Poultry Breeding & Genetics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is heterosis in the context of poultry genetics?

An increase in genetic diversity among lines

A technique for reducing feed conversion ratios

The phenomenon where crossbreds perform better than their parents (correct)

The use of purebred lines for breeding

Which breed is identified as a primary white egg layer?

Rhode Island Red

Barred Plymouth Rock

Cornish

White Leghorn (correct)

What is NOT a goal of poultry genetic selection?

Enhanced traditional breeding methods (correct)

Increased product outcome per bird

Increased efficiency of production per unit of feed

Improved product quality

Which poultry breed is used primarily for female broilers?

Barred Plymouth Rock Signup and view all the answers

How has the average days to market changed from 1935 to 2023?

Decreased steadily over the years Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of breeding programs in poultry genetics?

They are based on pedigree and grandparent lines. Signup and view all the answers

Which selection index has shown significant improvement due to advancements in poultry genetics?

Market weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary breeding structure in the broiler industry?

Bird numbers increase from pedigree lines to commercial broilers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hybrid vigor on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in poultry breeding?

It decreases FCR ratios Signup and view all the answers

Which company is recognized as the largest layer breeding program globally?

Hy-Line Genetics Signup and view all the answers

Which career is likely involved in the study and application of genetics in poultry?

Veterinarian Signup and view all the answers

What unique aspect characterizes Hy-Line Genetics today?

Its products are sold in over 100 countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average egg production per commercial hen per year?

300 eggs/year Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized contribution of Hy-Line Genetics?

Feed Inefficiency Signup and view all the answers

In the poultry genetics structure, what role do genetic suppliers play?

They provide genetics to primary breeders and commercial producers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of intense selection on poultry genetics?

It leads to a larger number of generations in a shorter time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Breeding & Genetics Overview

Poultry breeding programs are based on pedigree and/or grandparent/great-grandparent lines.
These lines undergo intense selection.
Many generations are selected due to rapid reproduction.
Breeding/genetics is concentrated in a few large international companies.

Poultry Company Structure

Genetic Selectors: (genetics companies)
Genetic Suppliers: (distributors/breeders)
Commercial Producers: (producers/farmers)
Consumers: (grocery stores)

Key Players in Commercial Layer Genetics

ISA (Hendrix Genetics)
Lohmann Tierzucht
Shaver
Hisex
Babcock
Hy-Line
Novogen

Two Companies Control Layer Genetics

ISA (Hendrix Genetics)
Hy-Line
Lohmann Tierzucht
Novogen

Hy-Line Genetics History

Founded in 1936 by Henry A. Wallace.
Started as a Southern IA farm.
Developed the principle of hybridization.
Used a corn breeding model as a precursor.
Hy-Line "firsts" include hybridization, blood serotyping, avian leukosis eradication, feather sexing, franchise distributors, global production, and molecular genetics.

Hy-Line Genetics Today

Largest layer breeding program worldwide.
Products sold in over 120 countries.
Hy-Line breeds are known for feed efficiency, livability, and productivity.
They have a unique research-to-production process. Their breeding program has a Global production capacity leading in molecular genetics.

Key Players in Commercial Broiler Genetics

Aviagen
Arbor Acres
Ross
Hubbard
Cobb

Avian Genetics - Gender Determination

Mammals: Male = XY, Female = XX, Males determine offspring sex.
Birds: Male = ZZ, Female = ZW, Females determine offspring sex.

Broiler Industry: Genetic Structure

Pedigree: Primary breeders.
Great Grandparents: Generate generations further down.
Grandparents: Develop mixed-line mating.
Parents/Broiler Breeders: Produce broiler chicks, pullets, or poults.
Broilers: Commercial birds raised for meat production.
Bird numbers increase significantly from pedigree to commercial broilers.

Laying Hen Industry: Genetic Structure

Pedigree: Primary breeders at the top of the pyramid.
Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Parent Stock: Intermediate levels of the genetic pyramid
Laying Hens: Resulting commercial hens.
Commercial laying hens average 300 eggs annually.

