utopige research program - novogen-layer...of 5,000 sisters of the males have been added (ten per...

CONTENTS

Pages 1 - 5

Pages 6 - 9

Pages 10 - 15

Update on NOVOGEN’s Products & Activities

NOVOGEN Distribution Network Agents & Distributors

NOVOGEN In the News

NEWSLETTERN05 AUTUMN 2013

FIRST EXPERIENCE OF THE

The feasibility of the use of genomic selection for the production of table eggs is being studied by the reserearch project called "UTOPIGE" involving INRA and Primary Layer Breeder NOVOGEN.

Genomic selection has already become a reality in dairy cattle. Genotyping of candidate bulls has now completely replaced the progeny test. Is such a great change of selection schemes also possible with pig and poultry?

To answer this question researchers from four laboratories of INRA (Rennes, Toulouse, Jouy-en-Josas and Le Rheu), some �� Bioporc and the company NOVOGEN) have decided to collaborate in the "Utopige" program.

Launched in 2011 for a period of four years and a total cost of over €3.5 million, it has been supported with €1 million by the French National Research Agency. By launching an experience of genomic selection in natural size, one has to prepare the ground for a new selection methodology adapted to cross breeding programs. In pork and poultry, dedicated pure lines are used to produce exclu-sively males, others exclusively females, which are then crossed.

6NOVOGEN People of NOVOGEN

" UTOPIGE " research program

(continuation)500 males genotyped and 40,000 daughters’ per-formance measured For the poultry part of the Utopige project a male line of NOVOGEN was chosen. Currently, to determine the genetic value of these males on repro-ductive traits one has to measure the performance of their daughters. It takes time, especially if you are interested in the persistency of lay.�� correlation table between genetic markers of the re-ference males and the performance of their daugh-ters.Five hundred males, spread over three generations in six months period(1), were used. For each male �� conditions, was measured for about thirty criteria (number of eggs, egg quality, and weight of the hens per family). In total about 40,000 daughters were di-!��#��$�%�� additional variable, with the idea of answering the question: "Is it possible to detect genotypes of which the commercial layers will be adapted to different farming conditions?" The daughters were therefore separated into two groups, one fed a low energy diet (formulation Asian or Indian style) and the other fed a high energy diet (formulation USA style). Finally also the performance of 5,000 sisters of the males have been added (ten per male) to the data base.

Three genomic values can be calculated '**�� + ��

Le Roy of INRA. After analysing 580,000 markers which potentially were useful, we retained 300,000 providing usable information. Despite this, there are still 132 million genotyping data to manage and 1.2 million data on the daughters of the males. To give more strength to the experiment the researchers chose to focus on a single criterion, the intensity of laying between 50 and 75 weeks. The more crite-�� !��conclude given the relatively small size of our popu-lation of reference males" says Pascale Le Roy.The researchers can establish three tables of cor-respondence and calculate three genomic values per male: one from the data of the sisters in selec-tion, one from the daughters with low-energy feed and one with the daughters with high energy feed.�� !��are encouraging. We can make a different ranking of males, according to the quality of the feed given to their daughters." This is promising for the rest of the program.

The second phase of Utopige will start end of this �� #��$��/�;��40 different males, progeny of 440 precedent males chosen from among 600 genotyped birds. "From the genomic prediction, we’ll take the ten best and ten worst for the intensity of lay, as well as for high-ener-gy as for low-energy feed. Maybe some males will ��!�� %'� �� prediction model works, the performances of their � �� %��!�� expected in early 2015.

UPDATE ON NOVOGEN’SPRODUCTS & ACTIVITIES

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GENOMIC SELECTION "FOR DUMMIES"

Genomic selection is to predict the genetic value of an individual with infor-mation obtained directly from the genes(1). This avoids going through the performance measures (of the animal or its relatives), which lead to the calculation of an expected genetic value.��$�� !�-dual. Genotyping is made from a drop of blood and the use of a "DNA chip». The chip detects hundreds of thousands of markers, called SNP’s, inserted into the DNA.

To select the individuals, it is necessary to know the relationship between �� $�� %�<�� reference population which is genotyped and whose performance is known.

Pascale Le Roy, Researcher at INRA:"Genomic selection could be performed only on males, while females remain to be selected in conventional breeding programs."


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A new tool to optimise Utopige opens the door to a new way of se-��%�=�� -sure may be considered (e.g.: disease resistance, stress, behaviour, fertility, etc.).The choice of males can be improved. Currently, for each generation 150 males are maintained during the selection process (from the 2,000 hatched) and selected on performances for certain criteria coming from their family and not on their own actual genetic value. Genotyping will therefore bring more genetic progress.

According to Thierry Burlot, geneticist of NOVOGEN, "The ideal situation would be to genotype all indivi-duals, but it is still expensive (€150 per bird)." This economic obstacle could be circumvented in several ways. Lowering the cost by a careful selection of a small number of markers or to save on other costs of selection. Or by limiting the genotyping to a certain number of lines or even certain animals. It is rather this hypothesis of an " in-between " solution contem-plated Pascale Le Roy." For example, genomic selection could be performed only on males, while females remain to be selected in conventional bree-ding programs. "Research to optimise the genomic selection schemes alone or associated, is also still at the start of the process.

