of eastern Holland. The last house was built in 2010 with a 12,000 capacity. They have been using the Cobb500 for more than 10 years and produce their eggs for the ProBroed & Sloot hatchery, which is part of the German Wimex group.
“We are proud of the achievements of the Aitink-Jansman family, who are highly dedicated to their operation and to Cobb,” said Martijn Gruyters technical manager for Cobb Europe in Holland and Belgium.
“They have structured work on the farm so that it is all done by family members with no need for outside labor. All management decisions are taken in close communication with us and with the technical representative of the Agrifirm feed mill. It’s always a pleasure to work with this family.”
Monday, June 15, 2015
Cobb Española expanding production capacity in Spain
With the increasing success of the Cobb500 broiler breeder in Spain and north Africa, Cobb Española is now investing a further EUR6.5 million (US$7.2 million) in expanding production capacity.
Two years ago, the company made a major investment in the hatchery at Dueñas in northern Spain following the earlier purchase of the former Hybro grandparent facilities. In a EUR5 million expansion, the hatchery capacity was increased to more than five million parent chicks a year to provide for a doubling of sales in the previous six years.
Cobb Española followed this with development of new grandparent farm facilities within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of Dueñas, and has now agreed to hatchery expansion which will take capacity up by another two million chicks per year towards the target of 10 million.
The rise in sales throughout the marketing area – the Iberian peninsula and North Africa – is particularly strong in Spain and Morocco where the breed is the market leader and in Algeria where sales have grown from 50,000 to 1.7 million parent stock in five years.
“It’s easy to see why the Cobb breed is so successful,” said Rafael Gil, general manager of Cobb Española. “You know where you are with Cobb. The performance at breeder and broiler levels is predictable. You don’t get any nasty surprises. Customers are achieving consistently high numbers of chicks per breeder, good growth and feed efficiency in the broiler and, importantly too, high yield and uniformity at the processing plant.
“For our part we have strengthened our technical services team and appointed specialists in areas like nutrition and hatchery science to support our customers. And the continuing growth in our sales across our region gives us the ongoing confidence to step up our expansion program.”
Rafael now controls the business from new offices on the northwest outskirts of Madrid. “We chose the location carefully,” he said. “We’re ideally located close to the main perimeter road around the city, within easy reach of both the airport and main railway station and about 100 minutes’ drive to Dueñas.”
Friday, June 5, 2015
San Fernando becomes a Cobb multiplier for Andean Pact region
Cobb has to agreed a new strategic partnership in Peru with San Fernando for the multiplication of birds in the Andean Pact region. The company, which has been a Cobb distributor since 1994, is the second Cobb multiplier in South America. The first is Agrogen, based in Rio Grande do Sul, which became a Cobb multiplier in 1997.
Announcing the partnership during a technical school Jairo Arenazio, Cobb general manager for South America, said, "San Fernando will now be a part of the global export and business world of Cobb. We will take the Cobb breeders produced by San Fernando beyond South American borders."
San Fernando will focus on meeting the production and quality requirements established by Cobb to supply the Peruvian and Bolivian markets. Cobb will be responsible for quality control, sales, marketing and technical services in both countries.
The Andean Pact region initially comprises Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, but Cobb also has customers in Venezuela. To serve these countries, Cobb created a specialized team, comprising Luis Bellido who became technical and sales manager for the Andean Pact region in February, José Quintero, who has been working in sales and services for Venezuela and Ecuador for five years, and Rodolfo Solano, who joined the team this year and is responsible for Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Golden Rod wins Cobb500 regional performance award
Golden Rod Poultry at Cullman, AL, has won the regional performance award for Cobb500 broiler breeders with results described as one of the most improved in the U.S. industry.
The awards are based on the 2014 Cobb500 Sold Flock Breeder Survey, which showed Golden Rod Poultry as the top performing company in the South Region.
The company’s results are based on 451,630 Cobb500 pullets producing an average of 167.12 hatching eggs/hen housed, 83.67% hatchability and 139.83 chicks/hen housed (adjusted to 65 weeks of age).
“This is one of the most improved complexes in the industry,” stated Rory DeWeese, South Region technical services of Cobb-Vantress. “Since 2007 production of hatching eggs / breeder has increased by 18.8 percent, total eggs by 20.8 percent, hatchability by 10.6 percent and chick numbers by no less than 31.4 percent from 108 to 139.
“The Golden Rod team led by Lance Weaver and his team have achieved excellent performance through a combination of hard work and attention to all the details that contribute to a good breeder program. It takes a total team effort to accomplish this outstanding performance — and it begins with your great leadership and a desire to be the best each and every day.”
Lance Weaver, breeder/hatchery manager of Golden Rod, commented: “I would like to thank my team for their hard work and dedication and to all their wives for supporting their husbands in accomplishing this goal.” Bill Ingram, the owner of Golden Rod Poultry, also thanked everyone for their hard work and achievements, and both thanked Cobb for their service and support to help them achieve these goals.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Cobb holds first poultry forum for west Balkan countries
At a forum organized by Cobb Germany and its local partner Iradia, Graf von Drechsel expressed belief in the future of the poultry industry in the west Balkan countries and increasing cooperation with the rest of Europe. Drechsel is head of Wimex, the largest European hatching egg producer, and president of the German Poultry Union. He was speaking at the event held in Belgrade about the current position of the poultry industry in these countries, a region where he has worked for almost 30 years.
