III. Pig and Poultry Breeding Flashcards
Topic 1 – Origin and domestication of swine, micro-evolutionary
consequences: importance of pork production in human nutrition
Origin and domestication of swine
Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Arydactyla Family: Suidae Genus: Sus
Species • S. Scrofa (wild boar) o S. scrofa domesticus – Domesticated pig o Sus scrofa scrofa – Western Africa o Sus scrofa ussuricus (north Asia & Japan) o Sus scrofa cristatus (Asia minor & India) o Sus scrofa vittatus
DOMESTICATION
- Domesticated ~5000BC in Near East/China & Mediterranean region
- FERAL pigs: Dedomesticated pigs
Can cause substantial environmental damage (omnivorous diet, aggressive behaviour, rooting ! Damage to ecosystem) - On list of world’s 100 most invasive species
Topic 1 – Origin and domestication of swine, micro-evolutionary
consequences: importance of pork production in human nutrition
Micro-evolutionary consequences
Consequences of domestication (microevolutionary changes)
1.Ears
• Wild boar: Upright
• Pig: Many breeds have drooping (lop) ears
- Conformation
a• Wild boar: Compact body, long narrow head & snout, long legs, short
straight tail. Males have TUSKS.
b• Pig: Snout, small eyes, small tail – may be curly, kinked or straight, thick body, short legs
- Coat
a• Wild boar: Thick, short, bristled coat ranging in colour from brown & grey to black. Usually consists of stiff bristles & a finer fur. A prominent ridge of hair along the spine is also common (‘ridgeback’)
b• Pig: Great variation in colours & markings (usually breed specific)
- Colour
b• Pigs are more commonly white
(large no of ‘maternal breed’ animals)
5. Size • Great variation a• Boars: - Fully grown female (~5yrs) 135cm long; - 55-70kg - Adult males 140-150cm long; 80-90kg
- Behaviour & feeding habits
• Usually nocturnal –> Forage from dusk to dawn with resting periods during both night & day
• Omnivorous (will eat almost anything)
a• Boars: Only known hoofed animal known to dig burrows –>Only mammal known to lack BROWN ADIPOSE tissue so must protect themselves from cold. Also NO SWEAT GLAND
• In captivity, pigs may eat their young if severely stressed
- Puberty
• Wild: Late maturation ~18months
• Pig: Early maturation ~5-6 months - Sexual activity
• Wild: Seasonally monooestrus
• Pig: Polyoustrus, no breeding season (continuous breeder) - Fertility & litter size
• Wild: 4-6 piglets per litter
• Pig: Bred for fertility & litter size –> 8-12 piglets per litter with some ‘vittatus’ breeds being even more prolific - Sensory organs
• Wild: Well-developed
• Pig: Vision is less effective
• Both have excellent sense of smell
Topic 1 – Origin and domestication of swine, micro-evolutionary
consequences: importance of pork production in human nutrition
TERMINOLOGY
Basic Terminology
Boar: Adult male Sow: Mature female Gilt: Immature female Piglet/farrow: Young animals Shoat: Yong pig between 50-90kg Barrow: Castrated male pig (hog – in its original meaning)
Topic 1 – Origin and domestication of swine, micro-evolutionary
consequences: importance of pork production in human nutrition
Use of pigs
Use of pigs
1• Food
2• Leather, brushes
3• MEDICINE
o Biomedical research
▪ Dwarf pig breeds are commonly used as models
o Transplants – Full genome of pig has been matched. Organs are of similar size to those in humans
o Insulin production (in the past)
4• Foraging (truffle hunting) ! Excellent sense of smell
- Domestic pigs are commonly raised by farmers as livestock for meat !
