A comprehensive review of all aspects of commercial production systems, this book provides an up-to-date look at all aspects of broiler breeder production and management, starting with specialized genetic programs as developed by the primary breeders and ending with two chapters on very practical, hands-on aspects of breeder management, including extensive coverage of health management, feeding systems, environmental control, lighting programs and all aspects of male and female reproduction. Recognizing the diversity of management systems worldwide, the authors have included breeders in both temperate and warm climates and also for controlled environment vs.curtain-sided housing systems. This unique publication is an essential reference for all professionals involved in broiler breeder production.

"Poultry meat is the most important animal protein source in the human diet. As a consequence, global production of broiler meat is rapidly growing and now more than 125 million metric tonnes. A relatively small number of broiler breeders has a major impact on the whole poultry meat chain. The continuing increase in the genetic potential of broilers makes the production of first-class chicks increasingly challenging. State-of-the-art management is crucial for a successful flock. Differences in results up to 10 day-old chickes per hen house are not rare, costing tens of thousands of euros. Breeder Signals contains practical information about broiler breeders to ensure maximum production of first grade hating eggs. This book also offers practical tools and modern insights to optimise sexual behavior, fertility, egg production, and hatchibility, based on the look-think-act approach. Feathering provides you with signals about the quality of your flock. Too nice? Then they are hardly mating. Too little? These hens will not mate since it will be painful. The book follows the day-old-chick arriving at the rearing house through the laying period and up to egg transport to the hatchery. Breeder Signals is essential for anyone working in the poultry meat chain as breeder farm managers, farm workers, advisors, veterinarians, students, etc." -- from back cover.

This collection reviews the range of recent research on improving our understanding of the mechanisms of disease transmission and how this understanding can be used to improve poultry flock health.

This book reviews the biological science and background to breeding meat poultry, specifically broiler, turkey and duck. These commercial birds have been changed by genetic selection to such an extent that they are substantially different from traditional breeds and laying hens. Covering science, management and husbandry systems, this book is an essential reference for researchers and students in animal science, as well as technical staff of breeding companies and poultry meat producers. Part of the Poultry Science Symposium Series.