ANFS 421 POULTRY PRODUCTION PRIMARY BREEDERS

U. S. Meat Consumption

The Breeders Primary Breeder An independent company. Genetically develop disease resistant poultry that grows faster on less feed and produces higher yields. Accomplish this by minimizing the potential loss of breeding integrity of the poultry. Parent Breeder Owned by the Integrator Crosses breeds purchased from a Primary Breeder Supply Broiler Hatcheries with a constant supply of Hatching Eggs. Boost Maternal Antibodies for a company’s Poultry Health Program

Primary Breeder Companies Consolidation of the Industry Heritage Breeders LLC of Perdue Farms Cobb Vantress of Tyson Foods Aviagen=Ross and Arbor Acres Hubbard-ISA of Merial

Growth Changes 1920’s Today 4.7 lbs of feed to produce 1 lb of live weight 2.5 lb Bird Took 18 weeks 25% flock mortality Today Less than 2 lbs of feed to produce 1 lbs of live weight 5 lb Bird Takes 7 weeks Less than 5% flock mortality

Reason for Improvements Nutrition Health Programs Poultry management practices Housing conditions Genetics

GENETICS Genetic Pyramid 2009 2008 2007 Broilers, Roasters Parent Grandparent Great - Pedigreed 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

The Genetic Puzzle

Four Years (Generations) for Changes Genetics Four Years (Generations) for Changes Broilers, Roasters Parent Grandparent Great - Pedigreed 2008 9,000 2009 90,000 2010 3 million 2011 105 million 2012 14.2 billion

Broiler Processing Changes 1990 % Processed 23% Whole birds 67% Cut-up 10% Further porcessed 1980 % Processed 67% Whole birds 33% Cut-up

Genetic Selection Process Identify industry needs Define selection traits Develop a modern pedigree program Set improvement goals Evaluate broiler performance Invest in research

Genetic Gains Done at the Pedigree level Where Selections are made Selection process & Regeneration of birds with superior Genetic Traits All eggs are identified as to who the father and sometimes mother are. This establishes families Where Selections are made Hatchery Selection Farm Hen farm. Paper Selections (Based on family data)

Family Establishment

Labeling Eggs

Organizing Eggs at Pedigree Hatchery

Pedigree Hatchery Eggs in the Setting Incubator

Pedigree Baskets in the Hatcher

Pedigree Baskets Divided

Chick Examination

Hatchery Selections Color of the chick Leg quality Family size Down texture Health Family Data Recorded Each chick is line checked

Selection Farm

Feed Conversion Testing

Growth Selection Weight Conformation Skeletal structure Feed Conversion Health/Livability 160,000 birds placed- only 35,000 selected Data is recorded on all birds for family records

Broiler Selection Traits Growth rate Feed conversion Livability Health Heat resistance Evisceration yield Part & meat yield Carcass fat Leg & skeletal strength/confirmation Breast confirmation

Example of Desired Weights

Blackout Farm Birds arrive at 8 weeks Must be converted from a Broiler to a Breeder. Gains are less then .75 lbs. over the period of 13 week Houses are managed the same as in parent breeders Birds must be hand fed.

Blackout Farm Pens

Layer Testing Farm

Breeder Selection at Layer Farm Trap nesting Every egg identified & recorded in computer Family egg production Egg Quality Best Families moved to Pedigree pens 35,000 birds selected but only 7,000 (20%)=Pedigree. Remainder = foundation stock

Layer Farm Pens

Layer Farm Biosecurity

More Biosecurity

High Yield Broiler It is the breed of choice for producing value-added deboned products based on its meat yield, efficiency, broiler performance, and fillet shape. Optimize grow out and processing performance, achieving the highest eviscerated and breast meat yield of all breed options.

Low Cost Broiler Efficient feed conversion and excellent growth rate provide the competitive advantage of the lowest cost for producers.

Free Range Broiler This broiler has been bred for robust health and well being and is ideally suited to free range and organic systems as well as less intensive indoor production. It is a colored chicken bred from a rustic brown female and white male, giving the broilers distinctive

Industry Outlook Annual production is increasing 5% every year. Further processing of chickens is creating many new markets for poultry Poultry has become a leader in food safety All indicators point toward continued increases in per capita consumption. Exports are increasing. Dealing with Poor Economy Competing with Energy Markets for feed ingredients