Hy-Line International, the world leader in layer poultry genetics, was pleased to provide the opening speaker for the second day of the Egg Industry Center’s 7th Annual Egg Industry Leadership Forum in April in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dr. Neil O’Sullivan, director of research and development for Hy-Line, shared about genetic improvement for alternative hen housing. The topics included Hy-Line’s decision process used in breeding hens, traits measured in egg layers, evaluation of hen performance in different environments, and the impact of new technology on breeding.
“Genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger,” said Dr. O’Sullivan. “Our long-term goal is to ensure our birds respond well in complex environments.”