Explore - ISApoultry

ISA FOCUS
IS A N e ws l e t t e r
iss u e 1 5 , J anU A ry 2 0 1 6
In this issue
North Carolina test
Aviary systems
Growth in China
Good results with
Dekalb White
10 years Hendrix
Genetics
1
Ready for the Future
Servé Hermans, Managing Director ISA
Global demand for eggs rose
yet again in 2015. I find it
heartening to know that one
of our most fundamental
food products makes an
increasingly
important
contribution to meet the
nutritional needs of our
complex, fast-moving and
ever-changing world. Eggs
continue to have a growing,
universal appeal as a healthy,
inexpensive source of protein. They are a perfect fit with today’s
global market forces towards better health, improved economics
and feeding the world’s rapidly growing population.
Producers from all over the world with diverse systems have
reported excellent results with layers of Hendrix Genetics in
2015. Random Sample tests, such as the 2015 North Carolina
Layer Performance Test, prove that Hendrix Genetics’ products
perform better than other layers on the market, which means
increased profits per hen for egg-producers. The many benefits
of our products have resulted in growing popularity worldwide.
For example, our new US company, Hendrix-ISA, is well on its
way to achieve 50% market share in the US after just one year
since its foundation, thanks to the quality of the layers and its
dedication to continuous genetic improvement. Hendrix-ISA
will expand production by 60% in 2016, with anticipated high
levels of demand.
As the transition to a cage-free system gathers momentum in
the US and elsewhere, our customers have reported excellent
results over the last year with ISA’s Dekalb White, an excellent
floor chicken, highly suited to cage-free environments, such
as aviary systems. This bird is a highly productive layer and
exceptionally docile, which is especially important in a cage free
environment.
Achieving the best results requires more than just choosing the
best bred layers. It requires enhanced management, especially
in cage-free systems. An excellent example of this can be
found in final producer André Hingstman from Denmark who is
achieving very good results with Dekalb White even in organic
systems. This dedication includes heightened attention to
good biosecurity and health management. The threat of Avian
Influenza (AI) will continue to be a concern in 2016. However,
with the benefit of our global spread of facilities, a strengthened
global biosecurity program and a focus on genetic selection for
disease resistance, ISA will lead the fight against this ongoing
challenge.
Having celebrated Hendrix Genetics’ 10th anniversary in 2015,
we are ready for the future. With the benefit of our high
performing products and the ability to identify and prepare
for the ongoing challenges of the industry, I am confident that
2016 will be a successful year for ISA and our customers. And
as the world welcomes 2016, I also welcome the opportunity to
help your business grow.
Progress beyond Expectations
Peter Mumm, Managing Director Hendrix-ISA LLC
Hendrix-ISA was founded in
January 2015 to consolidate
Hendrix Genetics’ presence
in the United States (US)
and to ensure consistency
of production and quality.
Now one year since its
launch, success has exceeded
expectations. Peter Mumm,
Managing
Director
of
Hendrix-ISA, provides an
update on progress:
2
“Hendrix-ISA has initially focused on production and supply of
leading layer brands for US markets – primarily Shaver White
and Isa Brown. In addition, the Bovans White and Brown and the
DeKalb White will be available in 2016, with the Babcock and
Hisex brands on reserve.”
Following the acquisition of Midwest Farms LLC, part of Midwest
Food Association, Hendrix-ISA took ownership and management
of two hatcheries, with a combined production capacity of up to
900,000 high quality, commercial layers per week. Grandparent
Stock from ISA in Canada is used to produce Parent Stock flocks
for these hatcheries.
“A lot has happened over the last year. We have strengthened
our Team considerably, synchronized our production facilities,
and enhanced our biosecurity program dramatically,” remarked
Peter. “Demand for Hendrix-ISA’s layers has exceeded our
expectations and continues to grow. Within just one year, we
have made significant progress towards our goal of achieving a
sustainable 50% market share in the US.”
Strong Team
A key element of success is the strong Hendrix-ISA’s Team, which
now comprises of 100 dedicated, hard-working Team members.
A strong group of poultry professionals, many with over 20 years
of experience in the layer and breeder industry, leads the Team.
High Demand
When the company first launched, Hendrix-ISA was supplying
20 million day-old chicks annually from the hatcheries. The
business has been so successful that it now produces 40 million
day-old chicks annually. To meet growing customer demand for
ISA layers in the US, Hendrix-ISA is planning expansion that will
increase output significantly. The expansion will include new
company-owned hatcheries and contract breeder farms.
