Genetic-economic aspects of feed efficiency in laying hens

Abstract

Many decades of selection for increased egg output per bird and for efficient feed conversion have resulted in stocks capable of remarkable levels of performance. In the search for new ways to achieve further improvements in egg production efficiency, residual feed intake is seen as a parameter that merits the serious attention of breeders. This review examines relevant research relating to feed conversion efficiency since 1972 – including some results obtained by the author from commercial populations – and offers guidelines on the ways in which data on individual feed intake could be applied within modern selection programmes.

Keywords:

• Breeding programmes
• egg production
• feed conversion efficiency
• laying fowl
• residual feed conversion
• selection