Breeder Management: How Did We Get Here?

Broiler breeders are managed to maximize the output of day-old chicks. This involves control of body weight, feed intake and day length during both the rearing and production periods. The relative importance of these factors has changed over time and with the commercial production strategies of different countries. Several novel concepts of managing broiler breeders have been developed in scientific studies. However, examination of the breeder management advice from commercial breeding companies shows that the precise methods have then evolved in practical use within the production industry. Some ideas, such as dwarf breeders, caged housing and artificial insemination, have not gained industry acceptance to the extent which was originally assumed. Genetic improvements in breeder performance have been steady and consistent since the late 1970s but there remains a significant variation about the average performance, which is an indication of the 'environmental' effect. Reducing this variation represents an opportunity for further improvement in flock performance.