EDINBURGH, Scotland. – On Jan. 1, Aviagen launched the Ross® 450 Club in the UK, increasing the target European Performance Efficiency Factor (EPEF) score requirement from 440 to 450, thus ensuring the Club members' status of the top 1% of the UK broiler industry.
Ross 450 Club – A reflection of year-on-year progress
Thanks to the skill and dedication of UK producers over the years, the Ross Club series has gone from strength to strength. It all began with the original Ross 400 Club in 2009 and then advanced to the Ross 420 Club, followed by the creation of the Ross 440 Club in July 2022.
The 440 Club has seen a notable 16-point increase in the average EPEF score and encompasses 111 members, including seven Gold, two double Gold, and multiple repeat winners.
“When the Ross 440 Club was established in 2022, it initially represented the top 1% of the industry. However, owing to exceptional achievements through stockmanship and management, membership has now grown to encompass 5% of UK broiler flocks. To maintain the Club’s status in the highest 1% echelon, we therefore recognize the need to raise the EPEF requirement to 450,” explained Broiler Technical Manager and Club champion Kieron Daniels. “In collaboration with Sean Harrison, our newest member of the Broiler Technical team, we commit to an annual review of the target, making necessary adjustments to ensure the continuity of this elite status.”
We have also recently seen our highest-ever EPEF of 488 recorded by Gavin Asquith and are very excited by Gavin’s outstanding result.
Gavin commented: “For a long time now, I wanted to be part of the 440 Club. It is an achievement I am very proud of, even more so as I am now a Gold Award winner. It shows that, with the right attitude and commitment, you can achieve such feats and be proud to say you are part of an exclusive group within the industry.”
Hand in hand – Bird performance and welfare
EPEF is the industry’s standard measure of the average bird age and weight, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and livability. Field results have consistently demonstrated that optimal health and welfare are closely linked to superior performance, ultimately contributing to enhanced profitability of poultry businesses.
Register your achievements
If a Ross 450 Club member achieves the target three times in a row, or reaches an EPEF of 10% over this target, they are awarded Gold status.
Aviagen encourages all Ross producers who have realized an EPEF of 450 or more to join the club by submitting their results to RossEPEFClub@aviagen.com, or to contact their local Aviagen representative.