“Our Board has just approved plans to build a brand new
hatchery in Nebraska, with plans for completion at the end of
2016, which will add more than 60% to our capacity and enable
us to produce an additional 24 million birds annually,” said Peter.
“We believe that there is more potential for growth due to
demand for the Hendrix Genetics’ products.”
Enhanced Biosecurity
Hendrix-ISA has also enhanced its biosecurity program
dramatically, adding showering-in facilities at breeder and
hatchery locations and further visitor restrictions. The recent
outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the
United States has emphasized the need for vigilance in biosecurity
in the US layer industry. Fortunately Hendrix-ISA’s flocks were
not affected by the HPAI outbreak, and the company was able to
assist in replenishing the US flocks that were depleted.
A Rising Star
In the recent past, interest in cage-free systems has grown
significantly in the US. In addition, consumers and food retailers
are asking for more cage-free egg production. One of the
challenges with cage-free systems is feather pecking. Hendrix
Genetics’ Dekalb White hens are well suited for a cage-free
environment.
While the Shaver White currently dominates US sales (80%),
Hendrix-ISA is particularly excited about the potential of the
Dekalb White as an alternative for cage-free production in the
US.
“The Dekalb White is an excellent floor chicken, highly suitable
for cage-free production and the changing US market,” said
Peter. “We have brought in Dekalb White Parent Stock from
Canada, and our current test flocks have been performing way
beyond our expectations.”
The Dekalb White will be commercially available from HendrixISA in the spring of 2016. Pre-ordering is currently possible.
Equalizing the US Market
“We are delighted that Hendrix-ISA is well on its way to achieving
50% market share in the changing market of the US,” said Peter.
“The Team’s expertise and exceptional service, Hendrix Genetics’
superior products, and the investments in operations and new
facilities enable Hendrix-ISA to provide a quality choice to the US
egg-producing industry, food producers and consumers alike.”
3
More Profit with Hendrix Genetics’ Laying Products
Frans van Sambeek, Director Research & Development / Esther van den Dungen, Geneticist
Results of the 39th North Carolina Layer Performance Test showed that Hendrix Genetics’ products have a better production per hen
housed by up to 17 eggs and a better Feed Conversion ratio (seven Feed Conversion points) than other layers on the market. These two
advantages translate into an increased profit per hen of US$ 1.46 for our white products and US$ 1.11 for our brown products.
no. of eggs
white
Hendrix Genetics
Competition
brown
white
Product
Hendrix Genetics
Competition
Profit per hen housed
brown
Product
profit in USD
Hendrix Genetics contributed with its products in four different
housing systems: Conventional Battery Cage (CC); ‘Cage-Free’
(CF); Enrichable Cage (EC); and Enriched Colony Housing System
(ECS); with both brown- and white egg-laying commercial
products (Table 1).
Table 1:Hendrix Genetics’ products in 39th North Carolina
Layer Performance Test
white
Hendrix Genetics
Competition
brown
Product
Data includes the results in the 69-week test in conventional
cages, 89-week test in enriched-enrichable colony systems,
89-week test in enriched colony housing system and the
89-week test in a ‘cage-free’ system.
The North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Tests
are conducted under the auspices of the North Carolina Layer
Performance and Management Program, Prestage Department
of Poultry Science, Cooperative Extension Service at North
Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the United States
(US). Flocks are maintained at the Piedmont Research StationPoultry Unit, Salisbury, North Carolina, US. The purpose of this
Program is to assist poultry management teams in evaluation of
commercial layer stocks and management systems.
Twelve commercial white-egg laying layer strains and eight
commercial brown-egg laying layer strains participated in
the Test. For all flocks, a maximum of approximately 830 and
minimum of 300 white and brown pullets per strain were placed
at the initiation of the layer portion of the Test, depending on
which of the test environments the strain was entered into
(Report 39th NC Test; Vol. 39, No. 4).
4
Feed Conversion
feed conversion
(kg feed/ kg eggs)
Hen Housed Production
White
Brown
Bovans White
Isa Brown
Shaver White
Bovans Brown
Dekalb White
Babcock White
Isa-B400
In Tables 2-4, the average performance of the Hendrix Genetics’
products is compared with the average performance of the
competitors’ products for each housing system. Results for the
Enrichable Cage (EC) and Enriched Colony Housing System
(ECS) were combined.