It was the first such Cobb poultry business forum there, providing customers with technical information and business and management opportunities. Fifty influential business people, owners and general managers of all the major poultry companies from the entire region were in attendance.
Opening speakers at the event were James Truscott, director of Cobb Germany, and Jasmina Atlic, owner of Iradia. Dejan Bugarski, head of the Serbian veterinary service, spoke about the possibility of Serbian producers working with other countries and one day with EU. He explained what Serbia had already done, and what remains to be done to stimulate further growth of its industry.
The following day, approximatly 120 delegates from all the former Yugoslav countries and also Albania, attended a Cobb technical seminar at the hotel. The Cobb technical team addressed a number of topics with Dr. Matthias Todte updating knowledge on Enterococcus, and Dr. Ron Meijerhof speaking about the latest developments in the pre- and post-hatch feeding and management of chicks from young breeder flocks. Dr. Ermin Grbic spoke about bodyweight control in breeders and Saeid Najati about on broiler growing essentials.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Outstanding accolade for Al-Watania in the Middle East
Al-Watania has become the first company to receive the new performance awards given by Cobb Europe for the Middle East. The company gained nine awards for Cobb500 performance — including broiler yield, best cumulative hatching eggs and exemplary leadership in managing/maintaining the performance of the poultry integration.
The presentations were made to heads of department at Al-Watania Poultry during a prestigious ceremony at the Al Majlis Hall in Saudi Arabia, which also celebrated the long-standing relationship between the two companies. This was followed by a tour of the Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi Museum, with a highlight being the showcase of the company’s milestones dating back to 1977.
Mohamad Kallas, Cobb regional technical manager, stated: “Al-Watania has been a reliable partner of Cobb in the region, and indeed across the Arab world, for many years. The high level of managers and expertise in all departments, particularly in production, along with our Cobb technical support, has helped achieve these excellent results. The awards are thoroughly deserved and were well received by the Al-Watania management.”
Dr. Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, chief executive of Al-Watania Poultry, stressed the importance of trust particularly with their large expansion plans.He stated: "We are trying to fulfil the food requirements of our country and achieve the goals that the Saudi government has set with regard to food security and price stability in the domestic market.
“Gaining these first Cobb awards in the Middle East is a very important moment in the history of our company and in our emphasis on quality. We have reached to the highest level of the quality in chicken production with excellence in all levels, as shown by the international recognition of Al-Watania as one of the leading global companies in the sector."
Thursday, May 7, 2015
New Akashevo hatchery in Russia delivers first Cobb Chicks
The new hatchery developed by Akashevo to provide four million Cobb500 parent stock / year in Russia has made its first delivery of chicks to Vasilievskaya, part of the Cherkizovo group.
“For Cobb it is extremely important to produce chicks here in Russia so that our customers are assured of a constant supply of top quality genetics,” said Patrick van Trijp, Cobb account manager for Russia and CIS nations. “This is a clear indication of our belief in the potential of the Russian market.
“With their hatchery and grandparent flocks Akashevo has become a strong and reliable partner for Cobb. Together with our distributor Broiler Budushevo, Cobb is looking to provide 30 percent of the total demand for parent stock in Russia.”
Gary Fisher, Cobb director of hatcheries, added: “I am impressed by quality delivered from the Akashevo hatchery. Their people are highly motivated and have adopted the Cobb standards on bio-security and quality very quickly. I’m more than 100 percent convinced that Akashevo will maintain our high standards of quality in their chicks.”
The first customer, Vasilievskaya in the Penza region, is very pleased with the quality. “The chicks were very lively and active, with almost no losses on arrival. This is the quality we’ve come to expect from Cobb during the last five years,” commented Ruslan Nemov, chief technologist, and Maksim Korchev, manager of the breeder farm.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Top US Cobb700 flock award goes to Arkansas family farm
The Pablo Cardenas Farm of the Tyson Foods Nashville Complex in Arkansas has gained the top Cobb700 flock award from the 2014 Cobb Sold Flock Survey. The survey, begun in 1994, has developed into one of the most viable measures of Cobb breeder performance worldwide.
Flock data is collected annually measuring key performance metrics including hatching and total egg production, hen livability, feed consumed, hatchability and chicks/hen housed. In addition to the award for the overall top performing U.S. company, the top six regional performances are also recognized.
The Pablo Cardenas Farm had a total of 170.14 eggs and 140.60 chicks (adjusted to 65 weeks). Pablo purchased the farm 10 years ago after managing it for the previous owner. He also works on the second shift in the maintenance department at a local company.
He used conventional nests for many years and had just installed double belted nests before his latest flock placement. His upgrade on the houses also included sealing the environment and installing improved ventilation. Pablo commented: “We really like the new nests and the performance we’ve achieved with the upgrade.”
Steven Stapp, breeder manager of the Tyson complex, stated: “With uniform pullets produced from the rearing house and with improved egg gathering practices, we should expect this kind of result each time. Pablo is great to work with—always willing to do whatever we ask of him.”
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