Pig & Poultry
Study identifies genomic pathway to heavier eggs
E
gg weights in laying hens can be increased by a new approach to analyse and target birds with
specifi c genes for selected breeding, suggests a study.
Eggs typically weigh 50-70g – de- pending mainly on the age of the hen and its genotype. Weight is a highly heritable trait, meaning variance be- tween hens is largely a direct result of genetics – and hugely important when it comes to profi tability.
Experts from biological insights company Synomics analysed data from more than 1,000 laying hens. Researchers then singled out and ex- amined the genetic information regu- lating traits which govern egg weight.
‘Missing link’ Findings were then converted into an industry-standard genetic evaluation model, making it easier to select the best birds. In this case, it meant the ac- curacy of the genetic predictions made
increased by 49%. Synomics said its technique was
the “missing link” between the huge amounts of raw data held by farmers and scientists – and the company’s own research and develop team. They were able to interpret the data quickly, high- lighting areas of interest. A hen can have upwards of 20,000 genes – so being able to narrow down the search to a mere 122 that could hold the key to a heavier egg has a big impact on the speed of subsequent re- search and development.
Faster benefits
Assessing genetic information like this makes it easier to identify crops or an- imals that are healthier, more disease resistant, or deliver higher yields, says Synomics. Scientists can then help im- prove productivity market more rap- idly and at less expense. Synomics chief executive Peter Kristensen said the business had de-
veloped its own platform to enable an- imal and crop scientists and producers to get a better understanding of what drives key production traits and inno- vate accordingly. “We are giving scientists, farmers and food producers the ability to learn more about the animals they breed and the crops that they grow with in- sights they have not been previously able to liberate from the data they al- ready hold.”
Researchers say the fi ndings can help improve profi tabilty
54 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021
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