(1) The normal size of a generation of males in the selection phase is 150 individuals, of which 50 are kept to produce the next generation.

Note: Extract from an article of the magazine Réussir Aviculture (May 2013) written by Pascal Le Douarin.

Three years ago NOVOGEN embarked its experience with genomic selection on a large-scale, which leads to individual testing of more than 40,000 hens, especially in Gwénael Car-rée’s farm in Plouguenast (Côtes d’Armor.)

Low-energy diet (left) and high-energy (right).Utopige seeks to verify whether within the same line certain genotypes are more suited than others to a particular feed type.

�� tested six months � ��=>@>HK=�� Q�� !��the chick placement dates had to coincide.

Five days a week, around 07.00, Gwénael Carrée counts and still is counting. Equipped with a handheld computer, he halts at each of the 800 cages with 13 hens, which are half-sisters being the daughters of the same male (father). ��X�� Y��#��(the farm has 80,000 layers in total). He registers the daily production and mortality of each cage, from the date of placement till the end of the production cycle. This work takes every day about 1 to 1½ hour. Other measures are performed by a technician of the �� [\��]�� ^� �� layers and their weight, egg weight every 5 weeks and egg quality measures. Plus the rating of some behavioural criteria.

�� tested six months � ��=>@>HK=�� Q�� !��ththee chchicickk plplacacememenentt dadatetess hahadd toto ccoioincncididee.

GWENAEL CARREE,FARMERand experimental aid


Thierry Burlot Geneticist NOVOGEN

"The ideal solution would be to genotype all candi-dates for selection, but it still costs €150 per bird."

Note: Extract from an article of the magazine "Réussir Aviculture" (May 2013) written by Pascal Le Douarin.

€500,000 invested by NOVOGENAt Gwénael Carrée’s farm it was decided to divide the cages into three parts (with opaque walls, two nests and perches) and to add two silos for the distribution of different feeds into the chain feeders. This invest-ment was funded by NOVOGEN which is planning to spend at least €500,000 on this testing program. The farmer is paid for the egg counting and the addi-tional feed costs are charged to NOVOGEN.

_��!��#��$�� ̀ {��$�� -tion was about 15 g per day (110 g and 125 g between high energy and low energy). "In our housing conditions, the differences in lay between the two feeding regimes are low." underlines Thierry Burlot, geneticist of NOVOGEN. '|�� }�� '�� Gwénael, adding, "according to the different cages (i.e. "father-effect"), I do observe differences in the number of eggs, where they lay and their condition in general." Proof that there is still a genetic variability in the pure lines!

"Whatever the results, we will continue testing at Gwénael’s farm, of course as long as he wants it," says the geneticist. "I am very interested in this col-laboration that allows me to evolve" assures the interested. It is why he will probably ask for to place a second nest in the others cages.

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Gwénael Carrée noting the eggs laid by each cage. "This collaboration with the genetic research program also allows me to progress technically."

Gwénael Carrée noting the eggs laid byeach cage. "This collaboration with thegenetic research program also allows me to progress technically."


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NETHERLANDS: REARING LAYER CHICKS

in an aviary system at Verbeek Hatchery After two months of hard work the rearing farm of the family Boekhorst, working for Verbeek Hatchery Holland, in the North of ��=�� ;{��NOVOgen Brown parent stock. Hatched and prepared in the NO-VOGEN hatchery in France, the chicks left Quintin by truck and arrived at their destination about 12 hours later.

��have carefully prepared their Venco-matic aviary rearing system (called "volière" in the Netherlands) of 1,500 m². Before the actual placement of the chicks Jac Matijsen, Technical Breeder Manager with Verbeek, ensures the good hou-sing conditions (ambient temperature of 28.5 °C, CO2-concentra-tion of 2,900 ppm, no presence of ammonia, etc.) and the quality of the chicks upon arrival (general condition, activity, body tempera-ture, body weights). At the actual delivery conditions were met; the boxes with the female chicks are distributed in equal numbers on the sides of the aviary system and the boxes with the 2,600 male chicks are placed on the inner half of the housing system.

Jac also ensures the preparation and the spraying of the IB-vaccine of the chicks in the boxes, just after arrival. After the vaccination the chicks are gently tipped on the slats covered by biodegradable paper which is used for the start-up phase. The chicks are closed up in this part of the aviary system for 10 days, until the anticoccidial vaccination has been done. After ��X�� $�� Y��%��!�� !� �� !�-lopment of the birds. The feed is distributed by the pan feeders on the lower level of the system and the water is distributed by nipple drinker lines on different levels of the slatted areas. A 3-dimensional space is created gradually allowing chickens to roam freely. All materials are suspended independently of the frame. This kind of system is designed to facilitate the work of the farmer while allowing the birds to express their natural behaviour.

_��X��$�� Q��$�� #��$��then be transferred to a production farm also using an aviary system.

