Illumina Conducting Large-Scale Poultry Genotyping Project For Aviagen

Results To Pave Way For Improved Breeding Technologies

San Diego & Edinburgh, Scotland - Illumina, Inc. announced today that it has nearly completed the second phase of a large-scale genomics services agreement with U.K.-based Aviagen, the world's leading poultry breeding company, to genotype broiler chicken DNA samples. A panel of 3072 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was genotyped during the third quarter in the agreement's first phase. Work is now ongoing to genotype an additional set of 3072 markers against the same 2000 samples used in the original phase. Following data analysis, Aviagen plans to develop a custom panel of 1536 broiler chicken SNPs and validate these markers against a new set of 2000 samples.

Illumina is using Sentrix Arrays in conjunction with the Company's GoldenGate assay to conduct the focused genotyping studies for Aviagen. The results of this study and follow-on studies - part of a major genomics initiative by Aviagen -are expected to generate information that will enhance the selective breeding of broiler chickens. Aviagen is also evaluating development of a similar panel to genotype turkeys.

Selective breeding enables two primary benefits: 1) increase in desirable traits such as disease resistance or efficient nutrient metabolism; and 2) improved yields of high-quality proteins for ever-increasing global food needs. By identifying genes, genetic variation, and key molecular markers associated with desirable chicken traits, Aviagen's geneticists will use genotyping to help them selectively breed the broiler chickens that exhibit, for example, excellent survival in commercial farming environments.

The approach taken in this study is expected to serve as a model for other livestock sectors such as beef and pork. Animal protein yield is important as global meat consumption of meat has increased significantly over the last half decade, creating pressure on farmers around the world to increase productivity. Stock improvement through marker-assisted selection will help deliver this with an approach that does not involve genetic modification.

"We're very pleased to be working with Aviagen as they advance the application of genomics tools and genetic information to molecular-assisted breeding," said Jay Flatley, Illumina President and CEO. "We expect their efforts to bring significant benefit to poultry science and to help address the challenge of delivering higher-value foods to developed and developing countries throughout the world. Illumina's high-throughput, array-based solutions are ideally suited to enable the growth of selective breeding and we look forward to supporting this emerging industry."

SOURCE: Illumina