The Conventional Battery Cage Test was molted at 69 weeks
(483 days) and, therefore, no data was available until 89 weeks
(623 days). The tabled results show a higher performance per
hen housed for the Hendrix Genetics’ products (up to 22.89
eggs) and a better Feed Conversion ratio (up to 10 points).
Therefore, the profit per hen with Hendrix Genetics’ products is
up to US$1.65 more than competitors’ products.
We would be delighted to provide brand-specific results. Please
contact your ISA Area Manager for more information.
Table 2:Conventional Battery Cages (CC) (119-483 days): results are an average of two tests in a Conventional Battery Cage
Housing System with two different densities (69 square inches and 120 square inches per hen).
White
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (5)
317.8
97.2
60.4
104.6
Competition (7)
308.5
95.4
60.1
9.3
1.8
0.3
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (2)
313.4
95.7
60.8
Competition (6)
308.5
95.3
4.9
0.4
Difference
Brown
Difference
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
1.95
20.43
103.0
1.99
19.43
1.6
-0.04
1.00
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
105.9
2.00
20.37
59.3
105.7
2.08
19.19
1.5
0.2
-0.08
1.18
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
Table 3: ‘Cage-free’ (CF) Housing System (119-623 days).
White
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (1)
433.7
88.7
62.6
121.2
2.27
25.61
Competition (7)
410.8
85.3
62.3
115.5
2.28
24.01
Difference
22.9
3.4
0.3
5.7
-0.01
1.60
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (2)
412.1
85.8
63.5
118.7
2.27
25.13
Competition (6)
413.9
83.9
61.9
119.1
2.32
25.16
-1.8
1.9
1.6
-0.4
-0.05
-0.03
Brown
Difference
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
Table 4: Enrichable and Enriched Colony Housing Systems (119-623 days) results are an average between two systems
(Enrichable Cage (EC) and Enriched Colony Housing System (ECS), EC with a density of 69 square inches per hen,
ECS with both densities of 69 and 138 square inches per hen). ‘Cage-free’ (CF) Housing System (119-623 days).
White
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (5)
433.6
80.4
61.1
Competition (5)
417.0
83.5
Difference
16.6
-3.1
No. Eggs
Hen Housed
Livability
(%)
Hendrix Genetics´ Products (2)
406.5
89.8
61.6
Competition (6)
394.2
89.7
Difference
12.3
0.1
Brown
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
109.1
1.99
26.48
61.5
109.3
2.10
24.86
-0.4
-0.2
-0.11
1.62
Feed Conversion
(kg feed/kg egg)
Egg Income -/Feed Cost (US$)
110.9
2.17
23.98
60.2
110.0
2.22
22.34
1.4
0.9
-0.05
1.64
Avg. Egg Feed Intake
Weight (g)
(g/day)
5
A New Partner in China
Shang Lei, Area Manager China
ISA consolidated its operations in Asia further in 2015, by
strengthening a new partnership with the Shandong Yisheng
Livestock & Poultry Breeding Co (Yisheng).
In November 2015, Thijs Hendrix, President of Hendrix
Genetics and Arian Groot, Director of Sales at ISA, met with
Cao Jisheng, President of Yisheng, and Gong Xinmin, Vice
Chairman of Yisheng, to discuss the higher level cooperation in
layer breeding.
Founded in 1990, Yisheng has emerged as a leading livestock
company in China with activities in layer-, broiler- and pig-
breeding, dairy cow husbandry and milk processing, and feed
production. Headquartered in Shandong, China, Yisheng
is the top layer breeding company in China, with sales of
approximately five million Parent Stock (PS) layers annually. It
currently imports approximately 60,000 – 90,000 Grand Parent
Stock (GPS) layers.
The partnership between ISA and Yisheng has grown over the
last few years. In June, the two companies signed an agreement
for the supply of Isa Brown GPS chicks to Yisheng. The first
shipment arrived in August. Almost 70,000 day old chicks have
been delivered since then.
Thijs Hendrix: “ISA’s advanced genetics, our expertise in poultry, and our worldclass breeding- and hatchery facilities will provide Yisheng with access to the
highest quality in genetics and service to support their excellence in breeding,
producing and selling modern layer genetics in China”.
6
Equipped for the Future
Maartje Hendrickx, Marketing & Communications Manager
As the transition to cage-free eggs continues to gather
momentum in the United States (U.S.), ISA Focus reports on
the impact on the layer equipment industry.
