Chicken Breeding Method for Reproductive Performance via Segmented Caging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pedigree breeding method for chicken reproductive performance is cumbersome, complicated, and fails to guarantee animal welfare, leading to slow genetic progress and lower breeding abilities in China compared to developed countries.
Innovation Solution
A new breeding method involving forming F1 and F2 generation groups through selective grouping, mating, and breeding in small-scale cages, with natural mating and comprehensive selection criteria to improve reproductive performance, ensuring animal welfare and genetic progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pedigree breeding method is used, then breed selection can be performed, but the breeding process becomes cumbersome and operationally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the breeding population into specialized functional groups: dam lines focused on maternal traits and cock lines focused on growth and slaughter traits. This segmentation allows each line to be optimized independently for its specific purpose, simplifying the breeding process while maintaining selection accuracy. The division into separate cock cages and hen cages with specific group sizes further operationalizes this segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic breeding cycles with specific timeframes (e.g., 8-12 weeks for dam line, 6-8 weeks for cock line) and flexible group size adjustments (e.g., 5-10 cocks per cage, 20-50 hens per cage). This dynamic approach allows the breeding system to adapt to different production goals and timelines while maintaining systematic control, reducing operational complexity compared to rigid pedigree methods.
2Measurement precision
If single-cage feeding and determination is used, then individual tracking is possible, but animal welfare cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different cage configurations and management approaches for different functional groups. Dam lines use cages with 5-10 individuals optimized for reproductive monitoring, while cock lines use cages with 20-50 individuals optimized for growth monitoring. This localized optimization ensures both accurate determination of breeding value and appropriate welfare conditions for each group's specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses group performance as a proxy for individual breeding value when individual measurement is not feasible or welfare-compromising. By measuring fertilization rates, hatching rates, and growth performance at the group level, the system achieves accurate breeding determination without requiring intensive individual monitoring that would compromise animal welfare.
3Reliability
If traditional breeding methods are used, then breed selection can be maintained, but genetic determination and management progress is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements structured periodic breeding cycles with specific durations (8-12 weeks for dam lines, 6-8 weeks for cock lines) and regular selection intervals. This periodic structure accelerates genetic progress by systematically advancing generations while maintaining selection consistency through standardized evaluation criteria at each cycle endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key breeding parameters including generation interval duration, group sizes, and selection intensity to optimize genetic progress speed. By adjusting these parameters based on production goals and maintaining them within optimized ranges, the system achieves faster genetic determination while preserving breed selection reliability through controlled variation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If small-scale group breeding is implemented, then animal welfare is improved, but breeding cage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple breeding functions into integrated cage systems that accommodate both welfare-oriented small group sizes and efficient space utilization. By combining cock and hen cages in coordinated arrangements and using multi-functional cage designs, the system reduces total cage requirements while maintaining small group sizes for welfare benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs breeding cages to serve multiple functions: housing, monitoring, feeding, and reproduction assessment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment and additional cages, allowing small-scale welfare-oriented groups to be maintained with optimized use of existing cage infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A breeding method for improving reproductive performance of a chicken specialized dam line includes the steps of forming an F1 generation group, forming a breeding group, screening a breeding group, forming an F2 generation group, and continuously breeding to an Fn generation group. The method includes raising in small-scale groups and natural mating for systematic selection and breeding, which effectively reduces the generation interval and has the features of easy operation and fast genetic progress, not only ensuring animal welfare, but also effectively improving production performance.