Breeding and genetics selection of poultry Dr.Israa Al-Ibadi 15/4/2019 1st yr poultry management

Poultry Breeding.  Breeding refers to mating poultry for either maintaining or increasing the current flock or for selecting specific individuals for improvement in one or more characteristics (e.g., for size, weight, egg production, meat quality, behavior, plumage, comb type, or a combination of factors). An understanding of general poultry genetics is important before starting a breeding program. In order to identify chicks, wing or leg bands can be used as well as notching the toes.

The Livestock Breed selection come in different breeding programs: 1. Selection for Meat Qualities and Rate of Growth 2. Selection for Egg Production 3. Selection of Breeding Stock

Genetic What is the definition of genetics in biology? The study of heredity, or how the characteristics of living things are transmitted from one generation to the next. Every living thing contains the genetic material that makes up DNA molecules. This material is passed on when organisms reproduce. The basic unit of heredity is the gene. Definition of gene. : a unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development of one or more traits and is the basic unit by which genetic information is passed from parent to offspring.

genetic sex determination in birds (including poultry species) is very different from that of mammals (such as us), as shown below. (e.g., humans, cows, etc.) Male = XY Female = XX Males determine the sex of the offspring Gene BIRDS(including all poultry species) Male = ZZ Female = ZW Females determine the sex of the offspring Every individual has two sets of chromosomes - one from the mother and one from the father. Each set contains a sex chromosome which is important in determining the gender of the animal In mammals there are two possible sex-chromosomes - X and Y. Females have to X chromosomes (XX) while males have one of each (XY). Male mammals, therefore, determine the gender of the offspring.

Dual Purpose Breeds Examples Rhode Island Red Plymouth Rock New Hampshire

Poultry genetics for pastured production The genetics for feather pattern, egg shell color, body conformation and other traits are controlled by different genes on different chromosomes of the chicken.

Transition to Single Purpose More recently, birds began to be selected for either meat production or egg production instead of both. These are called single purpose birds.

Genetic Selection Genetic selection is the process by which certain traits become more prevalent in a species than other traits. These traits seen in an organism are due to the genes found on their chromosomes Selecting a desirable trait is the first step to genetic selection. Desirable traits are different for broilers and laying hens.

Different breeding and selection technologies at different period of time were employed for the genetic improvement of poultry (Table 1).

Desirable Trait for Laying Hens Clutch length Shell quality maturity Size Temperament 2.For Broilers Growth rate Skeletal development Resilience