The 21st Robert Fraser Gordon Memorial Lecture, annually given at the WPSA-UK branch annual meeting, highlighted the possibilities of genomics in poultry breeding.

Twenty years ago when the first issue of what is now World Poultry was published, the international egg industry was a colourful pallet of breeding companies. Today there are only a few companies left. What happened?

Twenty years ago there were still a large number of layer and broiler breeding companies. Today there are only a few left.

Already announced in mid-April and expected for months, sale of the layer breeder business by Merial and Hubbard ISA became effective at the beginning of June. Alain Audubert, who has been appointed chairman of the newly reconstituted "ISA", is looking forward to leading the business again.

Laying nests are an integral part of all floor/litter housing systems for layers and breeders. The nest type and management influence both exterior and interior egg quality as well as the number of eggs. What are the important issues to look at?

Most people will agree that the single most important piece of information about a breeder flock is the average body weight or the flock's reaction to feeding levels.

Almost seventy poultry geneticists gathered in Dubrovnik, Croatia for the 4th European Poultry Genetics Symposium. The programme included discussions of the latest developments in molecular genetics and bioinformatics, biodiversity and genetic conservation, and breeders’ activities and future needs.

Eggs with the smell of rotten fish do not necessarily come from hens that have been fed fishmeal. A genetic defect in brown layers lay cause a similar effect, especially when fed ingredients that trigger the production of the unpleasant smell.

Last year was an intense one for Hendrix Poultry Breeders. The company broke its ties with Nutreco, became part of the newly created Hendrix Genetics, and in December was made the sister company of its French competitor, ISA. The integration of these two companies should result in a strong player in global layer breeding.

According to a new book called 'The Queen of Fats', the presence of high levels of omega-6s in US diets is nullifying the impact of heart disease-fighting omega-3s.