Almost one year ago, Hendrix Genetics announced the launch of the SAPPSA project, which was awarded a multi-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of SAPPSA (Sustainable Access to Poultry Parental Stock to Africa) is to provide better supply and genetic solutions for African poultry farmers. Through this project, Hendrix Genetics, global leader in animal genetics and an NPM Capital portfolio company, will support local farmers to feed the growing population with nutritious protein. End of last year, the first flock of grandparent day old chicks were hatched and placed for rearing.
Project manager of SAPPSA of Hendrix Genetics, Naomi Duijvesteijn: “Progress continues to move forward in the development of a strong pipeline of genetics to African farmers. The first step was to set up our SASSO grandparent farm in Brazil, with the help of Hendrix Genetics Ltda, in three different barns. The three grandparent barns are located in Xaréu Farm, Itapetinininga, Sao Paolo, on the same farm as the laying hen facilities. This is an ideal location since Brazil is free of various high pathogenic viruses, allowing the export of genetics to a large range of countries in Africa. In addition, Hendrix Genetics has a large and experienced operational base through its laying hen business in Brazil.”
In November, the first flock of grandparent day old chicks were hatched in the Salto hatchery in Brazil and placed for rearing. Duijvesteijn: ”These birds were supplied by SASSO, our traditional poultry business, and will be delivered twice a year.”
Duijvesteijn continues: “We are proud to lead this project that will make a positive impact in the lives of farmers, their families, and the African population. Only by looking for new solutions we can work together to create a better, more sustainable future for all of us.”
Also read: ‘Hendrix Genetics supports African poultry farmers with tailor-made breeding program’
