| There is growing concern that genetic selection and artificial insemination techniques used to reproduce elite poultry lines has created a breeder chicken with undue aggression in floor mating systems. If true, then flock productivity may be hindered and the integrity of the poultry industry questioned by animal welfare activists who currently attack intense farming methods. Research was conducted to determine if broiler breeder strain differences exist and if genetic progress has affected poultry welfare as measured by behavioral changes from an unselected population. The results of this study indicate that the modern broiler breeder is well suited for the intense reproductive conditions in floor mating systems. Slight differences between commercial breeder strains were observed while many differences were seen between the modern commercial breeder and its predecessor. In general, the unselected males and females were more aggressive than either commercial males studied. |
