Hubbard Efficiency Plus
The Hubbard Efficiency Plus is a commercial broiler genotype developed by Hubbard (a subsidiary of Aviagen Group) in France and the United States, introduced in India in 2018–2019. It was developed to combine high breeder productivity with a robust, feed-efficient broiler that performs well under varied, challenging environmental conditions. The latest genetic version is the Hubbard Efficiency Plus (Conventional Male M77).
Practical Overview & Field Action
Field Verification Checkpoints
- FCR Benchmarks: 1.41–1.48 at 35 days / 1.54–1.62 at 42 days (technical manual targets)
Breed Characteristics
Economic Importance
The Hubbard Efficiency Plus is utilized in India by regional integrations and medium-scale contract networks seeking a hardy alternative to Vencobb. It holds less than 5% of the Indian broiler market but is valued for its balanced breeder and broiler performance and high physical robustness in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Overview
The Hubbard Efficiency Plus is a commercial broiler genotype developed by Hubbard (a subsidiary of Aviagen Group) in France and the United States. It was introduced in India in 2018–2019 and was developed to combine high breeder productivity with a robust, feed-efficient broiler that performs well under varied, challenging environmental conditions. It competes directly with Vencobb 400 and Ross 308.
Origin
Developed by Hubbard Breeders (subsidiary of Aviagen Group) in France and the United States. Alternate names include Hubbard and Hubbard Plus. The latest genetic version is the Hubbard Efficiency Plus (Conventional Male M77). It was developed through a targeted genetic program focusing on metabolic efficiency and cardiovascular health.
Production Performance
| Performance Parameter | Technical Manual Targets | Research Trial Averages |
|---|---|---|
| Market Age (Days) | 35–42 | 35–42 |
| Weight at 35 Days | 2.269–2.330 kg | 1.948–2.100 kg |
| Weight at 42 Days | 2.948–3.028 kg | 2.650–2.800 kg |
| FCR at 35 Days | 1.41–1.48 | 1.50–1.56 |
| FCR at 42 Days | 1.54–1.62 | 1.64–1.72 |
| Livability Percentage | ≥97.0% | 95.5%–97.5% |
| Carcass Yield | 72.0%–74.0% | 71.0%–73.0% |
| Breast Meat Yield | 21.5%–23.0% | 20.0%–22.0% |
Key Characteristics
- Growth Rate: Strong — competitive daily weight gain under varied conditions
- Heat Tolerance: High — well-suited for tropical and sub-tropical climates
- Leg Strength: Excellent — low rates of skeletal disorders under standard commercial conditions
- Metabolic Profile: Robust — reduces susceptibility to sudden death syndrome and ascites
- Disease Resistance: High
Management Requirements
- Housing: Highly versatile — performs well in traditional open-sided, semi-controlled, and modern environmental houses
- Stocking Density: 1.1–1.25 sq. ft. per bird depending on housing type
- Lighting: Highly adaptable — supports both continuous and intermittent programs
- Feed Program: Robust digestive system allows utilization of lower-cost, alternative feed ingredients while maintaining competitive FCRs
Health Considerations
- High disease resistance and thermal tolerance — well-suited for tropical and sub-tropical climates
- Excellent leg strength with low rates of skeletal disorders under standard commercial conditions
- Robust metabolic profile reduces susceptibility to sudden death syndrome and ascites
Economic Importance
At the parent stock level: depletion at 64 weeks, 187.6 total eggs per HHA, 180.1 hatching eggs per HHA, 150.3 chicks housed per female, 83.5%–84.5% average hatchability. Rearing feed consumption approximately 310–314 g per total egg and 382 g per chick produced. At the commercial level, its feed efficiency and livability make it highly profitable, particularly under challenging environmental conditions.
Advantages
- Balanced breeder and broiler performance
- Strong feed conversion and daily weight gain under varied conditions
- High physical robustness, livability, and disease resistance
- Highly productive, cost-effective parent stock
Limitations
- Slightly lower breast meat yield compared to specialized high-yield genotypes like Ross 308 AP
- Less established technical and distribution infrastructure in India compared to Vencobb
Best Suitable Farming Systems
- Traditional open-sided houses
- Semi-controlled housing
- Modern environmental houses
- Regional integrations and medium-scale contract networks in challenging environmental conditions
References
- Hubbard Efficiency Plus Breeder Guide — Hubbard Breeders, 2022, Hubbard Official Portal
- Hubbard Efficiency Plus Performance Objectives (M77 Mated) — Hubbard Breeders, 2025, Hubbard Technical Library
- Dose-dependent effects of phytase supplementation in Hubbard broiler chicks — Journal of Nutrient and Clinical Nutrition, 2024, BU Portal
Review official commercial growth, feed intake, and FCR efficiency trajectories for Cobb 500, Ross 308, and VenCobb 430 with governed biophysical comparability.
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