September 26, 2012
Aviagen has now included genomics information in the routine selection of its elite lines after eight years of sustained investment in unravelling the relationship between the chicken genome and broiler and breeder performance traits.
Genomics information will complement existing selection techniques, adding to the continuous improvement of Aviagen products on-year.
Launched in 2004, before the chicken genome sequence was released, Aviagen's genomics project is concerned with identifying naturally occurring markers within the genome of elite birds and using those markers to help breed stronger and more productive birds through the current selective breeding programme, a completely natural process.
In line with Aviagen's tradition of innovation and dedication to Research & Development (R&D), this major achievement comes as a result of long term commitment to cutting-edge research and bringing together the expertise of top scientists in the field of genomics and the internal knowledge gained from 50 years at the forefront of breeding.
Santiago Avendaño, Aviagen's Director of Global Genetics, explains: "Genomics is studying naturally occurring variations in DNA to help with breeding decisions in our elite lines. The use of genomics information will further strengthen our tradition of incorporating R&D for the improvement of our broiler products - a stronger, fitter and healthier bird which is able to resist disease and deliver predictable performance wherever it is placed.
Genomics information can be used to improve all traits in the breeding programme, including live performance, critically feed conversion rate, health, disease resistance and welfare. In addition to the observed and measured performance of our birds in a range of environments, we can now see at the genetic sequence level the unique qualities of each bird. This is especially important for attributes for which there is a limited amount of individual record of performance at the time of selection, like sex-limited traits.
With genomics we can now see exactly what the genetic configuration of each bird is and what has been inherited from its parents. By utilising this unique insight from our birds, we can make even more accurate selection decisions in order to improve all aspects of the bird's performance at every generation."
He adds,"For reproductive traits our comparisons with conventional selection methods indicate that we can achieve between 30-50% extra genetic progress through increased selection accuracy - which is very good indeed for relatively low heritable traits. It is important to say that genomics selection will not replace traditional selection, but will add a novel source of information that will further enhance accuracy of selection. Essentially, it is like extending the statistical equations we currently use to predict genetic values to give us the most accurate picture of the genetic potential of our birds."
