Validated quantitative trait loci for eggshell quality in experimental and commercial laying hens |
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Authors: | M. Tuiskula‐Haavisto M. Honkatukia I. C. Dunn M. M. Bain D. J. De Koning R. Preisinger M. Schmutz J. Arango D. Fischer J. Vilkki |
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Affiliation: | 1. Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Production Systems, Jokioinen, Finland;2. Avian Biology the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK;3. College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), IBAHCM, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, UK;4. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden;5. Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany;6. Hy‐Line International, Dallas Center, IA, USA |
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Abstract: | Compromised eggshell quality causes considerable economic losses for the egg industry. Breeding for improved eggshell quality has been very challenging. Eggshell quality is a trait that would greatly benefit from marker‐assisted selection, which would allow the selection of sires for their direct contribution to the trait and would also allow implementation of measurements integrating a number of shell parameters that are difficult to measure. In this study, we selected the most promising autosomal quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting eggshell quality on chromosomes 2, 3, 6 and 14 from earlier experiments and we extended the F2 population to include 1599 F2 females. The study was repeated on two commercial populations: Lohmann Tierzucht Rhode Island Red line (n = 692 females) and a Hy‐Line White Plymouth Rock line (n = 290 progeny tested males). We analyzed the selected autosomal QTL regions on the three populations with SNP markers at 4–13 SNPs/Mb density. QTL for eggshell quality were replicated on all studied regions in the F2 population. New QTL were detected for eggshell color on chromosomes 3 and 6. Marker associations with eggshell quality traits were validated in the tested commercial lines on chromosomes 2, 3 and 6, thus paving the way for marker‐assisted selection for improved eggshell quality. |
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Keywords: | association breaking strength chicken selection SNP marker |
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