Temperton Report Focuses on the Evolution of Genetics, Breeding and Production in the Poultry Industry.

Posted 12 June 2007

The 15th annual Temperton Fellowship for Poultry Research report will focus on the Evolution of Genetics, Breeding and Production.

Dr. Laughlin, who is Vice President of Policy and Strategy at the world’s leading poultry breeding company Aviagen, will present the Temperton Fellowship Report on Monday 11th June at the Farmers Club, London.

The report examines the development of the poultry meat breeding industry from the beginning of its intensification in UK and Europe until the present and covers genetics (the basic science and method behind breeding) and the structure and evolution of the breeding industry.

Dr Laughlin explains that in order to understand some of the drivers and results of breeding programmes it is necessary to research performance and economic statistics.

The world’s poultry meat industries have shown phenomenal growth worldwide over the last 50-60 years. The focus of that growth has changed from the developed to the developing world which has been driven by both changes in local consumption and international trade.
Poultry breeding evolved along with opportunities provided from sciences of genetics, statistics and computing whist the biological sciences provided the rationale and measurement tools for including more complex traits into selection programmes.

The breeding companies evolved through specialisation to develop complimentary lines which provided hybrid crosses at the commercial level. The increasing complexity of breeding and selection has resulted in the focusing of poultry breeding activity into companies having the resources to develop and manage multiple products. All these lines and their products can benefit from the skills and investment in breeding whilst genetic diversity is retained and managed. Data from the UK industry shows continued balanced improvement in biological performance along with cost reductions.

Dr. Laughlin concludes that during the last 50 years the UK industry provided a challenging environment against which the breeding companies could develop their skills and their products to achieve worldwide leadership.

Dr. Laughlin speaking of being honoured with the Temperton Fellowship said; “I am delighted to have received the 15th Temeprton Fellowship. Each year the reports bring up fascinating findings and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute a piece of research on an issue that is important to the global poultry industry and will provide support for future research.”

Peel Holyroyd, Chairman of the Temperton Fellowship said; "The inclusion of the role of the breeder and skilled farm management is a great opportunity to look ahead, recognising the amazing contribution of the first fourteen fellows who, like Dr Laughlin, have a life-time experience in poultry production."

The Temperton Fellowship for Poultry Research
The Temperton Fellowship was established to commemorate the contribution of Dr. Harold Temperton, Director of the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry at Harper Adams University College from 1951 to 1974. It is financed by the accrued annual interest from the Temperton Trust investments, which are derived from contributions and donations, as well as proceeds from sales of the book – The History of the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry by ME Telford, PH Holroyd and RG Wells, published by Harper Adams University College, September 1986.