Research and development

A unique and innovative genetic selection

Since its creation, NOVOGEN has brought an ambitious selection strategy, based on the production parameters, feed efficiency, robustness, and behaviour.

These criteria are becoming increasingly important with the development of so-called ‘alternative’ farming systems, which meet the expectations of consumers concerned about animal welfare. These also make it possible to offer genetics adapted to egg production in hot climates or in challenging environments.

In order to remain competitive and support the market trends, a layer genetic company needs to anticipate and consistently adapt its genetic selection programme.
Innovation is also the heart of the R&D strategy of Novogen. In the last 15 years ago, the company has shown its expertise in terms of selection using new and unique technologies. The results observed in the field, in all production systems, validate these strategic choices.

Selection axes

Genetic potential

A number of criteria are measured across the production cycle of pure line-bred flocks, including number of eggs, egg weight, shell quality and feed efficiency.

The R&D team selects the specimens with the best production performance.

Behaviour

The production systems used in the NOVOGEN R&D programme make it possible to study social behaviour as well as hens’ egg-laying in nests.

In this way it is possible to identify the chickens with the most suitable behaviour, in order to ensure ease of management for each breeder.

Adaptability and hardiness

The adaptive ability of our strains is tested by a variety of production conditions (e.g. feed formula and presentation, temperature and light intensity) and field-based progeny testing. In this way, Novogen’s selection process produces birds that are capable of realising their genetic potential in a variety of environments.

Selection technologies

Genomic information provides early and additional information on the choice of future breeders. This technology supplements phenotypic data and also enables us to better understand gene expression in different environments.

RFID provides information on individuals within a group, under conditions closely resembling the field and based on criteria which, until now, had not been selected or were impossible to select. Using the floor system, it is possible to measure criteria such as the time the hen spends in the nest, the lay interval and lay time, or to identify which layers are away from the nest. It is also possible to determine the links between these criteria and egg quality, for example.

Numerous progeny tests are carried out each year at our partner farms. They allow us to measure laying performance in a variety of field conditions.

The quality of eggs produced by Novogen strains are monitored and improved by comprehensive egg analyses (colour, shell quality, dry matter, protein, etc.). These analyses are conducted throughout the entire cycle, in partnership with a specialised laboratory.

All data collected at the various levels of the selection programme are stored and analysed by Novogen geneticists.

This array of information is exploited using different algorithms and used to select the best birds of each generation.

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