USE OF THE AVIARY SYSTEMThe spacious aviary system, well established in Northern Europe system, allows raising a larger number of birds in �� #��%

The full use of the available space by the pullets is only pos-�� }��-ments of the different levels of the system:1 / At startup, the plastic slats are covered with chick paper. The birds are started in three compartments. One nipple drinker line and two feeder lines per compartment are ac-cessible.2 / At 10 days the central platform is lifted to a height equal to that of the chicks, the lower center divider panel is placed in a horizontal position, with some tables left tilted serving as a ramp to give the birds the possibility to jump from the drinker lines.3 /�� of age the lower external panels are � �� !�� #��%�� are available to cross the 45 cm space between the slats ��#��%4 / During the �� the central platforms conti-nue to rise. The pullets are able to access the second level of tables around 6 weeks of age.

IB-vaccination in the boxesBreeder females after tipping on the chick paper

The aviary system seen from aboveTon and Sylvia Boekhorst and Jac Matijsen

FAISAL CHICKSNOVOGEN DISTRIBUTORin Pakistan since 2009

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NOVOGEN DISTRIBUTION NETWORKAGENTS & DISTRIBUTORS

The commercial egg industry has taken up its story in Pakistan since the 1960s. The layer population has rea-ched now about 28 to 30 million commercial layers in total. It is a white egg market as white eggs represent 100% of the total demand. Furthermore, the Pakistani people are famous for their unique consumer behaviour, as seasons generally affect their ability to consume eggs. Therefore, the operatio-nal units for parent stock and commercial layers are strongly affected by this trend. 65% of the total commercial layers are placed in Punjab, about 17% in Karachi, while the rest (18%) are distributed over the Baluchistan and KPK provinces. The Pakistani mar-ket is a completely liberalised market, so all other breeds can be seen. This is why the competition there is quite strong.

NOVOGEN entered into the Pakistani layer market ��;�� =>@>��|��H+� ��+��#��$�� $�� %�� Chicks was established in 2008 and focuses on the produc-tion and distribution of layer parent stock chicks and com-mercial layer chicks. The company works with a team of very good, skilled and highly motivated veterinarians and techni-cians.�� =>@>��|��H+� �� +�� #��$�� !�� %� � �� $�� only dealing directly with the production of commercial layer chicks, but they also work closely together with Dr. Rashed and Dr. Amer, owners of NOVOgen White PS, for the launch of the NOVOgen White in parallel with its own production!

The current production performance of the NO-VOgen White is very competitive to the other competitor breeds that were already doing business in Pakistan. With �� !��#��$��$�� #��=>@>HK=�� $��share in Pakistan to 18% of the total market share of the Pakistani egg layer market. Furthermore, there is a plan to continue increasing this share, in particular, NOVOGEN has ��!��#�� $��to its extremely calm and quiet behaviour and capability to adapt to very hot temperatures its achieves a good peak as high as 95% with more than 27 weeks over 90% production and a very good egg quality which is making it into the pro-duct of choice in Pakistan.

Nabil Khoury, Agent, Olivier Behaghel, Business Director, Mickael Le Helloco, Director, NOVOGEN, Dr Ahmad Mustafa Director Faisal Chicks, Hammad Hammad, Technical Manager NOVOGEN.

For more information about NOVOGEN in Pakistan, please contact:

FAISAL CHICKSDr. Ahmad MustafaPhone: +92 418 726 639 Mobile: +92 321 664 7007

Dr. Amir Ishaq (PS Distributor), Ch. Ghulam Mustafa (CEO Faisal Chicks, Dr Ahmad Mustafa, and Dr Rashid Saeed (PS Distributor.)

ISABALT REPRESENTING

NOVOGEN in the CIS countries

TUNISIA PAMED 2013:NOVOGEN WHITEin "pole position"


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Tunisia, the only producer of white table eggs in the Maghreb area, since 2 years has seen the libe-ralisation of quotas and renewed access to the Libyan market, which has leads to a growth of layer chick sales for the three hatcheries involved.This reinforcement of the market has facilitated the entry of NOVOgen White in Tunisia. With Poulina in 2010 and with Chahia in 2011, since then the good technical performance levels associated with ease of management have contributed to the fact that the NO-VOgen White is now seen as the genetic solution for all producers in Tunisia.Early 2013 Sotavi, a layer hatchery with a majority of �� #��$��in 2013 and 2014 through an international competitive bid addressed to all the layer breeding companies in the world. The technical committee in charge of selec-��!�� Y�� =>@>��|�� only solution for all of their parent stock needs for the next two years.Thanks to its success, the NOVOgen White is now in "pole position" on the Tunisian market. The PAMED 2013 exhibition allowed NOVOGEN to underline our technical messages for the NOVOgen White and to secure even more the next level of performance.

About SOTAVISotavi is the second largest layer hatchery in Tunisia, which has a complete new hatchery with a capacity of 6,000,000 eggs; 7,500 m2 of layer houses and 43,000 layer PS which soon will be 100% NOVOgen White.

PAMED 2013

Hubbard-NOVOGEN booth at Pamed 2013.From left to right front row: Groupe Poulina with Dr Kamel and Mr Chiheb ; back row: Groupe Taissir with Hichem Trabelsi, Hubbard-NOVOGEN team with Jean-François Hamon, Consultant, and Domi-nique Béchet, Sales Manager.

NOVOGEN has recently appointed the company ISABALT as their exclusive representative for the CIS-region.

