The spread of genes by natural and artificial selection in closed poultry flock (original) (raw)

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Summary

The pedigrees of birds in a poultry flock under artificial selection were analysed to trace the spread of genes from original flock members.

The changes in gene percentage from generation to generation were separated into parts attributed to chance, natural and artificial selection.

The changes due to artificial selection were related to various production characters. The spread of the male’s genes was 70% determined by a progeny test which also 25% determined the spread of genes of birds mated to him. The progeny test of the female did not contribute equally to determination of the gene spread. This was attributed to lesser accuracy of the female progeny test and less complete determination of spread of genes by value of genotype.

Despite avoidance of sib matings, inbrecding has increased 2% per generation.

Evidence that natural selection was opposing artificial selection was suggestive but inconclusive.

It was suggested that assortative mating would increase the determination of gene spread by genotypic value. This was considered worth testing.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Veterinary School, University of Queensland, Austria
   J. W. James & G. McBride

Authors

1. J. W. James
2. G. McBride

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James, J.W., McBride, G. The spread of genes by natural and artificial selection in closed poultry flock.J Genet 56, 55–62 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02984720

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• Issue date: July 1958
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02984720

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