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Texas A&M Research Forecasts Decline in Chicken Fertility Rates Over Time
- A Texas A&M University study forecasts a decline in broiler chicken fertility rates in the U.S., potentially reaching 60% by 2050, which poses challenges for the poultry industry and food supply chain.
- The research, published in Poultry Science, analyzes a decade of data showing consistent decreases in hatchability and overall production efficiency in broiler breeder populations.
- Current 75% hatchability rates may drop to 60%, leading to potential bottlenecks and increased costs in broiler chicken meat production, impacting the industry and consumers.
- The rise in chicken production and consumption heightens concerns about declining fertility rates, necessitating innovative strategies to maintain operational efficiency in the poultry sector.
- A new Broiler Breeder Performance Index was developed to model long-term fertility patterns, shedding light on the genetic and management factors contributing to the decline.
- Genetic selection for rapid growth and meat yield may compromise reproductive performance, underscoring the need for research on sustainable solutions to improve fertility rates.
- Increasing egg incubation to offset lower hatch rates incurs higher production costs that could escalate poultry product prices for consumers.
- Urgency is stressed to address fertility declines, as unchecked gaps may lead to significant cost increases to meet consumer demands and impact retail prices.
- The study calls for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to implement strategies preserving broiler fertility and production efficiency for sustainable animal agriculture.
- Future research aims to balance meat production with reproductive viability and enhance management techniques to sustain chicken consumption growth and food security in the global market.
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