- Pork accounts for ~38% of daily meat protein intake worldwide
- Increased urbanization in China has led to a rapid rise in pork consumption
- Judaism (Kosher/Kashrut) & Islam ! Consumption of pork is forbidden
(‘unclean’ animal) - BACON: Any cut(s) of meat taken from the sides, belly or back of a pig that
may be cured/smoked - HAM: Thigh & rump of pork (haunch)
- LARD: Pig fat (rendered & unrendered forms). –> Commonly used in soap manufacturing
Topic 2 – Most important traits of pig production (prolificacy, fattening
ability, carcass quality, meat/fat properties, SEUROP qualification system),
breeding value estimation and selection of sows and boars
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Topic 3 – Classification of swine breeds, types, the main aspects of judging swine conformation (and type)
Classification of swine breeds, types
Maternal/Paternal
- LARGE WHITE pig breeds (of Yorkshire origin) &
- LANDRACES (local breeds of Large White origin) !
= Universal breeds used mainly in meat production!
- Maternal breeds: Prolific
Excellent nursing abilities
Good growth & gain
Good meat quality
4. Paternal breeds: Excellent growth & gain Well muscled (‘four ham’ pigs) Lower fertility than maternal breeds May be susceptible to stress sensitivity (MHS)
Topic 3 – Classification of swine breeds, types, the main aspects of judging swine conformation (and type)
main aspects of judging swine conformation (and type)
Approx 600 pig breeds worldwide, classified based on:
- Skin & Hair colour,
- Ear form & position (erect/drooping) and 3. Type (ham, bacon, pork, lard)
Eg.:
1. Solid white with erect (upright) ears
= Large White, Yorkshire
- Solid white with drooping ears
= Landrace - Solid black with drooping ears
= Large black - Solid red with drooping ears
= Tamworth, Duroc - Spotted, white with erect ears
= Pietrain - Black & white belted with erect ears
= Hampshire - Black & white markings, erect ears
= Poland China
Determine which PIG!!
Solid white with erect (upright) ears
= Large White, Yorkshire
Determine which PIG!!
Solid white with drooping ears
= Landrace
Determine which PIG!!
Solid black with drooping ears
= Large black
Determine which PIG!!
Solid red with drooping ears
= Tamworth, Duroc
Determine which PIG!!
Spotted, white with erect ears
= Pietrain
Determine which PIG!!
Black & white belted with erect ears
= Hampshire
Determine which PIG!!
Black & white markings, erect ears
= Poland China
Topic 4 – The Yorkshire (the large white) breed group of swine
MATERNAL BREEDS Yorkshire = English Large White • White • Erect ears • Most recorded swine breed in US • Developed in Yorkshire ~1760
- Modern Yorkshire is MUSCULAR with a HIGH proportion of LEAN meat
- Excellent production traits:
- Growth,
- sow productivity,
- prolificacy,
- maternal characters,
- backfat formation
Large White (GB) • Good growth & gain • Medium-long body • Erect ears • White skin & hair • Suitable as maternal line for crossing & hybridization • Stress-resistant • High fertility • Good meat quality
Topic 5 – The Landrace breed group of pigs
MATERNAL BREEDS
1. Danish Landrace • Medium-large breed • White • Long bodies, long snouts • DROOPING ears • Bred for pork production • Production & quality testing is a regular part of Danish swine improvement programs --> Denmark is chief bacon-exporting country (initially Denmark refused to export purebred Landrace stock for this reason)
2. Landraces (EU) • There are many Landrace breeds & types in different countries - Swedish, - Finnish, - Dutch, - German, - French, - Hungarian, - American
- Rapid growth & gain
- Long bodied
- Drooping ears
- White skin
- Well-developed production traits
o FERTILE & PROLIFIC
(suitable as maternal lines for crossing)
• Mainly BACON type
• Majority resistant to STRESS (MHS-test –ve)
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
(Pietrain, Duroc, Hampshire)
PATERNAL BREEDS
- Pietrain (B)
- Duroc (USA)
- Hampshire (developed USA)
- Tamworth (Sandy Back, Tam)
- Poland China (USA)
- Berkshire (GB)
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
Pietrain (B)