ISABALT has a long history and close relationship with the different companies of Groupe Grimaud, of which the main one is with Hubbard. Since 20 years ISABALT represents Hubbard in the CIS-region and through their high quality of (local) production, distribution and excellent technical follow-up they are the market leaders in the supply of the broiler breeder market in Russia with more than 50% mar-ket share.

Along with the success in the broiler market, the team of ISABALT, will be able to give a strong boost to NOVOGEN in their search for a strong market penetration in the CIS-region.

Within the sales team of ISABALT, Saulius Petkevicius will be the main contact for the NOVOGEN customers in the CIS-region and he is directly supported by Nicolas Neyra, Area Manager of NOVOGEN for the same region.

For more information about NOVOGEN in the

CIS-regions, please contact:

ISABALTSaulius Petkevicius

Email: [email protected] Mobile: +370 611 22949

YEMEN:FIRST ARRIVAL OF NOVOgen White Parent Stock

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Yemeni’s layers market represents around 6 million commercial layers which according to the market requirement all produce white table eggs. In =�!��;�X;��#��$��=>@>��|��parent stock has been placed in Yemen. It has been �� <��\ ��+�� started farming in layers some 25 years ago, and �� !��

table eggs in Yemen. Most of their farms are at the Q��\ �� %��<��\ �� has developed rapidly during the last decade and they have a very good experience in managing layer breeders. As they are at the forefront of new developments in the market and always looking for new trends and products, they chose the NOVOgen White to work with.

�� $�#��$�� -�� #��$�� !��already been placed. NOVOGEN expects good performance as the NOVOgen White is well suited to the Yemeni conditions, as it is a bird selected to be able to eat and produce well in various environments. As from now onwards =>@>HK=� ��<��\ ��!�� -tive for the Yemeni farmers with better produc-�� %

��!#!��$��%��&��'

Picture of a typical Yemeni "QAT Room" with: Mohammed Hamoud <��\ �� <��\ ��Poultry Farms Co., Dr. Omar Al-Maghrabi (Poultry Veterinarian) and Dr. Turki Sarakbi (Poultry Ex-pert).

VERBEEK IN THE NETHERLANDS HOSTED THE THIRDNOVOGEN Distributors Meeting

NOVOGEN DISTRIBUTORS NETWORK AGENTS & DISTRIBUTORS

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From 15th-17th of April Verbeek Hatchery in the Netherlands, the largest commercial layer hat-chery in Europe, hosted the 3rd NOVOGEN Distri-butors Meeting.

During this meeting NOVOGEN Distributors from 18 different countries from all around the world shared their experiences and technical results of the NOVOGEN products. Like all attendees Pie-ter Kruit, General Manager of Verbeek Hatchery, explained more about the very positive feedback ��=>-VOGEN products (Brown and White) in every stage of the production: high egg quality, better longevity, good persistency, optimal feed consumption, good adaptation to different management condi-tions and production systems.

The clear differences in behaviour against other breeds available in the market are seen on each continent and each type of housing.

�� Q��R&D Director of NOVOGEN, who showed the in-ternal and external trial results and the important R&D-work done to achieve a good laying rate with an extended lifecycle, maintaining a good egg qua-lity with a bird that is calm and easy to manage in different management conditions (climate, housing type and feed type).

Mickaël Le Helloco, the General Manager of NOVOGEN, showed the ongoing expansion around the world. NOVOGEN is now distributed in more than 50 countries and the distribution network conti-nues to grow. In the coming months NOVOGEN will be able to share more positive developments in dif-ferent parts of the world.

The group also visited several commercial farms of Verbeek’s customers and the new hatchery of Verbeek with a total capacity of 30 million layers per year.

All attendees went home highly motivated, feeling to be a real member of the growing NOVOGEN family.

NOVOGENCOMMERCIAL LAYERS IN

Vietnam

THAILAND:NOVOGEN TAKES BIG STEP WITH Laemthong Company

NOVOGEN is very pleased that they have ta-ken a big step in Thailand through its collaboration with � ��%��=>@>��Q�� $� �-rived on 15th June 2013 followed by a second shipment on 20nd July 2013. The deliveries went well with very low mortality and a very low 1st week mortality rate. K �� X�� XX� #��$�� `{��X�{��breeder females will be placed by Laemthong.

Laemthong, the third largest player in Thailand, produces 120,000 layer chicks per week or 6.2 million per annum. Through its decision to change to the NO-VOgen Brown Laemthong expects to further improve their commercial layer performance and breeder perfor-mance. Thailand currently has 46 million layers produ-cing 36 million table eggs per day. But in 2013 the layer breeder import may reach 489,000 layer breeders to match the local consumption of 200 eggs per capita.

Above: NOVOgen Brown PS males upon arrival, and below: Chicks ready to depart to breeder farm with 150km to go.

Since 2009 NO-VOGEN have ship-�� -ber of NOVOgen Brown PS to Luong My in the North and one of the company in the South. Now in year 2013 we have good number of

commercial stocks in the country and we are very proud to say NOVOgen Brown has performed the best among all breeds.

