Cobb 700 Product Profile - The Poultry Site

ProductProfile

BreederCobb 700Ten years of research to develop Cobb 700The Cobb 700 has been introduced to meet theincreasing demand not just for more breast meat,but for breast meat produced at the lowest cost.The need to develop a new type of product devoted tomaximum meat yield at high broiler weights wasidentified in the early 1990s. Meat yield would be the target,but the chicken must alsocarry the Cobb trade marksof outstanding broilerfeed conversion, excellentlivability and low cost ofproduction.The development duringmore than ten years hasinvolved starting newlines, new selectionmethods and a new set ofbreeding goals. It hasbenefited from Cobb’sincreasing investment inresearch during thisperiod, totalling morethan $200 million and reflecting the value which the parentcompany, Tyson Foods Inc, places on breed development.Families from the highest-yielding Cobb lines were chosento begin new synthetic lines which were placed on an annualreproduction program on one of the state-of-the-art pedigreefarms.Age at depletion (weeks) 60 65(days) 420 455Age at 5% production (weeks) 24 24(days) 168 168Total eggs/hen housed 155.2 170.3Hatching eggs/hen housed (50g minimum) 149.7 164.3Peak hatchability (%) 91 91Average hatchability (%) 86 85Broiler chicks/hen housed 128.4 139.8Livability from day-old to depletion (%) 92 91Global Cobb 700 Performance (to 65 weeks)Top 3 flocks by Total EggsTarget 170.3Flock A 174.1Flock B 171.3Flock C 170.4Top 3 flocks by % HatchTarget 85.00Flock G 85.60Flock H 85.60Flock I 85.50Breeder PerformanceTop 3 flocks by Hatching EggsTarget 164.3Flock D 168.7Flock E 163.3Flock F 162.6Top 3 flocks by ChicksTarget 139.8Flock J 136.7Flock K 136.6Flock L 132.9New innovations in genetics and in management wereneeded. Floor area, for example, was increased to giveindividual birds more room to grow to heavier weights,and feeding programs were adjusted to encourage eggproduction.Egg numbers, egg quality, fertility, hatchability, livabilityand chick quality information on each hen and her offspringwere added to a growing genetic database. Computerprograms were enhanced to improve breeding valueestimation for all valuable traits for each individual and topermit selection of birds with the optimum combination ofeach trait.Even with selection pressures aimed at increased meatyield, the breeder is achieving competitive production levels.Cobb 700 parent stock became available in 2001 and hasbeen supplied to customers worldwide.

Broiler Cobb 700 and YieldLowest cost total deboned meatThe Cobb 700 is a unique product geneticallydesigned for the high meat yield, deboningmarket and capable of maximizing profits fromprocessing.In developing the Cobb 700geneticists have achievedvery similar growth ratesand feed conversions to theCobb 500. Field livability isexcellent even at large birdweights.Most important of all, breastmeat yield of the Cobb 700broiler is a full one percenthigher and this extra yield isachieved at the industry’slowest cost of production forthis type of chicken.The good health andvitality of the broiler,reflected in leg strength and good early skeletaldevelopment is the result of 20 years of research techniquespioneered by Cobb. Since 1989 Cobb geneticists havebeen using oximeters for measuring blood oxygensaturation to assess the physiological health of individualbirds and pedigree lines. Ultra-sound and other bodyimaging technologies have been developed specificallyto study bone andmuscle development inchickens.Genetic markers and DNA profiling are used to verify thepresence of individual genes, providing a new level ofprecision in selection and advancing the pace of progress.Above all, the emphasis is placed on selecting birds fromfamilies that exhibit outstanding health traits - excellentlivability, strong legs and skeletal frame, resistance toascites, high overall immune response and good feathercover.Number of birds per weightNumber of birds per weight27262524232221201918171615141312111098765432102726252423222120191817161514131211109876543210Broiler Uniformity ComparisonCompetitor4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.95.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.96.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.86.97.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.98.08.1Body weight (lb)Cobb 7004.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.95.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.96.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.86.97.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.98.08.1Body weight (lb)Average weight5.95lb/2.69kgCV 12.64Uniformity 56.30%Average weight6.02lb/2.73kgCV 11.05Uniformity 62.07%