- Excellent meat producer
- Synthetic breed from Large White, French breeds & Berkshire
- Medium-Large sized
- Deep bodied
- Short, upright ears
- White with black/brown spots
- Excellent dressing %
- Pronounced HAMS (4 ham pigs)
- Excellent feed conversion
- LOWER fertility
- Suitable as paternal line for crossing & hybridization
• Stress-SENSITIVE
(although modern testing means stress-resistant sows & boars are available)
- Boars: 80-85cm @ withers, 300-330kg
- Sows: 75-80cm @ withers, 250-280kg
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
2. Duroc (USA)
Duroc (USA)
- Older breed of American domestic breed that forms basis for many mixed breed commercial hogs
- Red, solid coloured
- Large frame & size
- Deep bodied
- Concave backline
- Muscular
- Partially drooping ears
- Profile of head is often convex
- Good fertility
- Rapid growth & gain
- Good meat production
- Stress RESISTANT
• Expressed marbling (IM fat >2%)
–> Excellent meat quality
- Used as maternal line for F1 sows or paternal line in two-breed crosses
- Tend to be most AGGRESSIVE of swine breeds
- Boars: 90-95cm @ withers, body mass 320-350 kg
- Sows: 85-90cm @ withers, body mass 250-280kg
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
- Hampshire (developed USA)
Hampshire (developed USA)
• Black body with white belt around middle, with white shoulders & FL
• ERECT EARS
• Long head with convex profile
• Well-muscled, rapid grower
(faster than Yorkshire)
- Good meat quality & high dressing percentage
- Medium gain, good feed efficiency
- Moderate fertility
- Paternal type & production of F1 boars
- Good capacity as mothers (longevity)
• Hampshire Factor
o AD, proteinkinase mutation
▪ Strong decrease in pH (<5.4) in muscle tissue 24hrs after slaughtering
–> RSE (red, soft exudative) meat
- Boars: 90-95cm @ withers, 300-330kg
- Sows: 85-90cm @ withers, 250-280kg
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
- Tamworth (Sandy Back, Tam)
Tamworth (Sandy Back, Tam)
• Among OLDEST pig breeds
• Long narrow body, elongated head
- ERECT, pointed ears
- Colour ranges from pale ginger to dark mahogany red
• Medium sized o Boar: 250-370kg o Sow: 200-300kg o 1.0-1.4m long o 5-65cm high @ withers
- Fairly muscular hams
- Excellent choice for CROSSBREEDING
- LITTER sizes are generally SMALLER than commercial breeds
- Bacon pig –> Produces high body mass without much fat
- Hardy
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
- Poland China (USA)
Poland China (USA)
• Known for LARGE size
(‘Big Bill’ ! Largest pig recorded was a Poland China)
- OLDEST American pig breed
- Black with white patches
- Derives from Berkshire & Hampshire
Topic 6 – The colour pig breeds
- Berkshire (GB)
Berkshire (GB) • BRITTAIN´s OLDEST pig • Early-maturing • Black with white legs, faces & tips of tail • Dished snouts • Fairly large, ERECT ears • Fine, wrinkle-free necks • Sloping shoulders • Short straight legs • Straight underline
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Asian breeds
1. MEISHAN (pug face) • Chinese breed • Colourful pot bellied breed • Concave backline • Fat
• MOST prolific breed
–> Litters up to 20 (many teats)
o Prolificacy genes (oestrogen & prolactin receptors) were identified
- Soft meat
- High perinatal losses of piglets
- VIETNAMESE POT BELLIED
• SMALL breed
o Size of medium/large breed dog (30-140kg)
- UPRIGHT ears, straight tail
- Fat rolls over eyes/belly touching ground ! Pig is overweight
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Large Black (Cornwall, GB) Wessex Saddleback/Wessex Bentheim Black Pied/Buntes Bentheimer Schwein (D) Mulefoot Black Iberian/Iberico Mangalitsa (H) Kune kune (NZ) Gottinger minipig
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Large Black (Cornwall, GB)
- Medium-sized, long body
- Solid black (only wholly-black British pig)
- V. popular in 19th century, endangered breed nowadays
- Large litter (8-10)
- Boar: 80-85cm, 270-300kg
- Sow: 75-80cm, 250kg
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Bentheim Black Pied/
Buntes Bentheimer Schwein (D)
- Rare breed
- Medium sized, lop eared
