Broiler Breeding Strategies Using Indirect Carcass Measurements

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to determine the consequences of using indirect carcass measurements on the genetic response and rate of in-breeding in broiler breeding programs. In the base breed-ing scheme, selection candidates were evaluated based on direct carcass measurements on relatives. The possibil-ities of using indirect carcass measurements were investi-gated in alternative breeding schemes. Three alternative schemes, including indirect and own performance infor-mation for carcass traits on selection candidates, were evaluated by deterministic simulation. In the first scheme, indirect carcass traits were measured on male selection candidates. In the second scheme, indirect carcass traits were measured on male selection candidates, and direct carcass traits were measured on relatives. In the third scheme, indirect carcass traits were measured on mal