Lina Paola Pardo Quevedo
MemberForum Replies Created
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Breeding programs for poultry are designed to improve flock performance by strategically selecting and mating birds with desirable genetic traits. The process involves several key steps:
* Defining Breeding Goals: Clearly establishing the traits to be improved is the first step. For broilers, this might include faster growth rate, improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enhanced meat yield. For layers, the focus is on increased egg production, better egg quality (shell strength, size), and feed efficiency.
* Selection of Breeding Stock: Birds are selected based on performance data and genetic evaluations. This can be done through individual selection (based on the bird’s own performance), family selection (based on the performance of its relatives), or a combination of both. Modern breeding programs use advanced genetic tools and data analysis to identify the “best” birds with the highest breeding values.
* Mating Strategies: Breeding programs utilize structured mating plans to combine the best genetics. This may involve pure breeding to maintain specific lines or crossbreeding to create hybrids that exhibit hybrid vigor (heterosis) and combine the best traits from different parent lines.
* Maintaining Records: Accurate and detailed record-keeping is essential. This includes tracking pedigree information, breeding data, and productivity metrics. These records are used to monitor the progress of the program, make informed culling decisions, and continuously refine the selection process.
* Biosecurity and Management: A successful breeding program must be supported by excellent biosecurity and management practices to ensure the health and well-being of the birds. This protects against disease and allows the birds to express their full genetic potential.
By following these principles, breeding programs can lead to sustained genetic improvement, resulting in more productive, healthier, and profitable flocks over time.Breeding programs for poultry are designed to improve flock performance by strategically selecting and mating birds with desirable genetic traits. The process involves several key steps:
* Defining Breeding Goals: Clearly establishing the traits to be improved is the first step. For broilers, this might include faster growth rate, improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enhanced meat yield. For layers, the focus is on increased egg production, better egg quality (shell strength, size), and feed efficiency.
* Selection of Breeding Stock: Birds are selected based on performance data and genetic evaluations. This can be done through individual selection (based on the bird’s own performance), family selection (based on the performance of its relatives), or a combination of both. Modern breeding programs use advanced genetic tools and data analysis to identify the “best” birds with the highest breeding values.
* Mating Strategies: Breeding programs utilize structured mating plans to combine the best genetics. This may involve pure breeding to maintain specific lines or crossbreeding to create hybrids that exhibit hybrid vigor (heterosis) and combine the best traits from different parent lines.
* Maintaining Records: Accurate and detailed record-keeping is essential. This includes tracking pedigree information, breeding data, and productivity metrics. These records are used to monitor the progress of the program, make informed culling decisions, and continuously refine the selection process.
* Biosecurity and Management: A successful breeding program must be supported by excellent biosecurity and management practices to ensure the health and well-being of the birds. This protects against disease and allows the birds to express their full genetic potential.
By following these principles, breeding programs can lead to sustained genetic improvement, resulting in more productive, healthier, and profitable flocks over time. -
The primary method for assessing coccidial infections is the Johnson and Reid (1970) lesion scoring system. This widely-used method is based on a visual examination of the intestines to evaluate the gross lesions caused by different Eimeria species.
The scoring system assigns a score from 0 to 4 to specific parts of the intestine, with each score corresponding to a different level of disease severity:
* Score 0: No visible lesions.
* Score 1: Scattered lesions with no significant damage to the gut wall.
* Score 2: Numerous lesions with slight gut wall thickening.
* Score 3: Extensive and coalescing lesions with significant gut wall thickening and signs of advanced disease, such as bloody contents or watery exudate.
* Score 4: Severe damage with extensive hemorrhages, large blood clots, or caseous cores, often leading to mortality.
The system is species-specific, meaning the scoring criteria vary depending on which Eimeria species is being evaluated. For example, lesions caused by Eimeria acervulina are scored in the duodenum, while those from Eimeria tenella are evaluated in the caeca. This systematic approach allows for a standardized and reproducible assessment of anticoccidial drug efficacy and the severity of field infections.The primary method for assessing coccidial infections is the Johnson and Reid (1970) lesion scoring system. This widely-used method is based on a visual examination of the intestines to evaluate the gross lesions caused by different Eimeria species.
The scoring system assigns a score from 0 to 4 to specific parts of the intestine, with each score corresponding to a different level of disease severity:
* Score 0: No visible lesions.
* Score 1: Scattered lesions with no significant damage to the gut wall.
* Score 2: Numerous lesions with slight gut wall thickening.
* Score 3: Extensive and coalescing lesions with significant gut wall thickening and signs of advanced disease, such as bloody contents or watery exudate.