- White with black spots
- Boars: 75cm, 250kg
- Sows: 70cm, 180kg
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Wessex Saddleback/Wessex
Mulefoot
- Wessex Saddleback/Wessex
• Black with white band around forequarters
• Tall, rangy animal adapted to foraging in woodland (New Forest) - Mulefoot
• Breed of domestic pig with solid,
non-cloven hooves (reminiscent of mule)
• Typically black, may have white spots
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Black Iberian/Iberico
- Spain –> Jamon iberico
- Great ability to accumulate subcut fat & marbling
- Dark in colour (black, grey)
- Little or no hair
- Lean body
- Pata negra (black hoof)-> Common name
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Mangalitsa (H)
• Fat-type hog breed • Medium body size • Fine but strong skeleton • Low fertility, late maturity ! 5-6 piglets • Endangered • Used in organic farming • ‘Pure bred’ Mangalitsa o Blond mangalica o Swallow-bellied mangalica o Red mangalica • Slaughtered ~150-200kg • Adult weights o Boar: 330-350kg o Sow: 270-300kg
Topic 7 – Importance of Asian and other local swine breeds
Unusual/endangered/local breeds
Kune kune (NZ) Gottinger minipig
- Kune kune (NZ)
• Small, round-shaped pig
• Pet - Gottinger minipig
• Miniature pig used in labs or kept as pets
Topic 8 – Breeding methods and practical mating systems in swine breeding:
continuous and discontinuous crossings and hybridisation
Mating methods - Breeding selections
- PURE
- Harem: Group of sows/gilts & one boar
- Stud/hand mating: Individual mating
- AI: V. common in pig breeding using locally produced, fresh, diluted semen.
Sex ratio
• Natural mating = 1:60/70
• AI (single diluted ejaculation) = 1:10-15
- Pure-breeding with selection
Selective breeding & breed improvement, maintenance of purebred (pedigree)
breeds
• Inbreeding
o Animals are more closely related than population average
o Increases homozygosis & uniformity
o Decreases genetic variability
• Preserving pure breeds o Gene & breed conservation o Pure breeding without close inbreeding o Maintenance of variability & regular selection to preserve breed for future
Topic 8 – Breeding methods and practical mating systems in swine breeding:
continuous and discontinuous crossings and hybridisation
Mating methods - Breeding selections
- CROSS
Cross breeding
Results of crossbreeding are influenced by heterosis & recombination effects
• GRADING UP
o Rarely used
o Replacement of local breeds with more productive ones
o Mating with purebred, high yielding sire of another breed for a number of subsequent generations
• BREED IMPROVEMENT (introgression)
o Preserving valuable breed characteristics
o Only single crossing used to introduce new genetics –> Gene immigration
• NEW BREED FORMATION
o Combination of different, valuable breed characteristics to establish
a new synthetic breed
o Utilizes heterosis
• TERMINAL CROSSING
(discontinous pig breed hybridization)
o Combination of breeds to optimize meat production
o Complimentary additive gene effects & non-additive recombination
effects of performance
▪ Uses full maternal & paternal profit-heterosis
o Often uses crossing of top boars with sows of different breeds
• Rotational crossing (continuous pig breed hybridization)
o Males of 2+ pig breeds are used in sequence on a crossbred female
population
o Results in loss of breed uniformity
Topic 8 – Breeding methods and practical mating systems in swine breeding:
continuous and discontinuous crossings and hybridisation
Performance testing & selection
- Performance testing: Station or field testing
Individual performance of sows
• Weight gain up to 85-95kg
• Fleshing (sonography – fat & muscle measurements)
• Conformation traits (muscling, teat number)
2. Individual performance of boars • Weight gain, fleshing (sonography) • Conformational traits (testicle circumference, fertility, semen quality) • Health traits • Hereditary disorders • Test matings
- Full sib, half sib & progeny testing
• Gain & carcass merits - Breeding value estimate for selection of breeding boars & gilts
• Own performance
