Understanding broiler breeder fertility decline – Dr Edgar Oviedo

In this episode of nutriNews On Air, we sit down with Dr Edgar Oviedo, Technical Director at NutriNews International, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing the poultry industry today: the decline in broiler breeder fertility and hatchability.

Based on his recent NutriNews International article, Dr Oviedo breaks down the multifactorial drivers behind fertility losses, with a strong focus on male fertility, nutrition, management practices, and emerging risks such as glyphosate residues, mycotoxins, and viral impacts.

In this in-depth conversation, we cover:

• ✅ Why fertility and hatchability are often confused—but not the same
• ✅ The growing vulnerability of male broiler breeders
• ✅ The role of separate male and female diets
• ✅ How omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and functional nutrients support sperm quality
• ✅ The impact of glyphosate and mycotoxin contamination on reproductive performance
• ✅ Key research gaps the industry must address looking ahead to 2050–2060

If you work in poultry nutrition, breeder management, feed formulation, or animal health, this discussion offers practical insights grounded in science and field experience.