In the last few decades, commercial layer flocks are showing significant progress in the production of eggs in all parts of the world. With increased production, the genetic improvement of egg quality - especially at relative older ages - becomes a vital part of breeding programs for laying hens. The crucial part of profitability in the egg values chain is the number of first quality eggs per hen housed.ISA (Institut de Selection Animale BV) has emerged in recent years as one of the leading layer breeding companies in the world, whose layers seem to top the list in independent random sample tests when it comes to production of first quality eggs. In this article, we explore some of the critical success factors that underlie the genetic progress ofISA-bred layers. As it turns out, the rapid progress is driven by having a clear and concise mission of 500 first quality eggs by 2020, and a balanced breeding program combined with an extensive test program to account for harsh conditions found in manyparts of the world.
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