• BLUP using breeding value of parents & full grown sibs & half sibs - Selection of breeding boars for AI
• Maternal performance, conformation scores, MHS-test –ve
• Fertility tests (min 1500 first AI)
• Test-mating for genetic defects ! -ve results
• Progeny testing (rate of gain & carcass merit)
• BLUP based on progeny testing
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
General
Puberty @ 5-7 months
Breeding maturity
• Age @ 1st breeding >8-9months or 90-100kg body mass
o Varies greatly depending on breed, sex & nutrition
• Age @ 1st farrowing ~12-14 months
• Genital development & maturity is more important than weight
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Main reproduction features
• Early puberty
• Pluripary – Wide range in litter size
• Continuous nreeding
• 1st heat often silent (~5-6 months)
Negative correlation between intensive feeding & rapid weight gain (STH) &
sexual development (FSH, LH)
Pheramonal effects & biostimulation are important
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Ovarian cycle
• 18-23 days
• Biphashic – follicular & luteal phase
• Polyovulation
o 15-20 eggs
(embryonic & perinatal losses may be up to 10-30%)
o Spontaneous
• Frequent disorders
o Anovulatory cycles, delayed ovulation, persistence of follicles,
ovarian cysts
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Heat
Heat
• Lasts 2-3 days
• External symptoms
o Restlessness, swollen genitals, mucous discharge, frequent urination, mounting other sows
• Immobilization/back pressure test ! Heat detection
• Mating/insemination is performed prior to or around ovulation (2x in 24hrs)
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Gestation
Gestation
• Short, 114 days
• Maintained by pPL (porcine placental lactogen)
• Frequent foetal atrophy (natural embryonic selection)
• Sensitivity to stressors
• PD
o Rectal palpation, sonography, hormonal methods (oestrogensulphate in blood)
Weaning may be early or late (commonly ~25-42 days)
Heat occurs ~7days after weaning ! rebreeding of sow
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Hereditary & environmental factors influencing production & litter size
Hereditary & environmental factors influencing production & litter size
• Hereditary
o Genetic basis for prolificacy (Meishan)
o Oestrogen & prolactin receptor
• Environmental
o Feeding
▪ Flushing may increase fertility (weaning + flushing = heat
within 10 day period)
• Hormonal factors can be used to regulate or stimulate sexual functions
Topic 9 – Reproduction features and traits of swine, raising piglets
Causes of foetal atrophy
Causes of foetal atrophy
• Hereditary, chromosomal abnormalities, lethal factors, overcrowding,
limited uterine surface for foetal nutrition, incomplete nutrition during
gestation, owerweight animals,
Topic 10 – Most important porcine genetic diseases (PSS, MHS, PSE)
Monogenes –> Diagnosis is partly possible (PCR-RFLP)
- Muscular
- Metabolic
- Bones & Other
Topic 10 – Most important porcine genetic diseases (PSS, MHS, PSE)
- Muscular
Muscular
1• Porcine stress syndrome, PSS
o Detected by halothane test
o Autosomal recessive
2• Progressive myopathy (lameness of piglets)
3• Tremor type III (myoclonia, frequent muscle tremor of piglets)
4• Resistance to oedema disease
o Neonatal diarrhoea
Topic 10 – Most important porcine genetic diseases (PSS, MHS, PSE)
- Metabolic
Metabolic!!
1• Porphyria
o Rare, congenital, AR
2• Haemophilia A
3• Pseudohaemophilia/Von Willebrand
4• Obesity genes
o Leptin –> Obesity, hyperphagia
o Myogenia –> Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP4)
o H-FABP ! Heart fatty acid binding protein
o Hypercholesterolaemia
5• Gangliosidosis II
Topic 10 – Most important porcine genetic diseases (PSS, MHS, PSE)
- Bones & Other
Bones & other
1• Vit D resistant rickets
2• Arthrogiposis, apoda
3• Dwarfism
4• Intersexes (XX males)
5• Skin & hair colour
o Dominant white
Topic 11 – Technology of swine production (modern, large unit, traditional, alternative)
Intensive pig farming
INTENSIVE PIG FARMING
- Piggeries/hog lots: Factory farms specialized in raising pigs up to slaughter weight.