Comparison 1Breed Age Weight (lb) Weight (kg) FCR Breast Yield (%)Cobb 700 59 7.475 3.391 2.135 22.36Breed B 59 7.296 3.309 2.154 21.89Comparison 2Breed Age Weight (lb) Weight (kg) FCR Breast Yield (%)Cobb 700 54 7.095 3.218 2.025 22.57Breed C 54 6.958 3.156 2.043 22.29Comparison 3Breed Age Weight (lb) Weight (kg) FCR Breast Yield (%)Cobb 700 57 7.403 3.358 2.109 22.08Breed C 57 7.036 3.192 2.192 21.96Breast yield shown as a percentage of liveweightCommercial Broiler and Yield Trial ComparisonsValue of meat yield and uniformity to the processorHigh meat yield, particularly from breast portions,is desired by an increasing number ofcustomers serving added-valuemarkets. The Cobb 700 has beendeveloped specifically to provide thehighest output of breast meat at theleast cost.On the processing line the Cobb 700is becoming renowned for thecharacteristics which have made theCobb 500 the world leader - carcassuniformity as well as high meat yield.These factors contribute to a high andpredictable ‘saleable yield’, valuable to customers inreducing ‘give away’ when products are provided to meet aspecific price rather than weight range.Cobb geneticists are selecting for more than yield andcarcass conformation. Meat quality is becoming ever moreimportant. The Cobb meat qualitylaboratory is measuring family filletweights, thickness, skin and meat color,texture, fat trim and body fat.Advanced imaging technology hasreplaced much of the need for birddissection - helping to accelerateprogress and achieve the carcassconsistency which processing plantsexpect from Cobb broilers.As the tables indicate, the superiorbreast meat yield of the Cobb 700 against the competitionis shown by the relative differences year-on-year since thebreed was introduced.Broiler Processing Eviscerated YieldBroiler Processing Breast Yield of Liveweight73.072.5% 72.071.571.78 71.7072.0871.5172.5071.9923.022.5% 22.021.521.86 21.8022.1921.8722.8522.0571.02002 2003 200421.02002 2003 2004Cobb 700CompetitorCobb 700CompetitorAnnual summary of broiler comparison trialsAnnual summary of broiler comparison trials

