The age-related decline in
broiler breeder male fertility
Excellent levels of fertility
(above 95%) can be achieved at
the beginning of the reproductive
period of breeder flocks (30-40
weeks of age), but fertility rapidly
declines after 40-45 weeks of age
(poor persistence). Beyond 65-70
weeks of age the fertility values
are too low from an economical
standpoint and the flock is
usually sold.
The relatively poor reproductive
performance of broiler breeders is
normally related to their genetic
progress for other productive traits.
Besides the strictly negative genetic
correlation between meat yield traits
and reproduction traits, there are
potentially two other genetic-derived
problems. High yielding birds may be
more difficult to manage and, along
with the genetic progress, the
management practices need to be