Kekava’s Bauska farms in Latvia attain broiler EPEF scores up to 480 and a 5.3% increase in liveability
EDINBURGH, Scotland. – Kekava Foods has become the first member of the newly established Ross 460 Club, being recognized for the exceptional welfare, sustainability and performance of its Bauska Farm flocks in Latvia. At a special event on Nov. 11, Aviagen Kft celebrated the teams behind these achievements.
Exceptional welfare and performance
Kekava Foods’ Bauska Farms are setting high standards in poultry production, with European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) scores ranging from 460 to 480 across 15 flocks. These impressive metrics reflect superior efficiency, productivity and animal welfare, placing Kekava Foods in the top-performing quartile of broiler producers across Europe.
“Aviagen Kft warmly congratulates our long-time customer Kekava Foods and the skilled team at Bauska Farms for their outstanding commitment to flock welfare and management,” said Hannu Tiuttu, Sales and Technical Manager, Aviagen Kft. “Their success reflects years of dedicated work and a shared passion for excellence. We’re proud to support Kekava and look forward to continuing to breed success together.”
Pride in teamwork and shared progress
Representing Kekava Foods, Saulius Petkevičius, Board Member, expressed appreciation for the team’s achievement and the ongoing collaboration with Aviagen Kft. “We’re truly honored to receive this award,” shared Saulius. “This international acknowledgement reflects the sustainable development and purposeful work of our company in high-quality poultry farming. Our approach is built on strong animal welfare standards, a strict biosecurity policy and carefully balanced feed quality. The knowledge, professionalism and responsible attitude of our team play a significant role, enabling us to successfully implement the “Raised without antibiotics” principle in everyday work. We’re also grateful for the consistent support and management guidance from Aviagen Kft. Accomplishments like this show what is possible when we work together toward the same goals.”
Left to right: Bauska Broiler department leading zootechnician Svetlana Zaiceva; Broiler department zootechnician Anda Bogdāne
A tradition of steady improvement
Kekava’s progress this year highlights a steady upward trend. Since 2020, the company’s top flocks experienced a 5.3% increase in livability, and raised their average EPEF by 10.3%.
“Strong outcomes come from consistent, careful animal management,” added Hannu. “Healthy chickens are productive chickens, and these numbers show how Ross 308 performs at its best under excellent welfare and management. It’s the skill and dedication of the farm teams that make this success possible.”
About Kekava Foods
Part of AB Akola Group, Kekava Foods is a leading poultry producer based in Latvia, with production sites in Latvia. Aviagen Kft has supplied Ross parent stock to Kekava since 2003 and has awarded the company multiple times for outstanding management that has led to continuous improvement in chicken welfare, performance, and sustainability. Read more about Kekava Foods.