A total of 8 events took place over the week of 15 March, with around 300 delegates attending.
The customer seminars were timed to coincide with the first placement of Ross 308 broilers on farms and topics concentrated on optimising Ross broiler performance. Presentations were given by Aviagen Technical Managers Michael Longley and Ian Dowsland and Nutritionist Marcus Kenny. Topics included best practice, such as proactive management, the importance of feed form physical quality and improving temperature profiles with better ventilation techniques to help improve feed conversion ratios.
Michael Longley: “The broiler road shows were well attended and excellently received by RPB customers across the country. They are an essential part of ensuring International 308 Ross Broilers are a success within South Africa and an ideal platform to show our customers we are here to support them and make Ross the breed of choice in South Africa… Nutrition once again played an important part in our discussions and we were able to provide advice in a number of areas. It is important to remember that feed form is a vital part of optimising feed intake. We would urge everyone to have regular conversations with their supplier to ensure they get the right feed form and nutrient density to ensure optimum flock performance.”
Group numbers were kept deliberately small with a maximum of 50 attendees at one event. This ensured that everyone was able to play a part in the proceedings and get the opportunity to ask any questions. The events were held throughout the Gauteng Province and in the Cape, attracting everyone from Farm Managers to contract Farm Owners, and CEO’s of major companies.
Judy Robberts, Head of Technical Service, Ross Poultry Breeders: “When we launched the International Ross 308 we did a similar series of talks to discuss getting the best performance from Parent Stock. This was a great success, showing just how suited to South Africa the International Ross 308 is but we know that good management is key and that comes with the support we provide on the ground.”