Egg Production Supply Chain

Pure Line Breeding: Basic foundation.
Grandparent Stock Production: Generating intermediate generations to maintain lineage.
Parent Stock Production: Maintaining stocks for continued egg production.
Laying Hen Production: The commercial hens.
Egg Packing & Processing: Handling and preparation of eggs.
Supermarkets, food services, and consumers: The final distribution network.

Commercial Genetics Explained

Closed pedigree lines are intensely selected.
Great-Grandparents and Grandparents are derived from the closed pedigree lines.
These lines are crossed to form parent lines.
Parent lines are used to produce broiler chicks, pullets, and poults.
Broiler industries take advantage of heterosis.
Broilers show superior growth rates compared to breeders.

Hybrid Vigor

Heterosis is a biological phenomenon causing crossbreds to outperform their parents.
Hybrid seed corn was the first major example of heterosis.
Inbreeding lines are crossed to achieve outbreeding.
Percentage hybrid vigor = (Crossbred average - Parent average) *100/Parent average.

Origins

White egg layers: White Leghorns
Brown egg layers: Rhode Island Red & Plymouth Rock
Male broilers: Cornish
Female broilers: Barred Plymouth Rock & White Plymouth Rock
Diversity at this stage is comparatively limited.

Goals of Poultry Genetic Selection

Increase product outcome per bird or unit of space.
Increase production efficiency per unit of feed.
Improve product quality and disease resistance.

Careers in Poultry Genetics

Geneticists
Computer/data specialists
Veterinarians
Pathologists
Nutritionists
Ethologists

Key Selection Indices for Broilers & Turkeys

Unknown from provided text

Key Selection Indices for Layers

Unknown from provided text

Other Valuable Selection Indices

Unknown from provided text

Discussion with a Classmate

Discussion topic: What has changed since poultry lines diverged in the 1950s?

Importance of Genetics to Poultry Production

Poultry genetics have made greater progress in efficient production compared to other livestock.
Key improvements involve reduced time to market, increased market weight, and reduced feed requirements.

Changes in U.S. Broiler Performance

Data table showcasing improvement in broiler performance from 1935–2023 including days to market, market weight, and FCR (feed conversion ratio).

Strain Comparison

Data table showcasing physical changes in chicken strains (weight) over time from 1957-2005.

U.S. Laying Rate Since 2002

Graph showing the increasing U.S. laying rate from 2002 to 2022.

U.S. per capita meat consumption

Graph plotting chicken, fish, pork, and beef per capita consumption in the U.S. compared to a 1970 baseline.

Chicken Meat Production

Data table summarizing chicken meat production across selected countries, showcasing production trends from 2020 to 2024 (projected).

Total Domestic Consumption

Data table detailing chicken meat consumption across selected countries from 2020 to 2024 (projected).

Chicken Meat Imports

Data table summarizing chicken meat imports to selected countries from 2020 to 2024 (projected).

Total Exports

Data table summarizing chicken meat exports from selected countries from 2020 to 2024 (projected).

U.S. Per Capita Egg Consumption

Graph displaying the U.S. per capita egg consumption data from 2000 to 2022.

Factors Beyond Genetics

Nutrition
Housing
Ventilation
Cannibalism
Cage-free hazards
Disease prevention
Parasites
Bacterial infections
Viruses/biosecurity

Genotype x Environment = Phenotype

Skin and shank color are influenced by carotenoid pigments (diet) and melanin pigment (genetics).
Livability is heavily affected by diet, husbandry, vaccinations, and disease resistance / susceptibility characteristics.
Egg color is influenced by breed/genetics, pigments (protoporphyrin IX), and the absence of pigment.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of poultry breeding and genetics in this comprehensive quiz. Discover the roles of genetic selectors, suppliers, and commercial producers, as well as the key players in layer genetics. Understand how breeding programs are structured and the history of leading companies like Hy-Line.