Evolutions in Commercial Meat Poultry Breeding.

Summary

This narrative review traces the evolution of commercial poultry breeding from domestication through modern structured breeding programmes, documenting a progressive shift from narrow production goals towards holistic objectives encompassing animal welfare, health robustness and environmental sustainability. The authors examine how contemporary breeding programmes balance antagonistic traits (such as production versus welfare), review current recording and genomic selection methodologies, and discuss emerging areas including gut health research and genotype-specific environmental impacts. The paper projects that balanced, multi-trait breeding strategies will enable sustainable, affordable poultry protein production whilst addressing regional preferences and bird welfare standards globally.

Regional applicability

This review is internationally focused and documents practices across commercial poultry breeding programmes worldwide. The findings are broadly applicable to United Kingdom poultry production, particularly regarding current breeding goal frameworks, welfare trait inclusion and genomic tools; however, UK-specific regulatory drivers (e.g. animal welfare law, environmental standards) and market preferences should be evaluated against the global breeding paradigms described.

Key measures

Breeding traits including foot and leg health, contact dermatitis, gait, cardiovascular health, robustness, livability, production efficiency, welfare indicators and environmental impact metrics across poultry genotypes.

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the historical development of commercial poultry breeding objectives and current breeding strategies, documenting the shift from production-focused goals to include welfare, health, robustness, environmental impact and reproductive traits. It examines genetic recording techniques, trait antagonisms, and emerging tools such as genomic selection and gut health research.

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