| An international seminar titled ‘SASSO Breeding for Value’ was held in Dhaka to promote sustainable, cost-effective, and modern poultry breeding technologies, especially focusing on the genetic development of colored chickens (commonly known as “color birds”). The event took place on Monday at the Ilish Conference Hall of Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre, organized by globally renowned animal genetics company Hendrix Genetics.
The seminar brought together representatives from Spain, France, South Korea, and Bangladesh, including notable figures such as Mr. Edouard Perrault, Sales Director (Traditional Poultry); Ms. Alba Mesas Romero, Global Technical Support Manager; Md. Mahiuddin, Country Manager (Bangladesh, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka); Dr. Ali Haider, Technical Manager; and Dr. Md. Mehadi Hasan, Technical Service Manager – Asia (Layers). From Hipra Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Myeong Seob (Allen) Kim also joined as a Poultry Regional Technical Marketing Specialist.
Farm owners, hatchery entrepreneurs, poultry business stakeholders, researchers, livestock officials, journalists, educators, and students from across Bangladesh participated in the event, which featured lively presentations and interactive sessions. Md. Mahiuddin, who moderated the seminar, emphasized the growing importance of the poultry sector. “It is not only vital for food security but also plays a significant role in economic development, nutrition, and employment. While local consumers prefer native chicken flavors, farmers often struggle with productivity. The SASSO breed offers a proven, modern solution to this challenge,” he said. He further explained that the SASSO breed maintains the taste of native chickens while being easy to rear, disease-resistant, and cost-efficient. Already successful in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, SASSO has the potential to significantly benefit rural economies in Bangladesh. Mr. Edouard Perrault delivered the welcome address, followed by his presentations on SASSO R&D Program for Bangladesh and SASSO Product Evolution in Bangladesh. Other key presentations included:
Dr. Md. Mehadi Hasan, newly appointed as Technical Service Manager – Asia (Layers), also introduced himself and shared brief insights. The sessions covered a broad range of technical topics including SA51A and SA31A breed management, avian influenza control, hatchery operations, feed quality, heat stress management, vaccination strategies, and water quality—providing participants with practical and research-backed insights.
The Q&A sessions were highly interactive, with attendees sharing real-world challenges and experiences, reflecting strong engagement and a commitment to industry advancement. Many farmers and entrepreneurs noted the lack of widespread access to sustainable and research-driven breeding technologies in Bangladesh. They expressed optimism that the adoption of high-yielding breeds like SASSO could bridge this gap while retaining the desired taste of traditional chickens. Discussions highlighted that the demand for traditional or native chickens is rising not just in Bangladesh but across South Asia. However, their limited productivity poses challenges in a competitive market, emphasizing the need for advanced genetics, proper management, and increased awareness. Throughout the seminar, a strong spirit of collaboration was evident. Networking continued during lunch and dinner sessions, where participants exchanged ideas and discussed future partnerships. Hendrix Genetics concluded the event by reaffirming its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s poultry industry through technology-driven initiatives and continuous farmer training programs across the country. About SASSO: SASSO is a France-based poultry breed brand under Hendrix Genetics. Known for its colorful feathers, native taste, and high productivity, the breed has gained global popularity and is now being introduced more widely in South Asia. |
‘SASSO Breeding for Value’ Seminar Held in Dhaka
