Genetic markers for shell quality breakthrough

Scientists in the UK have been the star performers in the EU-wide SABRE research projects, with poultry researchers in Scotland teaming up with industry to develop new techniques to measure egg shell quality and select hens for high quality egg production.

The world’s leading poultry genetics company, Aviagen, contributed to the research alongside research institutions such as the Roslin Institute, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Institute for Animal Health, the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Agricultural College.

Eggshell research conducted by the organisations is aimed at reducing salmonella outbreaks by breeding for hens that lay stronger eggs and as an ancillary benefit will lead to better fertility and higher quality chicks in breeding operations.

The team of scientists developed tools to measure underling eggshell structure as well as molecular tools to improve the efficiency of selection of birds in breeding to promote traits for stronger eggs.

“There are obvious applications emerging from the work we’ve completed on cuticle measurement in eggs which will almost immediately help to deliver clear improvements in terms of human health and enhanced hygiene in hatcheries,” said Dr Ian Dunn, who coordinated research at the Roslin Institute.

“The added value of SABRE and projects like it is the unexpected benefits which can arise from the collaborative nature of research and we’ve seen that in areas such as, for example, the improved hatchability and quality of chicks in eggs.”

The project was coordinated by Edinburgh-based Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), which works to convert the UK’s bioscience knowledge into innovative agricultural, food and industrial bioscience products and processes.