At VIV Europe 2026, H&N highlighted its commitment to developing laying hens capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global egg industry. Through discussions with Dr. David Cavero, Chief Geneticist at H&N International GmbH, and Hans Groot, CEO of Pluriton and H&N distributor, a common theme emerged: the future belongs to resilient, adaptable birds that deliver both performance and profitability.
H&N’s breeding strategy
According to Cavero, H&N’s breeding strategy is based on a balanced approach that combines productivity, feed efficiency, welfare, robustness, and adaptability. Rather than focusing on a single trait, the company evaluates birds under a wide range of production conditions to ensure consistent performance across different climates, feeding programs, and housing systems.
A major focus is the development of hens capable of sustaining longer production cycles. H&N is investing in traits such as bone strength, feather cover, immunity, and overall resilience to support productive lifespans exceeding 100 weeks. The company is also preparing for the continued growth of cage-free systems by studying bird behavior and welfare in alternative housing environments.
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Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Cavero sees artificial intelligence and big data as key drivers of future genetic progress. Advanced monitoring technologies, including sensors and cameras, are expected to provide new insights into bird behavior and resilience, helping breeders develop even more robust flocks.
- These genetic advances are already being validated in the field. As one of H&N’s distribution partners, Pluriton supplies customers across Europe and international markets with a broad portfolio of H&N layer genetics.
For Groot, one of the greatest strengths of H&N birds is their predictability. Producers value their ease of management, strong feathering, feed efficiency, low mortality, and reliable production performance. Combined with a portfolio tailored to different market requirements, these traits allow producers to maximize both egg output and profitability.
Together, genetics, technology, and practical field experience are helping H&N shape the next generation of layer production.