Genetic and Environmental Aspects of Obesity in Broilers

SummaryObesity is now receiving considerable attention from the broiler industry. Although the mechanisms regulating fat deposition in the adipose tissue are not completely known, researchers have shown that fat deposition varies with breed, strain, sex, age, nutrition, exercise, ambient temperature and rearing systems (cage versus floor). These factors affect fat deposition through their effects on the size or the number of adipose cells or a combination of both. Selection of lean genetic stock, use of optimum diet, proper rearing temperatures, choice of rearing systems, restriction of caloric intake in early life, and marketing of animals at a younger age combine to offer a promise of reducing fatness in the broilers.