Adapting Chicken Production to Climate Change Through Breeding.

Anticipated changes in climate will negatively affect chicken production in the United States and worldwide. This work addresses efforts to improve chicken breeding lines so that they are better adapt to anticipated climate changes. Selective breeding provides a means to alter birds so they are better able to withstand the predicted climate changes. In addition, breeding chickens for improved nutrient utilization can mitigate the impact of the poultry industry on climate.   We have initiated studies targeting improvement of heat response and nutrient utilization traits in chickens.  In particular, we are using whole genome association studies and systems biology approaches to identify genes or markers that potentially affect these traits.