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Selection for resistance to aflatoxin in chickens
R D Wyatt1, H L Marks, R O Manning
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Poultry Science
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Selecting broiler chickens for aflatoxicosis resistance showed significant genetic progress in the Athens-Canadian population, but moderate progress in commercial stocks. This highlights population influence on genetic gains for toxin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aflatoxicosis poses a significant threat to poultry health and productivity.
- Genetic selection offers a potential strategy to improve disease resistance in broiler chickens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of selective breeding for enhancing resistance to aflatoxicosis in two distinct broiler chicken populations.
- To quantify the genetic progress achieved in aflatoxin resistance over multiple generations.
Main Methods:
- Two broiler chicken populations, Athens-Canadian (AC) and a commercial stock, were subjected to selective breeding for aflatoxin resistance.
- Survivors of aflatoxin challenge were used as breeders for subsequent generations, with LD50 values determined to assess resistance levels.
Main Results:
- The AC population exhibited rapid genetic progress in aflatoxin resistance, with LD50 values increasing significantly after five generations.
- The commercial broiler stock showed moderate progress in aflatoxin resistance after four generations.
- LD50 values for the AC selected line reached 17.05 mg/kg BW, compared to 8.02 mg/kg BW for the commercial selected line.
Conclusions:
- Genetic selection is effective in improving broiler chicken resistance to aflatoxicosis.
- The rate of genetic progress for aflatoxin resistance is influenced by the genetic background of the broiler population.