Mr. Houng Director General of Luong my mentio-ned "We are very proud to work with both Hubbard and NOVOGEN: on Hubbard side we can say we have nothing to complain and same with NOVOGEN. We have placed ��#��$��=>@>��Q��+��;�� !��proud to say the birds are very well-accepted by the far-mers and now they only ask for NOVOgen Brown." Mr. Huong also explained the farmers are very happy with egg numbers, FCR and main reasons are the egg shell quality and egg shell color which is a total different story from our previous breed. The condition of the hens is also good at the end of the cycle with very low mortality.

� =>@>HK=��Y�� -ber of NOVOgen Brown PS to another customer. We are very sure we will make it to be number one breed in Viet-nam in the near future.

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Mr. Houng Director General of Luong here with Vipavadee Nyamacom, Regional Sales Mana-ger Hubbard-NOVOGEN.

NETHERLANDS: GOOD PERFORMANCES OF THE NOVOGEN Commercial Layers

11

Verbeek Hatchery Holland started late 2011 with �� $� #��$�� =>@>HK=%�� -�� $�� -cond part of 2012. Now, a year later, they can be found on the farms of many Verbeek customers. The expecta-��%�� =>@>HK=�fully meet those expectations. Pieter Kruit, General Ma-nager of Verbeek, says: "The NOVOGEN products make promises come true; a low feed conversion and a high liveability. The calm behaviour of the hen is seen as very positive by the poultry farmers."

+�� =>@>HK=�#��$��in front of him. They show that not only the conventional, but also the organic hens show good results. "On the ba-sis of these calculations we can show that a NOVOGEN � ��!�� combining the proven main NOVOGEN features of a good longevity, egg quality, persistency and optimum feed conversion."

The choice for NOVOGENPieter Kruit, "Verbeek has made the choice for NO-VOGEN because the farmers will get the best results and job satisfaction from it." According to Kruit the cur-rent trends in the European market also explains the rea-son for the choice for NOVOGEN. "Margins are shrinking in the layer industry. This means that a farmer needs a layer with a very sharp feed conversion and a good laying persistency over a long production period. These goals must be within the basic of ease of management. Today, the layers are mainly kept in alternative systems and then a calm behaviour is a must. With the genetic �� =>@>HK=�� -rement. Moreover, NOVOGEN and Verbeek are consul-ting each other about the breeding goals on a regular basis."

� ��=>@>��|��#��$�� layers in the Netherlands has an age of 74 weeks. These

layers have proven themselves on their good nesting �� !�� %/��#��%��#��$� �� -racterised by a good feathering and exhibits virtually no stress. The eggs are delivered to the Dutch egg packing station "Van Beek" who monitors the quality of the eggs. At an age of 58 weeks this company reported a selection at their egg packing station of only 1.9%. Given the age ��#��$� �� !�� %�� $ �� #��$��!�� %�At 32 weeks of age they suffered of a severe worm infec-tion, which also resulted in increased losses, but produc-tion recovered very quickly from 96.3% to 97.85%. The production is now already for nearly 50 weeks above 90%, with an average laying rate of 92.90% and egg weight of 65 grams.

Field results of NOVOGEN commercial layers in alterna-tive housing � �� #��$�� %��#��$�� {�� `��$�%��!�� @��$�� !�� #��$��{��$�%�� 50% production can be seen with the NOVOgen Brown Light at 22.1 weeks and with the NOVOgen White at 21.7 weeks. As shown in the table below, the laying rate is increasing rapidly. At 25 weeks the average production is 94.3% for all the NOVOgen Brown Light and 94.8% for the NOVOgen White. In the longer term, these produc-�� saleable eggs, the desired egg weight and good feed ��%�<�� every reason to be positive about the future.

Age(wks)

25 94.3 94.8 54.8 54.3 2.24 2.22 0.3 1.130 95.4 97.0 58.2 58.7 2.16 2.09 0.3 0.940 95.2 96.7 60.9 62.7 2.14 1.97 0.2 0.9

NOVOgen Brown light

NOVOgen White

Laying Rate (%) Egg Weight (g) Feed Conversion 2nd quality (%)

NOVOgen Brown light

NOVOgen White

NOVOgen Brown light

NOVOgen White

NOVOgen Brown light

NOVOgen White

Overview production results Novogen (Verbeek-NL)

NOVOGEN IN THE NEWS

TOM BARRON GROUP TARGETS35% OF BRITISH MARKET with NOVOgen Brown

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NOVOGEN IN THE NEWS

In April 2013 Johan Venken of the magazine "Plui-mvee" from Belgium, Hans Bijleveld of the magazine "Plui-mveehouderij" from the Netherlands along with a delegation of Verbeek Hatchery from the Netherlands visited the Tom Barron Group in Preston, in the North-West of England to see �� =>@>��Q��%

TOM BARRON GroupTom Barron is the founder of the company. He established already in 1893 Tom Barron Hatcheries, so the company exists for over 120 years. Nowadays the "Tom Barron Group", with 110 employees but still run as a real family business, �� !�� ^� �� Q �� -cheries (capacity 11 million layer chicks/year; 5 layer bree-der farms), Tom Barron Ltd. (rearing of 1 million pullets/year), Tom Barron Farms (700 dairy cattle), Clifton Dairies (dairy factory) and Fayre Game Ltd. (the largest quail producer of the UK). Neil Leeming, the current director of the group, is the grandson of the founder.

