Applications of biotechnology in the poultry industry

Progress in the selection of production traits in the poultry industry has been dramatic over the past 75 years. Genetic progress has its biological limits and these may be reached in the next 20 years. The poultry industry will need to adapt with more emphasis on the needs of the consumer (e.g. product quality, health and animal welfare), as well as the needs of the breeders/producers (e.g. lower feed costs and higher fertility). These new traits are difficult and costly to measure by conventional genetic selection methods - the application of genomics is a possible solution. Poultry genomics has benefited from the rapid technological advances in the genetics of model organisms and human. A number of resources and approaches are now well established, including genetic markers and maps (both genetic and physical), QTL mapping, comparative mapping, EST and BAC resources. In addition, the next phase of gene discovery - Functional Genomics is underway. How the poultry industry can benefit and get access to these new technologies is discussed.