Sessions in El Salvador and Guatemala focus on flock management, welfare and sustainable poultry production

CAMPINAS, Brazil – Aviagen^® Latin America recently delivered its Knowledge Without Borders seminar series in El Salvador and Guatemala, working closely with customer Vitali Alimentos to provide tailored, practical training aligned with their poultry production goals and day-to-day operations.

Held April 13–14 in San Salvador, El Salvador, and April 16–17 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the programs brought together poultry professionals to explore real-world management practices that support bird welfare, sustainability and consistent flock performance. The events were delivered in collaboration with Plasson, contributing additional expertise in poultry equipment and solutions.

Launched in 2024, Knowledge Without Borders reflects Aviagen’s commitment to staying close to customers by sharing practical, science-based knowledge that can be applied directly on the farm. Each program is developed around local systems and priorities, helping poultry producers strengthen performance and welfare outcomes while contributing to a reliable supply of affordable, nutritious chicken protein for local communities.

From breeder to broiler: supporting chicken welfare at every stage

Across El Salvador and Guatemala, the agenda focused on the day-to-day management practices that help chickens stay healthy, comfortable and able to perform well. Sessions covered breeder female and male management, hatchable egg handling, incubation practices and environmental control, along with broiler management topics such as early chick care, litter quality and managing birds in hot climates.

Vitali Alimentos PS team in El Salvador

A dedicated session on central automatic nesting systems highlighted how well-designed equipment and proper management can support animal welfare. By encouraging natural nesting behavior, reducing floor eggs and improving egg handling, these systems help create a calmer environment for hens while supporting egg quality and biosecurity.

Additional sessions explored how nutrition supports chick health and quality, how to reduce risks to ensure hatchable eggs, and the key factors in incubation that influence chick vitality. Equipment efficiency and pre-processing handling were also discussed, with an emphasis on maintaining comfort and minimizing stress throughout the poultry production cycle.

Vitali Alimentos broiler team in El Salvador

The program combined in-person and virtual presentations from Aviagen and Plasson specialists, giving participants access to a wide range of experience while keeping the focus on practical, on-farm actions that support good animal welfare outcomes and consistent results.

Shared learning across the poultry value chain

Aviagen speakers included Rodrigo Cisoto, Javier Alvarado, Henry Rivas, Marcus Brigano, Leonel Mejía, José Bruzual and Guillermo Reyes. Ricardo Parente from Plasson also contributed sessions on equipment and nesting systems, adding valuable insights into operational efficiency and housing management.

Vitali Alimentos PS team in Guatemala

The sessions encouraged open discussion, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences and explore solutions together. This collaborative approach helps strengthen decision-making on farm while supporting good welfare outcomes and more sustainable production practices.

Rodrigo Cisoto, Head of Technical Services for Aviagen Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean (CAME), commented: “It was a pleasure to work closely with the Vitali team in both El Salvador and Guatemala. By tailoring each program to the unique needs of our customers, we can focus on practical solutions that support their operations. Open dialogue and shared learning are key to helping teams improve consistency, while supporting bird welfare and long-term sustainability.”

Vitali Alimentos broiler team in Guatemala

“Knowledge Without Borders is about staying connected to our customers and understanding what matters most to them. These programs are designed to deliver relevant, practical information that teams can use right away, while strengthening collaboration across the value chain. Bringing this series to Central America reflects our ongoing commitment to ‘Breeding success together’ with our customers.”

Supporting sustainable poultry production

By combining genetics, management and shared expertise, programs like Knowledge Without Borders help producers strengthen flock performance while using resources more efficiently. This contributes to a more sustainable poultry sector, supporting both environmental responsibility and the reliable supply of high-quality protein to local communities.