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Poultry genetics and reproduction

Poultry breeding has been one of the most impactful advances in the last 100 years. The role that improved global production of eggs and poultry meat have in reducing global hunger and food insecurity is difficult to overstate. The vast majority of these improvements have come from genetic selection for improved feed efficiency, along with streamlining of the overall production system, and better understanding of poultry nutrition. While the industrial approach to poultry production has created a highly consistent and dependable food source the world over, several problems threaten the long term sustainability of this model - including musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders, welfare concerns, and the need to adapt to a changing climate. Researchers in poultry breeding and genetics utilize quantitative, population, and molecular genetic techniques to help understand the effects of selection for economically important traits and enhance genetic performance through changes in environment and management strategies.
Prof. Timm c. Harder
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut
1. Introduction The ongoing pandemic of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1 (goose/Guangdong lineage [gs/GD]), clade 2.3.4.4b, is posing an unprecedented threat, impacting both industrial and small-scale poultry operations [1,2]. Similarly, HPAIV infections in wild birds, particularly those leading to mass mortalities among colony-breeding species, are exerting significant pressure on avian biodiversity [3,4]. The recent increase in spillover...
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Brian Jordan (University of Georgia) explains how False Layer Syndrome affects poultry and what can be done to prevent it, in this Engormix interview during IPPE 2024 in Atlanta, USA....
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Recommended events
37th Annual Australian Poultry Science Symposium
February 9, 2026
Australia - New South Wales - Sydney
A few days ago, during routine egg breaking and quality observation in the hatchery, I encountered something that immediately caught my attention. The egg looked normal externally, but once opened, a distinct clotted blood spot was visible on the yolk. For a hatchery professional, this is never “just a spot.” It is a signal worth understanding. What is a clotted blood spot in the yolk? A clotted blood spot forms when significant rupture of...
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Darrin Karcher
Darrin Karcher and 2 more
Purdue University (USA)
Purdue University (USA)
Introduction Slow-growing broilers have recently gained traction in mainstream broiler production in some European countries due to their improved leg health and welfare compared to conventional broilers (Rayner et al., 2020; Abeyesinghe et al., 2021; Baxter et al., 2021). Slow-growing broilers have been shown to have a better gait, lower prevalence of hock burn and footpad dermatitis (Rayner et al., 2020; Baxter et al., 2021), and perform more behaviors associated with positive...
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Yuko Sato
Yuko Sato and 2 more
Iowa State University
Iowa State University
1. Introduction Avian reoviruses (ARVs), members of the genus Orthoreovirusin the family Spinareoviridae, are non-enveloped viruses characterized by a concentric icosahedral capsid and a segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome [1]. ARVs have reemerged over recent decades, causing significant economic losses, primarily through tenosynovitis in meat-type poultry and necrotizing hepatitis in poults [1,2]. In addition, ARVs have been strongly associated with several other clinical...
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Magdalena Escorcia Martínez
UNAM México
UNAM México
INTRODUCTION Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that affects avian species, giving rise to the term avian influenza (AI) and several species of mammals [1, 2] due to factors associated with viral replication, the capacity for mutation and infectivity [3, 4]. The avian influenza virus (AIV), part of the Orthomyxoviridae family, is the causative agent of AI [2, 5]. This viral family is constituted of seven genera: Alphainfluenzavirus, Betainfluenzavirus,...
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Dr. Simmi Tomar, Scientific Researcher at ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), shares insights into India’s poultry genetics programs, highlighting four decades of genetic improvement in broiler and layer lines. Her work focuses on next-generation breeding strategies, including myostatin gene research and primordial germ cell biobanking, to build disease resilience and conserve India’s native poultry genetic resources for the...
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Mansi Gangurde
Avee Broilers
Mansi Gangurde, Business Strategy & Operations Manager at Avee Broilers, shares insights on the company’s rapid expansion across Africa, highlighting strong performance in Senegal, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, DRC, and Malawi. She reflects on opportunities for innovation in poultry genetics and offers guidance for young leaders navigating this demanding industry. ...
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Mr. Shrikrishna Gangurde, Director of Avee Broilers, explains the company’s role as India’s only pure-line broiler genetics provider and how their breeds outperform international lines across multiple markets. He discusses current industry challenges—lung capacity, leg strength, and adaptation to tropical conditions—and how integrated value chains are driving long-term sustainability. ...
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Josep Garcia Sirera
Special Nutrients
Special Nutrients
Dr. PrakashBabu Manilla, Chief Geneticist at Venkateswara Hatcheries, explains how the company supplies over 75% of India’s commercial layer chicks—meaning seven out of every ten eggs come from their genetics. He highlights strong growth in the egg sector, driven by rising demand for affordable protein across the country. With solid domestic expansion and increasing export potential, the future of India’s layer industry looks highly promising. ...
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Suresh Chitturi
Srinivasa Group
Srinivasa Group
Mr. Suresh Chitturi, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Srinivasa Farms, shares his perspective on the critical role elite genetics play in India’s poultry production. He also highlights the key opportunities ahead and the challenges the industry must address to sustain its growth. ...
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Jonathan Cade
Hy-Line International
Hy-Line International
Jonathan Cade, Chairman of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, explains how IPPE generates the resources that fund essential research, education programs, and industry support across broilers, layers, and turkeys. He highlights the organization’s role in advancing animal health, productivity, and training the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of the poultry sector. ...
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The introduction of the W80 variety by Hy-Line International marked a turning point in the Egyptian poultry market with unmatched demand and performance. Hy-Line International has transformed how we see poultry quality today, continuing the legacy of excellence since MIPCO, led by Yasmine El Alaily, started importing Hy-Line breeds in 1987. ...
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Hy-Line International and Garanti have been revolutionizing the poultry industry since 2018. Through this partnership, Aysum Yilmaz, Export Sales Manager at Garanti, discusses the incredible efficiency and productivity achieved. ...
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Teun van de Braak
Hendrix Genetics
In the rearing aviary, day-old chicks must have easy access to feed and water. The environment should offer an optimal temperature, appropriate lighting, and good ventilation. These conditions ensure that the chicks grow well, and their fluff transforms into well-developed feathers. As the chicks...
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Jose J. Bruzual (Senior Poultry Veterinarian, Aviagen) comments on the benefits of this grading method and its relevance to the poultry industry in this Engormix interview. ...
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Andrea Rubio
Hy-Line International
Hy-Line International
For nearly 90 years, Hy-Line International has operated the most extensive and advanced field testing program in the layer breeding industry. This long-standing investment is driven by one goal: to ensure that every Hy Line bird delivers top performance—not just in controlled research farms, but in the diverse, real-world environments in which our customers operate. ...
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As the global egg industry moves steadily toward cage-free production, ensuring a successful transition from rearing to laying is more critical than ever. Hy-Line pullets raised in environments that prepare them for the complexities of cage-free layer systems are far more likely to meet their full genetic...
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Sheila
Sheila and 3 more
I. INTRODUCTION Modern broilers grow 5 times faster on 40% less feed than they did 60 years ago (Zuidhof et al., 2014). Because high body weight (BW) correlates negatively with reproduction and health (Decuypere et al., 2010), the severity of broiler breeder feed restriction increases every year relative to broiler growth potential. This intensifies competition for feed, resulting in unequal distribution of feed and poor flock uniformity. Achieving and maintaining high flock...
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Luke Matthew Kramer
Hy-Line International
Hy-Line International
Dr. Luke Kramer, Geneticist at Hy-Line International, explores how targeted genetic selection can improve both the production performance and overall welfare of Hy-Line White laying hens. ...
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