Breeding goals for intensive but sustainable poultry meat production

Abstract

The effects of selecting male parent breeding stock for efficiency of feed utilization (EFU) were compared with those of selection for body weight (BW). Selection for EFU resulted in an improved feed and protein efficiency at a certain fixed body weight when compared with BW selection. Correlated effects of selection for EFU (slaughter yield, viability, parent stock fertility) were favourable. For sustainable poultry meat production, losses in the production cycle through manure, slaughter offals and mortality should be minimized. The results of experimental selection indicate that selection for EFU may be a useful tool towards decreasing losses in poultry meat production.