Genome selection implemented in US poultry breeding programs

“New developments in genomics have provided opportunities to enhance breeding programs in poultry by being able to genotype large numbers of individuals for tens of thousands of genetic markers across the genome at a reasonable cost,” remarked Dr. Jack Dekkers of Iowa State University, when presenting to breeder specialists and geneticists at the recent 2011 National Breeders Roundtable, sponsored by the Poultry Breeders of America and US Poultry & Egg Association.

“This technology is already used in dairy cattle by selecting bull calves that have received favorable genes across the genome for milk production and related traits at a young age, rather than having to go through a time consuming and costly progeny testing program. This process of ‘genomic selection’ is now also being implemented in poultry breeding programs,” commented Dr. Dekkers.

Other roundtable topics included Present Status and Prospects for Genomic Selection in Livestock, MicroRNA: Small RNAs with a Big Impact, 50 Years of the NC Layers Random Sample Test, and Transgenic Salmon.

The National Breeders Roundtable brings together breeder specialists and geneticists from industry, universities, and government to discuss the latest poultry breeding research and developments, along with genetic trends.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association