As demand for affordable, high-quality protein continues to grow across East Africa, Aviagen is supporting the region’s poultry industry through the supply of Ross 308 breeding stock, helping producers improve efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable food supply.
Established in 2020 in Arusha, Tanzania, Aviagen East Africa provides a reliable, locally based supply of Ross 308 parent stock to poultry producers across the region, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
The operation reached an important milestone in 2024, supplying more than one million Ross 308 parent stock. Since its establishment, it has served more than 50 poultry producers, from smaller businesses to large commercial operations, reflecting the continued demand for high-quality breeding stock.
Speaking to Farmers Review Africa during VIV Africa 2026, Courtney Houldsworth, Marketing Manager for Aviagen Türkiye, Middle East and Africa (TMEA), highlighted the importance of combining genetic progress with local expertise to support the region’s developing poultry industry.
“Our focus is on helping customers achieve the best possible performance from their flocks. With the Ross 308, we can offer producers a combination of feed efficiency, livability and strong growth performance, helping them produce more efficiently while managing production costs.”
Ross 308: Supporting efficient and sustainable production
As poultry producers face increasing pressure to balance production costs with growing consumer demand, the performance and efficiency of their flocks are more important than ever.
The Ross 308 is recognised globally for its balanced performance, offering producers strong growth, feed efficiency and livability. These characteristics help customers optimise production, make effective use of resources and improve the economic sustainability of their businesses.
By enabling producers to achieve more from their flocks, the Ross 308 has an important role to play in supporting the production of affordable poultry meat, a vital source of animal protein for communities across East Africa.
Beyond genetics, Aviagen East Africa provides customers with practical flock-management guidance and technical expertise through its local team, supported by Aviagen’s regional and global specialists.
Strengthening local supply and customer relationships
Aviagen East Africa’s established presence in Tanzania enables the company to maintain close relationships with customers while providing a consistent supply of breeding stock. Investment in local distribution infrastructure, including a dedicated chick delivery truck, further supports efficient and timely deliveries.
VIV Africa 2026 provided another opportunity for Aviagen to engage with customers and industry colleagues, share knowledge and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the regional poultry industry.
“Being able to meet our customers face-to-face is extremely valuable. It gives us the opportunity to understand their needs, discuss the challenges they face and identify how we can continue supporting their success,” said Courtney Houldsworth, Marketing Manager, Aviagen TMEA.
Aviagen’s presence in Africa also extends to South Africa and Zambia, where it operates through a joint venture, further demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting the continent’s poultry industry.
Looking ahead, Aviagen East Africa remains focused on strengthening customer relationships, delivering consistent Ross 308 performance and supporting the continued development of a productive, resilient and sustainable poultry sector.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help our customers succeed. By combining the genetic potential of the Ross 308 with reliable, local supply and technical support, we can contribute to a stronger poultry industry and help make affordable, high-quality protein more accessible across East Africa.”
