Pig & Poultry


Study identifies genomic pathway could produce 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.


Researchers say the fi ndings can help improve profi tabilty


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.”


Stay vigilant for bird flu, producers warned P


oultry producers are being warned to remain vigilant fol- lowing the lifting of height- ened biosecurity measures imposed last winter due to avian fl u. Mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements – imposed across Great Britain in November 2020 to protect fl ocks from the disease – were lifted on 15 May after the risk of bird fl u in poultry was reduced to ‘low’. Defra, the Scottish Government and


the Welsh Government have been work- ing with the industry and bird keepers to ensure strict biosecurity measures in and around poultry premises to help keep fl ocks safe.


In a joint statement, Great Brit-


ain’s three chief veterinary offi cers said: “This will be welcome news for bird keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their fl ocks safe this winter.


“We have taken swift action to con- tain and eliminate this disease, and we urge all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands – to continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises.”


Low risk does not mean no risk, said the statement.


All poultry and bird gatherings are now permitted, provided organisers notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency at least seven days before the event takes place. Organisers and at- tendees must comply with the provi- sions of the new general licence. Public health advice is that any risk to human health is low. Food stand- ards bodies advise that avian infl u pos- es a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products – in- cluding eggs.


Avian fl u prevention


Fence off streams and watercourses Net or cover ponds Remove any wild bird feed sources Deter wild birds by using decoys Cleans and disinfect concrete areas Use wood shavings in wet areas Limit the number of people on-site Use disinfectant foot dips


JULY 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 29


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