- Grower/fattener pigs are housed indoors (group housing)
- Pregnant sows are confined to stalls (gestation crates) & give birth in farrowing crates
- Generally large, industrial type warehouses with specialized ventilation, heating & lighting systems
- Piglets may be sobjected to a range of treatments
(tail docking, teeth clipping, castration etc.)
Topic 11 – Technology of swine production (modern, large unit, traditional, alternative)
Alternative free range methods
ALTERNATIVE FREE RANGE METHODS
- Many industry experts advocate intensive swine farming.
+ Advantage of outdoor farming systems:
• Animal friendly
– animal can express natural behaviour
- Disadvantage
• Usually less economically productive
• Environmental impacts
• Increased incidence of worms, parasites)
• Successful management depends on local conditions & availability of skilled staff - Pink skinned breeds are often suited for outdoor agricultural methods –> sunburn, heat stress
Topic 12 – Origin and domestication of different poultry species, microevolutionary consequences, importance of meat and egg production of
different poultry species in human nutrition
Domestication of bird species
DOMESTICATION of BIRDPECIES
- Chicken:
From red jungle fowl in India ~2500BC, & China ~5400BC - Turkey: From wild turkey in Mexico ~1000BC
- Duck: From mallard duck in Asia (China) ~2500BC
- Muscovy Duck: Columbia & Peru ~700BC
- Goose: Greylag goose & Swan goose in Asia, Egypt & Europe
- Pigeon: From rocky doves of Mediterranean & North African region
- Quail: From Japanese wild quail ~11th century in Japan, China & Korea
- Ostrich: From wild forms
- Guinea fowl: Originated in Africa, domesticated in Greek civilization
- Pea fowl: Wild forms in India
- Swan: From wild swan in India
- Pheasant: Originated in Asia. Captive in Greek civilization ~1300BC
Topic 12 – Origin and domestication of different poultry species, microevolutionary consequences, importance of meat and egg production of
different poultry species in human nutrition
Chickens
Chickens (Gallus gallus/G. gallus domesticus)
- Chickens outnumber humans 2.5:1 with a population of ~17billion worldwide.
- Kept primarily as a food source –> Meat & eggs are consumedChickens (Gallus gallus/G. gallus domesticus)
Topic 12 – Origin and domestication of different poultry species, microevolutionary consequences, importance of meat and egg production of
different poultry species in human nutrition
Consequences of domestication
Consequences of domestication
• Increased size & weight
• Different plumage types & colours/patterns
• Breast hypertrophy & changes to limb musculature
• Fat deposition (ducks & geese)
• Brain size
• Behavioural changes
• Fertility, prolificacy
o Non-broodiness, egg production, egg number
- Cock: Adult male (roosters in US)
- Cockrel: Young male (<1yr)
- Capon: Castrated male
- Hen: Adult female (>1 year)
- Pullet: Female <1yr
- Chick: Young (baby) bird
Topic 13 – Main reproduction features of poultry species, puberty, breeding maturity, most common genetic diseases
- Hens lay one egg every day or two & under natural conditions will only lay until a clutch is complete.
- Brooding: Incubation & protection of a clutch of eggs.
- Maintenance of nest temp & humidity by mother hen
Topic 14 – The layer hen type (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Specialized laying breeds may produce up to 300 eggs per year
Laying ability begins to decline after 12 months, when hens are slaughtered and used in baby food, pet food, pies etc.
