At VIV Europe 2026, aviNews spoke with David Cavero, Research & Development Director at H&N International, about the future of layer genetics and the key innovations shaping egg production worldwide.
During the interview, Cavero explained H&N’s balanced breeding approach, which combines production efficiency, adaptability, animal welfare, and resilience to develop birds capable of performing under diverse production systems and environmental conditions.
The discussion explored some of the company’s most important research areas, including genomic selection, cage-free performance, bone strength, flock robustness, and extended laying cycles beyond 100 weeks. Cavero also highlighted how genetic progress is helping producers improve profitability while meeting evolving welfare expectations.
Looking ahead, he shared his perspective on the technologies that could transform poultry breeding in the coming years, from genomics and multi-omics to artificial intelligence, sensors, and big data analytics that will enable a deeper understanding of bird behavior, health, and performance.
Watch the full interview to discover how H&N International is preparing the next generation of laying hens for a more sustainable, efficient, and welfare-focused poultry industry.