Influence of the major histocompatibility complex on disease resistance and productivity

Publications in which chickens of different B haplotypes were studied for differences in disease resistance or productivity traits are reviewed. The most prominent effects on diseases are those involving tumors, but other examples involving autoimmune disease and microbial infections not resulting in neoplasia or autoimmunity are also cited. Each referenced disease paper is briefly defined with regard to: population used, B alleles present, and the most resistant B types. Studies citing B haplotype influences on productivity and reproductive fitness traits are summarized and the most desirable B genes in each referenced population are given. Plausible mechanisms of the B haplotype's influence on the traits are briefly discussed. Based on the evidence reviewed for disease resistance and productivity traits and the central role of B-complex genes in immune function, it is concluded that poultry breeders should develop B-genotype information in their base breeding populations and use those types yielding optimal performance.