LIMITS TO GENETIC-IMPROVEMENT OF BROILER STOCKS

The hypothetical question whether a selection plateau limits further improvement of broiler performance may be relevant if one considers only the age at a fixed final weight. However, genetic improvement involves an increasing number of traits, and no limit is in sight for the total merit including feed efficiency, carcass value and constitutional criteria. To benefit from the increasing genetic potential for efficient growth, traditional production systems should be supported by a combination of specific lighting programs, modern feeder and drinker equipment and computerized environment control. Between extreme demands from the animal welfare side and economic arguments from the producers' side, the overall goal must be to keep the efficiency of broiler production competitive and to make the product achievble to a growing percentage of the world population.