Hy-Line International recently celebrated the completion of its newest research farm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, surrounded by federal, state and local dignitaries. Named for visionary and company founder Dr. Henry A. Wallace, the state-of-the-art investment located in central Iowa completes another significant step in the drive for accelerated genetic progress, the company said.

“We have a substantial responsibility in the effort to feed a growing global population with an inexpensive and nutritious source of protein: the egg,” Hy-Line International president Jonathan Cade said. “The addition of the Dr. Henry A. Wallace Farm allows us continued innovation and genetic progress in Hy-Line layer genetics to accomplish this.”

Dr. Danny Lubritz, director of research and development for Hy-Line International, said the company is “making significant strategic changes” in its breeding program to accelerate the rate of genetic progress.

“Egg production and eggshell quality show higher genetic variation at older ages,” Lubritz explained. “The pedigree birds housed on the Dr. Henry A. Wallace Farm will be evaluated for these traits, among others, to help ensure continued genetic progress in persistency and shell strength.”

Hy-Line said its team of geneticists is making the genetic engine more powerful and more efficient, adding that the addition of the Dr. Henry A. Wallace Farm increases the population of research birds from which to identify the top performers. As a result of improved selection intensity, Hy-Line varieties are gaining increased egg numbers, persistency, shell strength, egg weight and feed efficiency, the company reported.