The many applications of eggs Qa:
ISA and Hendrix Genetics focus on achieving new heights
in egg production.
Dave Libertini, VP of Americas for Hendrix Genetics, and Eu- gene Fridman, sales manager for
ISA North America, touch upon the
importance of the egg and the industry
surrounding it.
Egg Industry. Could you describe
recent changes in the multiplication
programs and distribution of Bovans,
ISA and Shaver products in North
America?
Dave Libertini/Eugene Fridman.
Perhaps I should start by saying what
hasn’t changed. ISA is committed to delivering healthy, productive and ef;cient
layers to the industry. With our global
network of pure line farms, including our
units in Canada, we offer a secure source
of genetic solutions for the global egg industry.
We believe in offering alternatives
–Bovans, Shaver and Dekalb White products and ISA and Bovans Brown products – which give producers a chance to
choose whatever suits their needs best.
For years, we have focused our breeding program on feed conversion, durability and productivity which translates into
pro;t for our customers in dif;cult economic times.
portant when the economy is challenging.
We think that in the long term, demand
for eggs by society will grow.
Our focus in breeding means that today’s layer converts feed and produces
more eggs than ever before. A hen which
can produce 500 eggs in one extended cycle is in our future.
EI. How do you view the future of liq-
uid and dried egg production?
DL/EF. It is amazing to see how the
further-processing of eggs has evolved.
What started as an industry which used
only surplus shell eggs has evolved into
major segment of the North American
food industry. We envisage an extension
of this trend and expect that up to 50%
the health value inherent to eggs. Today,
most consumers view eggs as a healthy,
nutritional food compatible with daily
use.
But there is more to be done. Eggs really are a “wonder” product with so many
applications. We need to continue to educate consumers that eggs are produced in
a safe, humane way which respects animals and the environment but at a price
which everyone can afford. We have a
compelling story to tell in this area.
EI. How can the industry improve
product safety and quality?
DL/EF. Product safety and quality are
the foundations of the business – without
trust from the public, we would not sur-
Eggs are a very cost effective source of
nutrition for consumers...
➤
of eggs will be used for this purpose. Of
course, this increase would be partly as
a result of extending the volume of exports.
As a breeding company, we are focused
on both internal and external egg quality.
We are fortunate that many of the characteristics the industry requires – shell
quality, solid content levels among others
– have relatively high heritability and that
means we can improve each generation.
vive. All of us in the industry, starting with
Hendrix/ISA as primary breeders, need to
remain vigilant and focus on biosecurity.
Product safety requires a constant effort,
following best practices.
12 • Industry Egg • October 2009 • www.WATTAgNet.com
EI. Could you comment on current
challenges facing the industry and pos-
sible solutions?
DL/EF. What we see is that all livestock production faces challenges with
higher input costs, ;uctuating demand
and changing needs of consumers and
society. We believe the egg industry is in
a great position to turn these challenges
into opportunities.
Eggs are a very cost effective source of
nutrition for consumers – especially im-
EI. Please share your unique perspec-
tives on what we have achieved and
where we may have erred as an indus-
try over the past few years.
DL/EF. The egg industry has done an
excellent job connecting with consumers
and dealing with misperceptions about
EI. Are there any other topics you con-
sider relevant or a message from Hen-
drix to the industry?
DL/EF. As the successor to renowned
North American breeding companies in
the past and the repository of their genetic
lines, we understand the trust the industry
has placed in ISA and our parent, Hendrix
Genetics. We take our role very seriously
and we are totally committed to the North
American industry. Our goal is to grow
with our customers and achieve prosperity together. EI
