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Study reveals key markers for chicken health and productivity
Researchers studied the DNA of more than 700 chicken from a village in Ethiopia.

Findings will help to support the development of healthier, more resilient, poultry.

Birds from two distinct chicken populations in Ethiopia share several genetic regions linked to key health and productivity traits, according to new research.

Scientists hope that the findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Genetics, will help to support the development of healthier, more resilient and more productive poultry in the future.

In the study, researchers analysed the DNA of more than 700 indigenous African village chickens from two distinct ecotypes in Ethiopia; one from a high altitude, humid region, whilst the other was from a lowland arid part of the country.

Researchers found that, despite being from contrasting environments, there were significant similarities in the genetic markers associated with production traits. Among them include putative candidate genes for resistance to Infectious Bursal Disease, Marek’s Disease and Fowl Typhoid, as well as Eimeria and cestode parasite infections.

The study was conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) the University of Liverpool and University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, together with partners of the Centre of Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH).

Dr Androniki Psifidi, a lecturer in veterinary clinical genetics at the RVC, said: “This work was the outcome of an interdisciplinary effort from scientists in multiple research institutes. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics and potential of indigenous African genetic resources for the benefit of poultry farming.
We hope that the message conveyed by the present work will promote future collaborations across different regions.”

Professor Georgios Banos, Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences from SRUC, added: “We are very excited with these results and plan to continue our work on improving chicken productivity and farm sustainability. Chicken production has and will always have a multifaceted role in alleviating hunger and poverty, and enhancing social structures and quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Image (C) International Livestock Research Institute/Kettema Yilma.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.