Genetic Improvement Strategies for Broilers and Layers

Chicken was the first animal species in which Mendelian inheritance was demonstrated. A century later, the chicken was the first among farm animals to have its genome sequenced. The last several decades have seen a dramatic transition in poultry genetics, both in commercial breeding and research focus. Industrial production has facilitated replacement of the dual purpose chicken by stocks bred specifically for meat or eggs. The broiler and layer breeding companies have utilised different breedi ...