How 22 years of genomics is shaping the future of poultry
By Aviagen Geneticist Grant Mason
March marks the anniversary of the sequencing of the chicken genome.
It’s been 22 years since the chicken became the first agricultural animal to have its genome fully sequenced – a milestone that transformed poultry breeding.
But what does that actually mean, and why is it important?
Desoxyribonucleic Acid (or DNA) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in biological functions, of all living organisms. A genome is a complete set of genetic material in an organism, serving as an instruction manual for life. Every living thing, from humans to chickens, has one, and it contains all the information needed for development and overall function. Scientists have been studying DNA for over a century, but the ability to read the entire genetic code of an organism—called genome sequencing—only became possible in the 1970s. Since then, genomics research has advanced rapidly, helping researchers in a wide range of fields, from medicine to agriculture.
What is genome sequencing, and why does it matter?
Sequencing a genome means figuring out the exact order of the four building blocks of DNA—A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine). Think of it like reading the entire book of life for an organism, letter by letter. This knowledge has helped medical researchers understand diseases like cancer, leading to better diagnoses and treatments. In animal breeding, it has opened new possibilities for breeding stronger, healthier animals.
In 2003, the chicken genome was fully sequenced—an exciting breakthrough that gave poultry scientists a deeper understanding of what makes a chicken thrive. A year later, Aviagen launched our own genomics project, spending over eight years studying and optimizing bio-informatic data and statistical models before putting this knowledge into action.* This work has helped us breed birds with natural strengths – better health, improved welfare and stronger performance.
Breeding innovation – How genomics helps us breed better birds
By studying a chicken’s DNA, we can identify qualities that contribute to good health and productivity, such as strong legs, reproductive fitness and healthy growth. These insights allow us to make precise, balanced selections in our breeding programs—building on generations of careful breeding to enhance bird welfare and sustainability.
Genomics has improved the way we measure hard-to-see traits, giving us a more complete picture of each bird’s potential. For example, it has helped enhance selection for feed efficiency, reproductive traits, better immune systems and growth. It also helps make breeding predictions more accurate, especially for traits that apply to only one sex, like selecting males based on egg production potential. By combining this data with traditional hands-on selection, we can make steady progress in breeding birds that are not only productive but also robust.
This scientific breakthrough has reshaped poultry breeding, helping the industry keep pace with an ever-growing global demand for high-quality, sustainable poultry. By making informed breeding choices, we’re not only improving animal health and welfare but also ensuring sustainable poultry meat production.
*It’s important to emphasize that Aviagen’s breeding program relies on natural selection and does not involve genetic modification.