The main objective of this review is to present the advantages and disadvantages of applying the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) procedure with an animal model to the evaluation of laying fowl within a breeding programme. Following an outline of the traditional selection index-based procedure there are descriptions of mixed model methodology including modelling and data transformation, genetic parameter estimation and breeding value prediction. Some computer programs for carrying out BLUP animal model algorithms are described and the results of empirical and simulation comparisons involving different livestock species are given. New possibilities arising from the application of the animal model to breeding strategy are discussed. Poultry breeding evaluations using the traditional selection index do not always result in the same conclusions as arise when using BLUP. However it seems likely that, as has happened with other livestock species, the BLUP animal model method will be increasingly applied in breeding programmes to improve egg production.

In recent years the incidence of avian cellulitis (inflammatory process, IP) has risen dramatically so that today it follows septicaemia-toxaemia as the second leading cause of broiler carcass condemnation. Affected birds frequently appear as large, healthy and normally growing, but exhibit caseous mats called plaques under the skin at processing. Affected flocks increase costs to processors from direct product loss, downgrading and yield loss due to trimming and the slowing of processing lines. Although a number of bacterial species have been isolated from cellulitis lesions, Escherichia coli is most consistently recovered. This review examines past and present scientific and popular press literature on cellulitis and attempts to separate opinion from scientifically verified and tested fact.

This paper reviews recent advances on the use and mode of action of probiotics (direct-fed microbials) in poultry. The addition of probiotics to the diet has been found to improve growth performance and feed conversion in broilers, and egg mass, egg weight and egg size in layers. The mode of action of probiotics in poultry includes (i) maintaining normal intestinal microflora by competitive exclusion and antagonism; (ii) altering metabolism by increasing digestive enzyme activity and decreasing bacterial enzyme activity and ammonia production; (iii) improving feed intake and digestion; and (iv) neutralizing enterotoxins and stimulating the immune system.

Rare earths (RE) is the common name for the metallic elements of the lanthanide series, together with yttrium and scandium, which make up 0.016% of the earth's crust. This review summarizes the results of experiments conducted in China in which RE were added to poultry diets. Additions of 30–1000mg/kg RE to layer diets resulted in increases in egg production of 3–15% and improved feed conversion efficiency of 2–22%. The hatchability of eggs increased by 5–15%. Improvements of 4–14% in body weight gain were observed in broilers fed 20–400 mg/kg, together with 3–6% better feed conversion efficiency and increases of 3–5% in eviscerated yield. Similar benefits have also been reported when feeding RE to ducks, although not statistically validated, and to meat-type pigeons. No adverse effects of feeding RE have been reported. It is concluded that rare earths have a role as feed additives in the poultry industry, particularly in conditions where the genetic potential for production traits is not achieved. Key information from some of the papers cited in the paper is summarized in an appendix.

The ideal protein and effective energy requirements of the growing Pearl Grey guinea fowl up to 20 weeks of age were determined according to the Edinburgh model. Guinea fowl have their highest protein requirements between 5 and 10 weeks of age. Protein requirements of females are lower than those of males up to 10 weeks of age, after which the situation is reversed. Energy requirements from 10 weeks of age are also higher for females than for males.

In Bangladesh indigenous poultry have been kept by rural communities for many generations. This custom is likely to continue and remain popular in rural areas. The rural poultry system relies on minimal input of resources. Although secondary to other agricultural activities, rural poultry rearing plays an important role in providing the rural population with a substantial income and high quality protein. Almost every rural family keeps small flocks of indigenous domestic fowl and ducks under a backyard management system. Although indigenous poultry are poor producers of eggs and meat, they are hardy and thrive well in the harsh rural environment and some varieties have a superior genetic constitution which has not been fully explored. Poultry sheds in rural areas are made of local materials, birds are fed with household wastes, and most of their time is spent in scavenging. There is no systematic breeding programme and close inbreeding occurs among indigenous stocks. Shortage of feed and a high incidence of diseases are the main constraints to rural poultry development. In spite of such constraints, poultry production in the country will continue to grow in response to an increasing demand for eggs and poultry meat. In this regard the wider availability of reliable advice would be of enormous benefit.