As reported in our last issue, while 90% of the US egg-market
is still currently met with cage-produced eggs, it is anticipated
that a big part will switch to cage-free production within the
next few years, because of growing demand for cage-free eggs
from consumers, retailers, food processors and food services,
including an increasing number of large, high profile, food
companies.
Emphasis on Management
Both manufacturers emphasize that keeping layers in a noncaged system requires a different type of management
compared to caged systems. Their non-caged systems are
designed with the natural behavior patterns of layers in mind,
making management quite easy, if properly executed.
Mexico-based, Grupo Bimbo - the largest bakery company in
the world, with operations in the U.S., several countries in Latin
America, Canada, China, Spain and the United Kingdom are
one of the most recent to join the list of global food giants,
who have already committed to the use of cage-free eggs indicating that the trend might also have some impact on the
industry in Latin America, even though there are currently no
significant cage-free commercial egg production operations in
the region.
Choice of Layers
Alongside appropriate management, choice of layer breed is
also important. More and more U.S. egg-producers that want
to make the switch to cage-free housing may fear problems
with risk of floor eggs, keel bone and plumage damage and loss
of efficiency and production, and think that the best option is to
switch to brown hens. However, in terms of total egg weight per
laying cycle, white hens lay as many kilograms per hen housed
as their brown counterparts, while consuming a significantly
lower amount of feed.
Dekalb White
Rising Demand for Aviary Systems
Layer equipment manufacturers are reporting rapidly growing
demand for aviary systems in the U.S. and elsewhere. Big
Dutchman designs and produces practical, economical
and environmentally-friendly solutions for the poultry and
swine industries, including a wide range of housing for layer
production. In the last five years, they have seen a global
industry-wide investment in cage-free equipment, with a rise in
the sales of aviary systems from 19% of total sales in 2010 to
45% in 2015 in the US.
Because of its docile behavior, the Dekalb White bird is an
excellent bird for alternative systems. It’s widely recognized for
their excellent persistency and excellent shell quality. In terms
of total egg-mass per cycle, the Dekalb White matching Brown
birds by producing more eggs per hen housed. While the Shaver
White currently dominates Hendrix-ISA LLC US sales (80%),
the Dekalb White will be commercially available in the U.S. from
Hendrix-ISA from spring 2016.
Vencomatic, who design non-caged systems for commercial
layers, have also reported increases in sales of aviary systems.
With more than 30 years of experience in the management of
birds in non-caged systems, they also have growing demand for
their professional advice services from egg-producers on how
to keep layers in these systems in the transition from cage- to
cage-free production.
7
Turning Challenge into Success
Vera Claessens, Marketing & Communications Officer
Originally from the Netherlands, André Hingstman and his wife,
Aaltje, had just embarked on realizing their ambition to start
their own farm in Denmark, when a dramatic turn of events
changed their lives.
An accident left André paralyzed from the chest down, and
dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility. He was no longer able
to continue with dairy farming, due to his disability. However,
thanks to the ingenuity of ISA’s distributor Topaeg in Denmark
and the suitability of ISA’s Dekalb White layer to aviary systems,
he was able to carry on farming with the discovery a new and
prosperous opportunity in organic layers.
Opportunity
André had already recognized a growing interest amongst
Danish consumers in organic products, including organic eggs.
A couple of years previously, he met Hardy Eskildsen from
Topaeg one of ISA’s distributors of Bovans Brown and Dekalb
White, who proposed an idea to convert an old turkey barn on
André’s farm into an aviary system for organic poultry. André
would be able to manage the poultry house from his wheelchair.
André and Aaltje turned the idea into reality and started their
own organic layer farm in 2010. Their decision was a well-timed
investment, as ’caged’ layer systems were banned in Denmark
in 2012. The farm now has 10,000 Dekalb White layers within
a two-row aviary system.
Exceptionally Docile Bird
The Dekalb White is an excellent bird, highly suited to cagefree environments, such as aviary systems. It not only produces
extremely high egg numbers, and has a long laying persistency
(up to 100 weeks), but is a docile bird. This is important in
‘cage free’ environments, as aggressive behaviors, such as
feather pecking, can prove challenging. White birds are easier
to manage in these environments and ISA’s Dekalb White is an
exceptionally docile bird.
“When I started in 2005, beak trimming was still allowed in
Denmark, but because of the docile character of the birds, it was
not needed. When beak trimming was banned in Denmark in
2012, I never faced any problems with the Dekalb White.” said
André. “Our hens maintain good feathering throughout and
very high livability (>96%). Feather pecking and cannibalism is
minimal.”