* Score 4: Severe damage with extensive hemorrhages, large blood clots, or caseous cores, often leading to mortality.
The system is species-specific, meaning the scoring criteria vary depending on which Eimeria species is being evaluated. For example, lesions caused by Eimeria acervulina are scored in the duodenum, while those from Eimeria tenella are evaluated in the caeca. This systematic approach allows for a standardized and reproducible assessment of anticoccidial drug efficacy and the severity of field infections. -
Godsent Amesua
MemberAugust 6, 2025 at 2:49 pm in reply to: Discussion – How to make it more useful for individual and everyone within groupNoted. I’m eagerly looking forward to robust discussions.
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Breeding programs can be designed to significantly improve flock performance by strategically selecting breeding stock, managing breeding cycles, and utilizing genetic evaluations
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Very instructive.
Many thanks.
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Bello Bashir however your question is already answered by Amir, Olaiwola and Paul now I have got a question from you what was your purpose of asking this question and how do you connect its relevance to commercial level or scientific level; probably that’s going to more important to know.
Looking forward to make it more useful further.
Regards,
-Anoop -
India
MemberAugust 6, 2025 at 1:23 pm in reply to: Discussion – How to make it more useful for individual and everyone within groupKindly note that, the active participation of members is crucial in turning a technical discussion from a one-way presentation into a productive and engaging exchange of knowledge.
In large groups of 120+ professionals, meaningful contributions from participants can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
When members ask relevant queries or seek clarifications, they help surface commonly faced doubts, allowing facilitators to address them for the benefit of the whole group. It ensures that key concepts are well understood rather than just delivered.One of the most valuable forms of participation is the sharing of your field experiences, practical challenges, or success stories. These real-world inputs help bridge the GAP between theory and practice and make the discussion more relatable and solution-focused. Others in the group can learn from these insights, often gaining perspectives they wouldn’t find in manuals or lectures.
Participants also contribute by offering constructive feedback, presenting alternative approaches, or even questioning existing methods. This leads to richer conversations, critical thinking, and often the co-creation of new ideas or strategies. When participants bring their diverse backgrounds, local knowledge, and context-specific insights into the discussion, it adds depth and relevance to the topics being covered.
Furthermore, active participation encourages a collaborative spirit—it motivates others to speak up, ask questions, and share. It fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity in the learning process. To support this, facilitators can use tools such as moderated Q&A sessions, chat-based inputs, small breakout groups, or experience-sharing segments, making it easier for everyone to contribute, even in large settings.
As conclusion, a technically sound session becomes significantly more impactful when participants contribute actively.
Their involvement transforms the discussion into a two-way exchange, enriching learning for everyone involved and ensuring that outcomes are not only informative but also applicable and actionable in real-world settings.
So guys gear up yourself, come out with more of field oriented questions, doubts and solutions too out of your experience/s. Looking forward to break all the records and work on mutual gains.
-Anoop Tandon
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Interesting facts shared, thanks!
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Thanks for the insightful comments
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Good to know Md. Rejuan but that does need to say but make it happen through your active participation in discussion on board and let others to say same.
Keep it up and contribute positively through doubts, clarifications, experiences and solutions-Anoop
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Let’s take first negative aspect mentioned as “Water pollution” through aquaculture.
Yes, there are possibilities of happening so, if not managed or controlled well.
Now let’s work on how this negative aspect can be attended and sorted out during aquaculture practices.
Please mention out of your knowledge and experience.
-Anoop -
India
MemberAugust 6, 2025 at 11:55 am in reply to: Site selection – How important is it for fish / Shrimp culture?Many relevant points mentioned importance of Aquaculture globally related Paul but don’t find anything specific to Site selection that’s the topic of discussion here. Also to inform you your last paragraph is repetition, covered earlier.
Surprisingly among so many professionals no one initiated any point yet, let me start with first,
1. While selecting site for aquaculture – fish / shrimp farming especially to make earthen ponds we need to be more considerate about nature of soil whether it is sand, silt, clay, loam or mix – in which proportion? what’s water permeability rate? What’s probable nutritional possibility? etcLike this there are many more points to consider and keep in mind, looking forward for contributing one point at a time by individual to connect the dots and complete the discussion with contribution of many of us.
-Anoop -
India
MemberAugust 6, 2025 at 11:45 am in reply to: Site selection – How important is it for fish / Shrimp culture?Please go beyond Thanks Amir by participating actively by posting some field related queries, clarifications or experiences useful for others.
Looking forward.
Regards,
Anoop