Topic 14 – The layer hen type (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Egg production traits (laying traits)
• Puberty, laying maturity
o Early sexual maturity
• Laying performance, egg production
o Good rate of laying, h2 = 0.15-0.25
o Relative egg production
o Absolute egg production (>300 = excellent layer)
• 1st year production
o Forms basis of determining egg-laying ability
o Size of egg increases in 2nd year but no decreases
• Performance test (btw days 141-504)
• Intensity of laying
o Clutch size
o Breed specific
o Larger intensity = longer egg laying period without interval
• Feed conversion efficiency
• Egg quality o Weight o Size o Interior egg quality o Shell quality
• Broodiness
o Non-broodiness is desirable & broodiness is selected against
Topic 14 – The layer hen type (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Breeder eggs
- Fertility
- Hatchability rate (should be >90%)
- Sex ratio
- Incubation period
- Chick weight at hatching
- Adult body weight
Topic 14 – The layer hen type (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Breeding programs for layer hybrids
Crossing of inbred lines within the same breed is rare ! Only in fowl breeding (2/3 way crossings)
Test crossings –> Only lines for best combinations are selective bred for future hybrids, others are culled
Recurrent reciprocal selection, RRS • Optimal combination of lines • Heterosis effect • Reciprocity o Both paternal & maternal lines are tested for optimal combining ability
Laying breeds
Topic 15 – Broiler chicken (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
- Meat production traits of broilers
• Body weight & growth
o Gain
• Feed efficiency
• Dressing percentage (65-70%)
o Breast, thigh, drumstick
- Meat quality (white:dark meat ratio)
- Mortality rates
- Vitality
• Behaviour problems
o Cannibalism
(can be prevented by beak trimming & light programs)
o Feather eating
- Breeding programs for broiler hybrids
3 way crossings: Maternal line = cross bred (synthetic line)
Paternal line = purebred
4 way crossing: Both maternal & paternal lines are crossbred
Most of the world’s commercial broilers are four way crosses
Performance testing (broilers & layers) is performed by Random Sample Tests of eggs
Topic 16 – Poultry production systems and technologies (large unit, traditional, alternative, get-away)
Broiler production
Single phase system in large units (litter houses)
Breeding egg (60g) –> day old chicks –> Broilers –> Slaughter weight ~2kg
Single phase system in large units (litter houses)
• Vertical integration or contractual arrangements
• Broilers are ready in 5-6 weeks
• Controlled environment o Temperature o Humidity o Ventilation o Lighting ▪ Intermittent, alternating lighting systems ▪ Decreases near to slaughtering o Automatic feeders/water troughs
Topic 16 – Poultry production systems and technologies (large unit, traditional, alternative, get-away)
Commercial (industrial) egg production
Commercial (industrial) egg production
• 60g egg ! day old pullets –> laying hens (22wks)
• Two phase system 1o Rearing phase ▪ Brooding ▪ Pullets up to 6wks of age 2o Laying phase ▪ Production of commercial eggs ▪ Housing of laying pullets from 18th week, laying begins at 22nd week
Topic 16 – Poultry production systems and technologies (large unit, traditional, alternative, get-away)
Battery chickens
Battery chickens = intensive mass production (factory farming) • Concerns o Excessive use of antibiotics o Arsenic o Growth & steroid hormones o E. coli o Salmonella o Avian influenza o Welfare
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
General + short
Breeding goal: Meat production for human consumption
Breeding –> Egg production for hatcheries
Wild turkeys have been released into the wild as game birds.