André grew up on his parents’ mixed farm, in the Netherlands,
but always wanted to have his own farm abroad. With some
experience of farming in the country from his studies, a similar
agricultural climate to the Netherlands, local contacts, and
favorable business development opportunities, he found the
prospects for farming in Denmark particularly attractive.
In January 2005, together with Aaltje, he started a 74 hectare
dairy enterprise with 115 dairy cows. Initially, everything went
well, but after eight months, André had an accident that left
him paralyzed from the chest down, and dependent upon a
wheelchair. No longer able to continue dairy farming, he was
forced to reconsider his future.
“I am delighted with the Dekalb White, which
is easy to manage, even in organic systems.”
8
Hingstman production data 18-70 wks
Livability
97.0
%
Age at 50% production
141
days
Peak production
97.7
%
Production wk 70
89.1
%
Weeks > 90%
47
Avg. egg weight
62.9
Eggs hen housed
333.6
Total egg mass
21.0
kg
Avg. feed consumption
120
g
Feed conversion
2.09
kg/kg
g
Housing and Light
André’s layers have access to pasture in the summer and a
sheltered conservatory located at the side of the building all year
round. During the daytime, natural light always fills the barn.
Many consumers incorrectly assume that layers want to always
be outside in the pasture, but with bad weather conditions, they
prefer to stay inside.
Feeding for Optimal Results
André strategically feeds grain and roughage daily for optimum
nutrition and to keep the layers active. He opts for high quality
feed purchased from a reliable feed supplier and selects optimal
rations based on the observed energy needs of the layers, not
their age, and in consultation with the feed supplier.
“Besides excellent genetic background and best practices in
management, nutrition is of great importance in achieving
optimal results,” he remarked. “It is essential to correctly feed
organically-raised birds. There are few organic feed suppliers,
so our choice was somewhat limited, but we prioritized very
high quality organic feed. It is also crucial to check feed and
water intake daily, and to react immediately when something
changes.”
As he is not able to distribute the feed manually himself,
André copied the automatic robotic feeding system which he
used when he was a dairy farmer, which delivers roughage
throughout the barn several times a day – more frequently in
the winter than the summer, according to when the layers are
more often inside.
“White birds are easier to manage in these
environments and ISA’s Dekalb White is an
exceptionally docile bird.”
Disease Management
In an open system, the risk of infection from wild birds is high.
To protect against Avian Influenza, André ensures that open
water does not gather in the hens’ pasture, as this can attract
wild birds. Parasites within the flock are controlled through
regular inspection and a veterinary control program.
From Strength to Strength
With continual genetic progress, the performance of the Dekalb
White improves consistently. The versatile, high performance
layers have made a major contribution to the success of André’s
venture and he plans to expand his business next year with
construction of a new aviary system for 12,000 hens.
“Our hens improve year after year, with more eggs laid each
year and a stable egg weight,” he said. “I am delighted with
the Dekalb White, which is easy to manage, even in organic
systems.”
9
ISA has adopted the updated Code-EFABAR
2014-2016
Pieter van As, Sustainability Coordinator, Hendrix Genetics
ISA recently renewed the Code-EFABAR and we are proud to
tell it to the world! ISA has established a solid Sustainability
Program to ensure that its activities focus on sustainable animal
production.
Hendrix Genetics has established a solid Sustainability Program to
ensure that its activities focus on sustainable animal production.
ISA recently renewed the Code-EFABAR. The adoption of CODEEFABAR is a prime example of how this program is generating
result. Sustainability is a fundamental at Hendrix Genetics. It
forms one of the companies four strategic pillars.
Code-EFABAR is a voluntary code of good practice for responsible
farm animal breeding. An important part of a sustainable and
healthy food supply chain. By following the code, breeding
organizations are demonstrating that they are committed to
supporting a sustainable future.
We, ISA, stand at the beginning of the food chain. We have
direct task to provide responsible and healthy livestock to our
customers.
Code-EFABAR is designed to provide breeding organizations
with a practical guide and tool to help achieve sustainable
and balanced farm animal breeding whilst delivering improved
transparency for wider society. It is based on practical codes of
conduct to ensure optimal food safely and public health, animal
health and welfare, resource efficiency, reduced environmental
impact and product quality.
ISA, and all other breeding organizations of Hendrix Genetics,
recently renewed their Code-EFABAR and we are proud to tell
it to the world.
