In the lush landscapes of Taiwan, a critical piece of research is unfolding, one that could revolutionize the poultry industry and bolster the resilience of a culturally significant breed. Taiwan Country chickens, cherished for their distinctive meat quality and adaptability, are at the heart of this scientific endeavor. Led by Tsung-Che Tu from the Department of Animal Science at National Chung Hsing University, a study published in the journal ‘Animals’ has shed new light on how genomic prediction and marker-assisted selection (MAS) can enhance growth-related traits in these birds.
For decades, the Taiwan Country chicken industry has grappled with the challenges of maintaining both meat quality and egg production. The traditional focus on body weight in a purebred system has led to a decline in laying performance and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. “The purebred production system has its limitations,” explains Tu. “It’s led to a significant drop in egg production rates and higher costs for commercial day-old chicks. This is a critical issue we need to address.”
The study, which compared the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) using the pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (PBLUP) model and the single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) model, revealed significant improvements. The ssGBLUP model, which integrates genotypic, phenotypic, and pedigree data, showed a remarkable 4.3% to 16.4% higher prediction accuracy than the PBLUP model. This advancement is a game-changer for breeders, offering a more precise tool for selecting desirable traits.
Furthermore, the research conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth, shank, and body conformation traits. The findings identified four missense SNPs and four significant SNPs linked to body weight, shank length, and shank width at 12 weeks. These genetic markers could be pivotal for MAS, allowing breeders to select for specific traits more efficiently.
The integration of the ssGBLUP model with identified SNPs holds tremendous potential for accelerating genetic improvement in Taiwan Country chickens. This approach not only enhances prediction accuracy but also allows for the implementation of genomic selection without the need to genotype all individuals, making it feasible for smaller populations to benefit from advanced breeding strategies. “This research provides a roadmap for future genomic selection strategies in Taiwan Country chickens,” Tu notes. “It’s about more than just improving meat quality; it’s about building a more resilient and sustainable poultry industry.”
The implications of this research extend beyond Taiwan. As global avian influenza outbreaks and extreme climate patterns become more frequent, the need for environmentally resilient chicken populations is paramount. This study offers a blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges, particularly those with dual-purpose chicken breeds. The findings pave the way for more strategic breeding programs that balance growth-related and egg-production traits, ensuring both market demands and environmental resilience are met.
As the poultry industry continues to evolve, the integration of genomic prediction and MAS could shape the future of breeding programs worldwide. This research not only advances our understanding of genomic selection but also highlights the importance of leveraging technology to enhance genetic gain and breeding efficiency. With further validation and broader application, these findings could transform the poultry industry, ensuring that culturally significant breeds like the Taiwan Country chicken thrive for generations to come.