Evolution of the Modern Broiler and Feed Efficiency

Although the chicken was domesticated during the Neolithic period, the development of the modern broiler is a recent event that has occurred within the past 100 years. The chicken’s adaptability has allowed it to be grown globally under a range of husbandry conditions. That is, the same genetic stock may be found in a range of environments, where it is noted for rapid growth to market weight and efficiency of feed use, which has increased dramatically, mainly through genetic selection. Under good husbandry and a high-energy diet, at 35 days of age a 1.40-kg broiler required 3.22 kg of feed in 1985. Twenty-five years later, we have a 2.44-kg broiler produced on 3.66 kg of feed. This review attempts to address the history of factors contributing to these changes, obstacles that have had to be overcome, and future limitations.