Explore all the information onPoultry 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.
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
Aysum Yilmaz, Export Sales Manager at Garanti , explains their operations as egg producers working with Hy-Line since 2018. ...
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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...
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. ...
1. Introduction Aggressive behavior of roosters toward hens are rare in natural environments, where the two sexes form separate social hierarchies and male dominance is expressed in a passive manner [1–3]. However, it has been observed that males from broiler parental lines exhibit a high frequency of aggression toward females, especially during the display of sexual behavior [4–13]. This pattern of mating-related aggression has also been observed in slow-growing broiler...
The egg industry in the United States maintains approximately 300 million hens each year (United Egg Producers, 2025). For every laying hen that is hatched, approximately one male...
1. Introduction Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a globally recognized pathogen causing respiratory diseases, leading to substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. Also known as Metapneumovirus avis, it belongs to the family Pneumoviridae and the genus Metapneumovirus [1]. So far, aMPV has been classified into four subtypes: A, B, C, and D [2]. These subtypes have been shown to exhibit varying effects on their avian hosts [3]. The recent disclosure of two new divergent...
In recent years, the poultry industry has been increasingly interested in determining gender of newly hatched chicks so birds can be sorted into separate sex groups for rearing. However, at hatch, accurately sexing chicks is difficult as both sexes exhibit similar characteristics until approximately one month of...
Jonathan Cade, President of Hy-Line, shares his vision on poultry genetics, focusing on improving flock viability and extending production cycles....
Princess Cortez, SE ASIA Technical Specialist & Lead Nutritionist at Hy-Line, shares insights on the region’s growing egg consumption, the role of genetics in improving production, and key strategies for producers to enhance efficiency and profitability. ...