(�� Tom Barron has been selling ISA, Shaver, Warren and Bab-cock, for nearly 50 years, but in 2011 they signed an exclu-sive agreement with NOVOGEN for the distribution of the NOVOgen Brown and NOVOgen White for the UK and Ire-land.<��=>@>��Q�� in 2012 Neil Leeming expects about 3 million NOVOGEN hens to sell this year. Once the full conversion from ISA to NOVOGEN is over, he expects to expand to 8 million hens (25% of the market) and even to bring this number up to a level of about 11 million NOVOGEN in the longer term. They then would have 35% of the market. With the now well-known �� =>@>HK=�� !��good shell quality and laying persistency) this target seems to be well achievable.In 2010 the UK still had 36 million, nearly 100% all brown, laying hens. Since then, this fell to 31 million in 2012. 52% of the farms are equipped with enriched cages, 1% organic and 47% and free range.

Good production and adaptabilityThe actual production graphs show that the NOVOGEN birds start up well in the production house. What is striking is that �� !�� #��$�� a result of an IB-infection or a ventilation or drinking water issue. But the production recovers almost always very well, and many of the production data shown are for English stan-dards above average on less than average farms. According to Neil this is a sign of the good adaptability of the NOVOGEN layer. The graphs also show that the NOVOGEN hen has a very good persistency.

According to Doug Kirby (here above with one of his custo-mers, Richard Geldard), Sales Manager at Tom Barron, the customers are in general very positive about the NOVOGEN bird. Almost all customers have already re-ordered their next #��$� �� =>@>HK=%�<�� -ducer in Scotland, with half a million free-range hens has embraced NOVOGEN illustrates according to Neil that this new breed can compete with the Lohmann and ISA. In Ire-� �� !�� conversion with the NOVOGEN layer even further improved. So far the results are very promising. The NOVOGEN birds are easily reared, very productive, with good egg shell quality and low mortality.

%��)��*�� NOVOgen BrownDuring the trip a rearing farm and a production farm both with #�� $�� its own layers in colony cages of 60 and 80 hens and on free range were visited. It is clear that everyone is very pleased �� =>@>��Q�� %��#��$��!��`{�weeks of age were still well feathered and the layer farmers �� !�� %� '+ �� its good adaptability the NOVOgen Brown is suitable for the various farming systems and variable conditions in our market," said Doug. The visit to England and conversations �� =>@>��Q�� in practice this is really achieved. "So far production, feed intake and the low mortality of the NOVOGEN birds is bet-ter than we have achieved with other breeds. Moreover, it is a quiet hen. The measured egg quality into our packing station is excellent and we have not received any customer complaints about the egg quality.’’, say the brothers Ian and Neil McHardy who produce, pack and sell their own "Pennine Eggs" brand.

<�� !�� !�� the practical experiences, the visitors are no longer surprised by Tom Barron’s positive sales expectations of the NOVOgen Brown in the UK and Ireland!

DEVELOPMENT OF NOVOGEN distribution in Spain

NOVOGEN IN THE NEWS

� �� #��$�� =>-VOGEN were placed in the Spanish market in the summer of 2010. A new strain, a new breeding company, have been a source of questions and reluc-tance of the industry and led to a slow but solid product introduction.After a few visits to neighbouring countries, where they had the oppor-tunity to check the quality of product performance and the quality breeding program established by NOVOGEN, the initial reluctance has been lif-��%� �� #��$� �� =�!��BROWN arrived in Spain in December 2010.

Avicola AmoeiroAvicola Amoeiro, located in a village north of Orense, quickly saw the po-tential of the Novogen BROWN and �� #��$�%

>��`��;�XX��$��-very took place. José Amoeiro (of Avicola Amoeiro) here above with Constantino Moral, Sales Represen-tative NOVOGEN, states: "After 17 weeks of rearing, the chickens conti-nue to amaze me. This is an extremely quiet hen, with a very low mortality rate during rearing. I can say without fear of contradiction that this was �� #��$�� ^�� manage, good start and good growth helping to build the future potential of the laying hen."

�� #��$� ��$�� %�José adds, "after a peak at 96-97%, and excellent persistency with more than 25 weeks over 90% of lay. The perfect egg size, competitive feed consumption and excellent viabi-lity (1.87% cumulative mortality at 60 weeks of age) complete the excellent ��#��$%'

Following the excellent performance of �� #��$��<!�� <��-nues to have trust in the NOVOGEN �� /��#��$�%

Granja Virgen del RosarioAfter several visits and presentations about the selection program and the performances of the NOVOGEN pro-ducts, Granja Virgen del Rosario was convinced of its own interest to place �#��$��=>@>��Q��%

On the 8th��;�X;��#��$�of 190,000 NOVOgen Brown layers was placed at a farm of Granja Virgen del Rosario located at Mainar (Sara-gossa). Despite a very long transport time the chicks arrived well and were very active from the start. The second #��$� �� X*�� =>@>�� Q��layers was placed on the 23rd of Au-gust 2012 at Mainar. Also this delivery was very well: good chick quality and very low mortality.

Farm manager Francisco Lazaro noted: "It has been very hot during the summer of 2012, but it seems that the NOVOGEN birds did not suffer of the heat, they conti-nued to eat and drink without any problem. The mor-tality during rearing has been extremely low despite the ex-treme weather we have been facing."

