The impact of R&D in broiler breeding: past, present and future

Abstract

This paper describes the close relationship between Research and Development (R&D) applied to broiler breeding and the global broiler industry. An historical perspective of the use R&D is given in the context of the gene flow from elite populations to commercial tiers of the industry. The impact of global breeding goals on a range of commercially important traits is described. The role of R&D in the long-term improvement of broiler elite populations is discussed. This paper is presented from the point of view of Aviagen, a global distributor of poultry breeding stock globally.