US Poultry Hatchery Leaders Address Breeder Management and Chick Health

The 2026 USPOULTRY Hatchery‑Breeder Clinic gathered industry professionals to discuss advances in breeder management, hatchery performance and flock health, including the evolving U.S. experience with avian metapneumovirus (aMPV). Bill Griffith, chief operating officer of Peco Foods, highlighted the link between strong leadership and operational excellence, emphasizing communication, accountability and continuous improvement. Dr. Benton Hudson of CSA Animal Nutrition stressed that breeder success depends on nutrition, feed delivery, equipment and overall flock management. Tommy Lively, director of hatcheries technical support at Pilgrim’s, outlined key performance indicators such as eggshell temperature, moisture loss and chick temperature that drive hatchability and chick quality.

Zoetis introduced a risk‑based process‑evaluation service for hatcheries using its Embrex ovovaccination system. The service examines equipment condition, vaccine preparation, sanitation, hatchery environment and crew technique to identify risks that can affect vaccine efficacy and chick health. Kevin Dudley, technical services representative at Zoetis, explained that focusing on risk levels rather than overall scores helps managers target corrective actions and improve overall hatchery outcomes.