Bottom LineCobb 700Compete by driving down costCobb geneticists have concentrated on improvingtraits which have the greatest impact throughoutintegrated chicken production.In today’s increasingly global market, our industry ishaving to compete strongly on price and value-for-money.Margins, and ultimately costs, will continue to be underpressure. We believe we must keep our focus on the ‘bottomline’ impact of our breed - not just one segment of theproduction cycle. We’re confident that this strategy bestserves our customers today....just as it will in the years tocome.Cost of production is the issue that drives poultrybusinesses the world over. The example, below, shows thetop 10 from 29 companies ranked by cost/liveweight.Companies Ranked by Cost/LiveweightRank Cost/lb Weight Weight Age FCR EEI($) (lb) (kg) (days)1 0.2515 6.05 2.742 49 1.75 3102 0.2539 5.94 2.692 49 1.96 2703 0.2551 6.15 2.788 50 1.90 2824 0.2566 5.81 2.633 49 1.96 2625 0.2589 6.26 2.838 52 1.99 2626 0.2594 6.47 2.933 49 1.93 2947 0.2622 6.05 2.742 53 2.00 2478 0.2627 5.72 2.592 51 1.97 2469 0.2640 5.77 2.615 50 1.98 25110 0.2644 6.38 2.892 52 1.99 267Companies Ranked by EEIRank Cost/lb Weight Weight Age FCR EEI($) (lb) (kg) (days)1 0.2515 6.05 2.742 49 1.75 3106 0.2594 6.47 2.933 49 1.93 29429 0.3554 5.68 2.574 44 1.93 28818 0.2713 5.60 2.538 47 1.84 2823 0.2551 6.15 2.788 50 1.90 28223 0.2788 5.45 2.470 45 1.90 28228 0.3002 5.31 2.406 44 1.91 2742 0.2539 5.94 2.692 49 1.96 27022 0.2765 5.29 2.397 46 1.86 26921 0.2748 6.17 2.797 51 1.96 268The European Efficiency Index (EEI) is used in some areasas a benchmark for broiler performance. It is a calculationthat takes into account the key performance indicators.However, when competing in a global market, costcompetitiveness is the most important factor.In the table above, the same results are shown but thistime ranked by EEI. The company with the worstcost/liveweight actually had the third highest EEI.In the integrated chicken business no single disciplinedictates the profitability of an organization.Factors influencing the overall ‘bottom line’ cost start atthe breeder rearing house and finish after the productleaves the processing plant.Principles of an economic modelThe best method to determine the effects of each discipline on overallprofitability of a business is to employ a simple economic model.This is designed to make cost calculations based on theproduction variables as they are changed. One advantage ofusing an economic model is that it highlights the relativeeffect of different performance traits and cost factors.It is then easy to identify factors that have a majorinfluence on ‘bottom line’ profitability - such as feedconversion, feed price or total deboned meat yield. Otherfactors such as reproductive performance can then be put inperspective, as they have a lesser effect in integratedchicken production.

Bottom LineCobb 700Number of broilers processedper week 1,000,000 1,000,000Cobb 700 CompetitorBreederChicks per breeder to 65 weeks of age 126.0 135.0Broiler growingBroiler Weight lb (kg) 7.47 (3.391) 7.29 (3.309)Average feed price per US ton $190.00 $190.00Feed conversion 2.135 2.154Cost per lb liveweight $0.224 $0.227Cost per kg liveweight $0.494 $0.500ProcessingEviscerated carcass yield 72.50 71.99Breast meat yield (% liveweight) 22.85 22.05By using Cobb’s economicmodel, this example showsthe dynamics of breederand broiler performance aswell as the importance ofmeat yield.As the model indicates, theCobb 700’s outstandingperformance provides thegreatest return to anintegrator requiring theleast cost breast meatyield.To process 1,000,000 Broilers per weekAnnual Breeder production costs $11,470,700 $10,891,370Broiler growing costs $87,138,514 $86,029,988Processing plant costs $38,350,000 $38,350,000Total income $175,318,708 $166,481,365Annual profit $38,359,494 $31,210,007- The table above is based on industry data and is an illustrative example.- The currency in the above table is in US Dollars.Helping customers take fulladvantage of the Cobb 700Cobb’s philosophy is not only to provide top quality broiler breedingstock, but to enable customers to maximize their investment bymanaging their poultry assets.The Cobb World Technical Support Team was developed in 1998, bringingtogether leading experts in each aspect of chicken production. The team nowcovers animal health, nutrition, environment, breeder, broiler and hatcheryproduction, processing and data analysis. Working alongside Cobb’s regionaltechnical service teams, they provide support and assistance for Cobb customersworldwide.The data in this publication are based on actual field performance and trial information.Cobb-Vantress, Inc Tel: +1 479 524 3166 Email: info@cobb-vantress.comPO Box 1030, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761Cobb Europe BV Tel: +31 341 36 08 80 Email: info@cobb-europe.comMidden Engweg 13, 3882 TS Putten, The NetherlandsCobb-Vantress Brasil, Ltda Tel: +55 17 3216 9700 Email: cobb.info@cobb-vantress.com.brRodovia Assis Chateaubriand, Km 10, Cep: 15110-000/Caixa Postal 2, Guapiaçu-SP-Brasilwww.cobb-vantress.com