Sexual dimorphism is typical & has increased due to domestication
- Reproductive traits
- Productive trait
- Breeding & mating systems
- Production systems
- Breeds & hybrids
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
- Reproductive traits
Reproductive traits
• Puberty, laying & breeding maturity
o Hens 16 weeks
▪ Start of laying 34 weeks
o Males 24-26 weeks
- Egg weight ~75-85g
- Duration of laying period = 20 weeks
- Incubation time = 28 days
- Sex ratio: 1 tom:10 hens
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
- Productive trait
Productive traits
• Excellent growth up to 24 weeks
• Feed efficiency & conversion
o 0-14 wks = 2.3-2.4 kg/kg
o 14-24 wks = 3-3.4 kg/kg
• Dressing percentage ~75-82%
• Fattening period
o Females 14-16 weeks
o Males 22-26 weeks
Easily frightened animals –> Frequently run away in stress
–>Injuries & high poult losses in large units
Mortality rate ~5-7%
Beak trimming is common practice
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Breeding & mating systems
Breeding & mating systems
- Similar methods to chickens
- AI is frequently practiced because of expressed sexual dimorphism & to prevent mating injuries
–> Broad-breasted turkeys (white or bronze) require AI to
reproduce as meaty breast is an obstacle for natural mating
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Production systems
Production systems
Intensive (large unit) systems • Broiler/baby poult production • Fattening young hens • Giants (males) • Single/two phase system in floor or litter houses
Semi-intensive
Free range/organic ! Traditional for bronze turkeys
Breeder turkeys: 6 month laying period
Controlled light program
Topic 17 – Breeding turkey (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Breeds & hybrids
Breeds & hybrids
- Bronze turkey
• Broad breasted – Requires AI; commercially used
• Unimproved – Natural mating; small scale production
• Calmer & easier to handle than white turkey
• Female: 12kg
• Males: 15kg
• Egg production: 40-50 (broad breasted up to 70) - White turkey (broad breasted)
- White Beltsville (USA)
• Adult up to 8kg
• 100-120 eggs (maternal lines) - Empire white (GB)
• Female up to 8kg, male up to 14kg
• 70-100 eggs - Black turkey (EU)
• Smaller in size but considered to be of highest table quality - Hybrid BUT
• Medium sized British hybrids
Topic 18 – Breeding goose (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding
methods and hybrids)
SHORT
- Domestication
- Use (breeding goal)
- Breeds & hybrids
Topic 18 – Breeding goose (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding
methods and hybrids)
Domestication
~2500-3000BC
- Few changes due to domestication
(fatty deposition, plumage colour, egg production) - Genetic pollution between domestic & wild breeds is common
Topic 18 – Breeding goose (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding
methods and hybrids)
Use (breeding goal)
Use (breeding goals) • Meat • Liver ! Fois grois • Fat • Feathers (goose down) • Eggs
Topic 18 – Breeding goose (breeding goal, use, breeds, traits, breeding
methods and hybrids)
Breeds & hybrids
Breeds & hybrids
1• Layers o Italian goose o Bohemian (Czech) foose o Rhenish goose o Swan neck goose
2• Meat o Emden o Grey Pomeranian o Pilgrim o Diepholz goose
3• Liver (fatty liver) o Toulouse o Grey goose (Landes) o Easter cygnoides (knobbed) breeds o African goose
4• Feathers
5• Other breeds
o Egyptian geese
o Hungarian improved goose
6• Hybrids
o Lippetisch (Leipzig)
o Gourmand
Topic 19 – Breeding ducks (breeding goal, use, species, breeds, traits, breeding methods and hybrids)
Domestication
Production & reproduction traits
Breeding & mating systems
Production systems
• Extensive
• Semi-intensive
• Intensive
Breeds & hybrids
1• Layer breeds
o Runner ducks
o Khaki Campbell
2• Meat breeds
o Peking duck
o Aylesbury duck
o Rouen duck
3• Other o Buff Orpington duck o Pomeranian duck o Crested white ducks o Cayuga duck o Muscovy duck
4• Hybrids
Topic 20 – Breeding pigeon
Domestication changes
Rock dove/rock pigeon
= Wild progenitor of domestic pigeons. World’s oldest domesticated bird.
Domestication changes • Behaviour • Morphology • High biodiversity • Different flying abilities – Tumblers, high fliers, rollers etc.
Topic 20 – Breeding pigeon
Uses
Uses • Commercial (meat production) or hobby (sport/show/ornamental) • Food (squab) • Exhibition breeds (fancy pigeon) o Duchess, fantail etc. • Flying/sporting pigeons o Homing pigeons o Pigeon racing o Shooting (wood pigeon) • Experimentation
Topic 20 – Breeding pigeon
Breeding
Breeding
• Monogamy. Forced pairing is possible.
• Replacement of crop milk by artificial replacer.
• Prolificacy & conformational traits are of importance.
• Cross breeding is used in meat production hybrid programs (Strasser, Mondian, King, Texan)
Topic 20 – Breeding pigeon
Breeds
Breeds • Flying/sporting breeds • Fancy pigeons • Utility pigeons • Meat pigeons & hybrids