Servé Hermans with Pieter van As
10
Parallels between generations
Maartje Hendrickx, Marketing & Communications Manager
Terran Veda McQueen Shaver - granddaughter of global poultry
industry pioneer, Dr. Donald Shaver - was one of the students
from the Athabasca University, Ontario, Canada, who received
in May 2015 a commemorative scholarship to study in the
Netherlands. She has recently completed that study at the Vrije
Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam.
Terran, who is 24, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and is
now studying Psychology towards becoming a Counselor. She
is specializing in the treatment of drug- and other addictions.
While her studies are a world away from poultry breeding, she
shares a passion for learning with her grandfather, Dr. Donald
Shaver.
coming weeks. There are a lot of places that I want to visit. My
grandfather has a very involved history here, so I would like to
be able to go back and tell him about all the places that I have
been here. He points out that he was 24 when he was here and
I will be here for my 24th birthday! That’s a cool parallel that we
both cherish. It is essential to me that I really make the most of
my time here.”
“My grandfather is my biggest inspiration in my life,” she said.
“I admire everything about him, but his passion for education
resonates with me most. He has always stressed the importance
“It’s been an amazing opportunity to come here, for which I
am very grateful,” she said. “It has also been fascinating to see
a bit of my family history from a different perspective and to
realize just how big an impact of my grandfather’s work has
really had. It’s good to know that Hendrix Genetics shares his
core values: caring for animals, finding ways to feed the world
and, at the same time, achieve a balance. My grandfather and I
have always had a strong relationship, but with the scholarship,
we are closer than we’ve ever been, which is really nice!”
Terran Shaver with Thijs Hendrix
Dr. Donald Shaver and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
of education to me, been very supportive of my education
and emphasized that it doesn’t matter what I study, as long as
I am passionately involved in that subject. I hope to obtain a
PhD, or even more than one. So, I have a special bond with my
grandfather, because of that. Studying in the Netherlands has
a special significance for Terran. Her grandfather served in the
Netherlands during World War II between 1944 and 1945.
When King Willem – Alexander and Queen Maxima of the
Netherlands presented Terran with her scholarship in May, they
also paid a personal tribute to Dr. Shaver during the ceremony
for his service in the Netherlands at the end of the war.
“I love Europe and the Netherlands is a particularly lovely
country,” said Terran. “Everyone is so nice. The kindness of
people here has struck me the most. I am always surprised by
how different cultures can be. Although I haven’t yet had a
chance to explore the country thoroughly, I hope to do so in the
A Pioneer in the Global Poultry Industry
Dr. Donald Shaver (born August 12, 1920) is a Canadian
pioneer in the poultry industry, who founded a breeding
company that achieved world-wide prominence. He
developed an interest in poultry in 1932, when he
was given two hens by a great aunt. By the mid ‘30s,
he was selling 2,000 chickens a week. In 1946, there
were 256 registered chicken breeders in Canada.
Shaver Poultry became the 257th. By 1958, only
Shaver remained along with seven other major poultry
breeders worldwide. Shaver began worldwide expansion
in the late 1950s. Following Dr. Shaver’s retirement
in 1985, Shaver was acquired by ISA in 1988 and
Hendrix Genetics in 2005. The Shaver layer, which he
developed, is now a mainstay in ISA’s product portfolio.
11
Celebrating a Decade of
Success
Marcel Huijsmans, Director Marketing & Communications
Hendrix Genetics
Editors
Ten years ago, the business plan of what was to become Hendrix Genetics was
drafted by Thijs Hendrix and Antoon van den Berg at a swimming pool in Madrid,
Spain. An ambitious plan that started with bringing Institut de Sélection Animale, a
French/Canadian layer breeding company and Hendrix Poultry Breeders, a Dutch
layer breeding company together. It marks the birth of Hendrix Genetics. By the end
of 2005, a company with 500-600 employees was created.
Maartje Hendrickx
Marketing & Communications Manager
Vera Claessens
Marketing & Communications Officer
From the start Hendrix Genetics realized and even exceeded beyond all expectations,
the plan that was envisioned back in 2005. It wasn’t always easy and demanded
intense efforts from all employees, but today – 10 years down the road – the
company is proud of where it is today - A leading, multi-species, animal breeding
company.
In 2015, all Hendrix Genetics locations, all over the world, celebrated the 10th
anniversary with colleagues. They planned activities together; had dinner together,
played a golf competition or went for an excursion. Integra, Hendrix Genetics’
distributor in the Czech Republic celebrated its 25th anniversary.
12
Nels Koppes
Marketing Associate
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