Paul Hocking (Ed.) (2009), Biology of Breeding Poultry, Poultry Science Symposium Series, Volume 29, CAB International, Head Office, Nosworthy Way, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX108DE. 464 pp., £95.00/$190.00/€145.00, ISBN 9-781-845933-75-3
Biology of Breeding Poultry sets out to review the biological science relating to the development of breeding poultry of the three main poultry species; namely broiler, turkey and duck. It is the latest in a long series of review publications collecting together a range of diverse papers on the subject that were presented at the 29th Poultry Science Symposium, in Edinburgh in July 2007.
Tackling such a broad subject where improvements are being made year on year and new techniques are constantly being considered is a daunting task and there is always a risk that such a publication is out of date almost before it is published. However, the organizers of the Symposium have been diligent in choosing topics and authors aimed at producing broad brush approaches to the various aspects whilst allowing consideration of the most up-to-date science and developments. One of the undoubted strengths of this series is the very full list of references accompanying most chapters, which directs the reader to useful previous review papers and a diverse source of further reading and recent research. This volume complements well the previously published books in the series covering reproductive biology and genetics.
The book has 23 chapters and is organized into nine separate sections covering genetic improvements, physiology, incubation, behaviour, management, nutrition and health and welfare. The first few chapters review where we are with modern genetics and breeding of the modern commercial breeders and, refreshingly, how we got here! Sobering facts emerge, such as the fact that some 28 million surplus layer cockerels are culled at hatch each year in the UK, and that this is tempered by encouraging evidence that the industry is attempting to tackle these issues with novel techniques such as sex selection in ovo. There is no lack of innovation or enthusiasm to balance the industry needs and those of the breeding bird itself.
The chapters themselves vary in length and depth, and some (such as those covering endocrinology) are understandably complicated and perhaps less readable than others. Some are also very specialized and specific, such as Chapter 10 on semen quality and storage—but with some 150 references at the end of that chapter alone, the reader has at their fingertips everything they need to know on the topic. There is a pleasing balance between science and practicality, and Chapter Eight points out the need for good fundamental appreciation of observing bird behaviour in such areas as courtship and mating activity in understanding breeder performance. Elsewhere, Chapter 11 is an excellent review of the hormonal triggers for broodiness but it was a pity that there was only one short paragraph devoted to its control in the field by husbandry and management methods. This is contrasted by Chapter 12 on incubation, where the lessons learnt from physiology and the interaction of factors affecting the incubation environment are translated into practical considerations to enhance artificial incubation and post-hatch performance in commercial situations. Chapter 13 took this further in discussing determinants of post-hatch performance, and defined good chick quality and the factors influencing it. Chapter 14 is an excellent review of the intricacies of photoperiod and is to be applauded in contrasting and comparing the differences between the main meat poultry species of chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Aspects of other minor species such as ratites and game birds were also picked up in Chapter 16.
In an era where the image and activities of the poultry industry are under increasing scrutiny, Chapter 15 rightly stresses the importance of bird behaviour and environmental enrichment in satisfying the welfare needs of birds for their own benefit balanced with effective production. The importance of rearing conditions linked to those on laying sites was well covered in considering laying behaviour and subsequent production. Welfare considerations were also to the fore in the section covering nutrition where the necessity to restrict feed to carefully balance health and welfare was well discussed.
From a veterinary point of view it is perhaps disappointing that only about 60 pages from some 450 in this book were devoted more specifically to health, welfare, biosecurity and disease. However, the chapters in this area were useful reviews covering vaccination, immune protection and disease management, rounding off with the worrying observation that globally there is a lack of robust centralized data on the prevalence of disease in breeders.
Overall, this book is a comprehensive, informative and eminently readable volume and is, as they say, a real “must buy” for anyone interested in the broadest aspects of the management of breeding poultry.
Stephen Lister
Crowshall Veterinary Services
Attleborough, UK
© 2010, Stephen Lister