Genomic selection is a recent paradigm shift for both animal and plant breeding. The availability of hundreds of thousands of markers covering the entire genome has provided an opportunity to increase the accuracy of estimated breeding values, better manage genetic variation and shorten generation intervals. This paper summarises how these new technologies can be applied to poultry breeding programmes to enhance genetic improvement.

Molecular genetics is providing the tool box of the 21st century for the modern poultry breeding company. These tools allow for rapid and accurate identification and selection at the gene level of those individuals with better performance traits. Genetic selection can be done before traits are expressed, molecular genetics testing can be applied to males for female limited traits, and it can be done on chicks shortly after hatch. They also allow for rapid diagnosis of genetic deficiencies and pathogen contamination, and allow excellent quality control and brand identification methods. This tool box will continue to improve as new methods and more rapid and less expensive methodologies are developed.