<�� #��$��-ring middle of October and a few days of adaptation the good results were already showing up! Miguel Antonio Esteban, Director of the company, commented: "From the beginning �� #��$� �� !�� %� +� $�production was reached without any problems with 50% production at 23 weeks and the lay remaining above 90% till today (44 weeks of age). We are pleasantly surprised by the size of the egg, low mortality and the unifor-mity of the shell colour."

We can say without a doubt that the NOVOgen Brown is a real economic solution for the Spanish market. To-day, more than 2.5 million layers are speaking for themselves.

Ease of management, low mortality, very calm birds combined with ex-cellent egg weights, persistency and good egg shell quality till the end of lay are the strong points of the NOVOgen Brown.

Many Spanish producers already have seen the NOVOGEN birds and many others are closely watching the development of the performances.

ALTERNATIVE OR ENRICHED CAGE SYSTEMS:��=>@>��Q��

14

NOVOGEN IN THE NEWS

The NOVOgen Brown, marketed by Novoponte since 2009, does not have to be ashamed of its own results as it continues to demonstrate its ability as an "all-terrain" layer, easily adaptable to different types of housing. Two farmers can testify this fact: Matthieu Gratton, a producer of organic eggs and Philippe Lefebvre, a producer of conven-tional eggs.

Four years after its launch, the NOVOgen Brown layer continues to show its good performances compa-red to the announced performance targets. Two farmers can attest based on their own experiences, one using an alternative housing system and the other using enriched � ��%�� $�� @�� farm "GAEC Pay", exclusively dedicated to organic produc-tion since 1999. The exploitation of the farm is done by the Gratton family and includes also 1,000 sheep, another 30 milking cows and two buildings of 200 m2 of broilers and guinea fowl, as well as two buildings with 9,000 and 6,000 layers.

Matthieu Gratton, in charge of the layer farm, invited us to �� #��$��`��=>@>��Q�� 32 weeks. The production house, designed by Serupa in 2008, has a winter garden creating a buffer zone between the external environment and the building, which allows for a better temperature control and a decrease in humidity in the building. "This is an additional investment, but it im-proves the comfort of the animals" he says. This additional

living area also reduces mortality, especially in cases of a real heat challenge.

It was in this building with all its comfort that Matthieu Grat-�� =>@>�� Q�� -ferred at 18 weeks with an average live weight of 1.5 kg ��%�<�#��$�'�� !�� start", says Jerome Barreau, technician with Norea.The farmer has seen a good increase in egg size, above standard, reaching an egg weight of 61 g at 30 weeks. The level of downgrades is very low, only 30 eggs per day. The production level is at 94.8% in week 31, compared to the production standard of 93%. Peak production was reached at the 25th week at 96.4%. "It gives us 6 eggs in advan-tage." The goal is to reach a total egg mass of 17.35 kg per hen at 66 weeks, indicates Jerome Barreau.

"It is a curious, but not a nervous hen in relation to things happening outside" says Matthieu Gratton. And looking at the nice distribution of the birds inside the building: "There are no empty zones, allowing for a good distribution around the nests and feed chains, with a feed intake of 124 g / day / hen. These chickens have very little tendency to feather pecking and are going very well to the nest, as the number ��#�� ;�� %'�The mortality rate is also very low: since the start only 20 hens out of 6,000.

�� !�� =>@>��Q��in its behaviour and by its consistent �� >�� /�%��-lected three times a week by Pam-pr’Œuf, they have a nice colour and a good solid shell.

From left to right: Loïc Hervé (Novoponte), Matthieu Gratton (farmer), Jerome Barreau (Norea).

NOVOGEN IN THE NEWS

GOAL: NOVOPONTE SUPPLIES 4 MILLION LAYERS BY END OF 2014

With 3 million layers of NOVOgen Brown sold in 2012, No-voponte has the ambition to market 4 million by the end of 2014. Moreover, Novoponte now also sells the NOVOgen White and NO-VOgen Color (Label Rouge) since the end of 2012.NOVOGEN, the primary layer breeding company and a subsidiary of Groupe Grimaud, provides the Parental Stock to Novoponte, who then sells the progeny to French farmers. After launching the business in 2008, NOVOGEN now distributes Grand Parent Stock and Parent Stock in more than 45 countries around the world.<�� _� ��!�� adapted to many different environments, NOVOGEN has deve-loped a unique and innovative program selection program, combi-��!�� !�� in cages.

In addition to the quantitative genetics, NOVOGEN now de-velops in collaboration with INRA a research project on Genomics � ��[��]%��}�� ;�X�� performance of laying hens using different feed types on the basis of a DNA-microchip of 600,000 SNPs. NOVOGEN will soon be able to use this additional tool in its bree-ding program for the brown and white layers. This will complete the information on the male side and accelerate the genetic progress �� Q�� _� ��NOVOGEN.

"We are 8 eggs ahead of the standard," says Philippe Lefebvre, pleasantly surprised by the persistency of lay.

