Selection for improved efficiency in poultry, progress to-date and challenges for the future

Abstract Text: Feed efficiency is an important trait in poultry and has been a breeding objective for over 50 years. Phenotypic measures are required on an individual basis to drive improvements in feed efficiency, while this has traditionally been achieved via individual caged birds, it is giving way to RFID based measurements. Improvements in feed efficiency have been achieved because of the high fecundity, intense selection pressure and short generation intervals. Reproductive capacity has helped achieve these gains but also the unique anatomy, physiology and behaviour has given them the ability to be efficiently farmed. Reproductive and cull traits like pendulous crop are negatively correlated with improved feed efficiency and must also be considered. This paper will reflect on the methods used for the improvements of feed efficiency in the past but also consider strategies currently being used and those that may be important in the future.

Keywords: poultry, genetics, efficiency