19. Opportunities for Using Genetic Resources to Create New Parent Lines of Broiler and Egg-Laying Hens

Author: Mitko Lalev, Magdalena Oblakova, Nadja Minceva, Pavlina Hristakieva, Ivelina Ivanova

DOI: 10.22620/agrisci.2011.06.019

Abstract

Stock hybrids and breeding material from world leading poultry companies are offered on the Bulgarian market. As a result of a greater concentration and more productive high performance we are facing the fact that very few species are involved in the new hybrid scheme worldwide. Thus the loss of genetic resources carries a certain risk for future selection activities.
The significant impact of this activity on the poultry industry in Bulgaria requires the preservation and improvement of the productive quality of the lines in order to improve the genetic qualities of the breeding material. Ten base lines of hens are bred in the breeding facilities of the Department of Poultry at the Agricultural Institute in Stara Zagora – SZ-80 B, SZ M- 80, Line C and Line D, Line G, Line NG, Line E, Line Ss, Line ChS, Line StR, their productivity being controlled for the following traits: reproductive performance live weight on day 1q at 5 months and 10 months of age; egg productivity; survival percentage for the period. A characterization of the hen base lines was made – part of the national gene pool – a result of many years of preservation and improvement.
The creation of new line in poultry farming is a process which aims at a maximum use of the genetic potential of laying and broiler breeds. The team aims to create improve and maintain the three starting lines: Line P and Line T of the Red Rhode Island breed and Line N of the White Rhode Island breed of the laying stock by applying a particular breeding scheme. In the broiler direction three lines will be consolidated – Line K of White Plymouth Rock, Line L of White Plymouth Rock, Line M of Comish, and will occupy the relevant part in the scheme for obtaining broiler chickens.