A similar observation in enriched cageSince 2004 Philippe Lefebvre is in charge of "EARL du Vieux Noyer". The operation currently comprises of a total of 4 houses with in total 200,000 layers in enriched cages and an egg packing station.Philippe Lefebvre followed the advice of his consulting veterinarian Marc Brueker (of Labovet Conseil) and Loïc Hervé (technical manager Novoponte) and agreed to get ��#��$��*{��=>@>��Q��%�� 18 weeks at an average live weight of 1.6 kg, they were 62 weeks of age during our visit.With a peak production of 98% at 26 weeks, the NO-VOgen Brown kept producing over 90% until 59 weeks with an average egg weight voluntarily stabilized at 63.5 g to meet the requirements of the packing station "CDPO". "We are 8 eggs ahead of the standard" precises Philippe Lefebvre, pleasantly surprised by the persistency of lay. The level of downgrades is also very low (4.5% as a total of the production farm and the packing station); the egg shell quality and the shell colour are in line with our expec-tations."This is a very quiet, very easy, hen keeping its herd ins-tinct and going very well into the nest, resulting in an ab-sence of laying from the perch," says the farmer.

Moreover, the NOVOgen Brown eats well. Starting with "mid-lay" feed at the beginning (125 to 126 g/day/hen at 25 weeks). Then a transition to the "end of lay" feed at 35 weeks, Philippe Lefebvre précises that they have lowered the concentration even to a "real end of lay" feed at the 46th��$�� egg size. The NOVOgen Brown consumed 120 g / day at 62 weeks.Well to note: Philippe Lefebvre used in close collaboration with the consulting veterinarian, Marc Brueker, a special formulation. In fact, they added at the beginning 2.8% oil to gradually go back to a level of 1.8% added oil, the crude protein could thus be reduced to 15.6%. The objec-tives are to obtain a better uniformity of hens, to boost the increase in feed consumption and egg production with a more palatable feed. A consumption of 19 g of crude pro-tein and 310 kcal per day at the peak of lay, of which some in the form of oil, protects the liver of the bird. This has a clear impact on the health of the birds and the quality of the egg shell at the end of the production cycle. This re-presented an additional cost of €10 per ton, compensated by a lower protein intake and the fact that no liver-protec-��!�� #��$%

Note: Extract from the magazine Filières Avicoles (September 2013) by M. Baherre. 15

There are many missions for a primary breeding company. Providing a competitive genetic solution with continuous improvement, is one of those missions. Another one is to deliver high quality chicks as well as for the health status as the physical quality of chicks. For the latter one the work at the hatchery is of prime importance.NOVOGEN has built since its creation an experienced team that has demonstrated professionalism and the thoroughness, due to their long experience in hatching breeding stock, necessary for the proper development of NOVOGEN.Earlier this year the team was enlarged with Jacques Nédélec (third from the left), who began his career in a turkey hatchery in 1983 of the company "Goubin". His experience was then expanded in taking the �� %�<�� !�-ral project in construction, expansion, renovation and automation of

��!�� %��;�� !��[��]�� health management, quality of products and international technical support. Since February 2013 Jacques is responsible for the NOVOGEN hatchery in Quintin and will be able to give technical and industrial support required by the team in place and the development of NOVOGEN.Here above the complete team: Aurélie, Nathalie, Jacques, Gwendal, Jean Christophe, Isabelle, Mickaël et Christelle.

NOVOGENPEOPLE OF NOVOGEN

THE EXPERIENCED AND MOTIVATED HATCHERY TEAM OF NOVOGEN

In September 2012, the team of Research and Development of NOVOGEN was again expanded with the arrival of Amandine Varenne. Amandine graduated in 2010 from the "École Nationale Superieure Agronomique" in Toulouse. She worked for 18 months in the genetics department of ��+�[��+��]�� $�� X�� breeding Haute Garonne at the sheep milk department.

Under the supervision of Thierry Burlot and in close collaboration with Pierre-Anne Gorvel, Aman-dine is in charge of monitoring data collection and the reliability of selection data and she will be involved in several studies of the R&D Department. Together with all members of the NOVOGEN R&D team Amandine is actively involved in all tasks and the selection of NOVOGEN’s future

breeding stock. Her thoroughness, professionalism and interpersonal skills are the right assets to contribute to the conti-nuous improvement of the Novogen products.

AMANDINE VARENNE JOINED NOVOGEN’S R&D SERVICE

Suryo Suryanta from Indonesia has joined Novogen on the 1st of November 2012 as Technical and Sales Manager for NOVOGEN in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Suryo graduated from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta-Indonesia in 1995. He has previously worked in the poultry breeding business in a number of countries in South East Asia and comes with an extensive experience from the poultry business.Suryo is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and reports directly to David Fyfe, Business Director for Asia. David Fyfe comments: "We are very pleased to welcome Suryo to our team as sales of Novogen have been growing within the region at steady pace over the last few years. To have someone

with Suryo’s obvious talents and experience joining our companies will help to reinforce our customer support and after sales service."

SURYO SURYANTA FROM INDONESIA JOINED NOVOGEN

NOVOGEN S.A.S. MAUGUERAND - LE FOEIL – BP 265 22800 QUINTIN - FRANCE

Tél. +33 (0)2 96 58 12 60 - Fax +33 (0)2 96 58 12 [email protected]

utopige research program - novogen-layer...of 5,000 sisters of the males have been added (ten per...

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