Genome Selection Being Implemented in Poultry Breeding Programs
Published:May 20, 2011
Source :U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
"New developments in genomics have provided opportunities to enhance breeding programs in poultry by being able to genotype large numbers of individuals for tens of thousands of genetic markers across the genome at a reasonable cost," remarked Dr. Jack Dekkers of Iowa State University. He presented to breeder specialists and geneticists at the recent 2011 National Breeders Roundtable, sponsored by the Poultry Breeders of America and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
"This technology is already used in dairy cattle by selecting bull calves that have received favorable genes across the genome for milk production and related traits at a young age, rather than having to go through a time consuming and costly progeny testing program. This process of 'genomic selection' is now also being implemented in poultry breeding programs," commented Dr. Dekkers.
Other roundtable topics included Present Status and Prospects for Genomic Selection in Livestock, MicroRNA: Small RNAs with a Big Impact, 50 Years of the NC Layers Random Sample Test, and Transgenic Salmon.
The National Breeders Roundtable brings together breeder specialists and geneticists from industry, universities, and government to discuss the latest poultry breeding research and developments, along with genetic trends.
Photo Caption: Dr. Jack Dekkers (right), Iowa State University with the National Breeder's Roundtable Program Chairman, Dr. Jesus Arango (left), Hy-Line International.
Undoubtedly, genomic selection is however the most latest and world wide accepted method of improving the desirable traits and doing away with unwanted genes in chickens. Hence, brought about rapid economic progress worldwide in poultry industries.
Recommend
Reply
Partson Masvikeni
31 de mayo de 2011
Yes surely there is need to improve chicken breeds to counter the increasing demand in chickens.
yes genomics is one of the most important tool of selecting genes which are of economic selection in animal production.The human population is ever growing hence the need to go deeper into this research to increase animal protein which is required for human health. Chickens are the cheap source of animal protein and take small time to mature unlike beef and pigs, Researchers should start to look into it as way of improving poultry breeding,
Recommend
Reply
Would you like to discuss another topic? Create a new post to engage with experts in the community.
