Application of genomic selection for body composition traits in the turkey

Lead Applicant: Christine Baes

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare 

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2023/2024

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: With over 18 million turkeys in Canada in 2020 and over $366 million in farm cash receipts, Canadian turkeys contribute substantially to our national livestock inventory. With a focus on production traits, health traits, such as leg health, bone density, body cavity size, and heart and lung capacity have deteriorated. The increased frequency of circulatory disorders such as ascites, aortic rupture, spontaneous cardiomyopathy (round heart), and cardiomyopathy causing sudden death in turkeys indicate that a balanced breeding program, including livability traits, would contribute to animal health and welfare. The project objective is to implement a genomic selection program using traits derived from computed tomography (CT) technology for genetic improvement of turkey parent stock, enabling continuous genetic improvement in both production and livability traits, including those affecting health and welfare. Introducing liveability traits derived from CT technology is expected to substantially decrease mortality, equating to economic gains for Canadian turkey producers and healthier birds.