Potential usefulness of the Na (<i>Naked Neck</i>) gene in poultry production

Abstract

SummaryThe genetic basis and dominance relationships of the Naked Neck gene and its geographical distribution in local populations are described. The associated effects found on growth performance, feed efficiency and body composition of broilers, on egg laying and egg traits, reproduction and viability are reviewed. The possible interpretation of these effects is discussed for each trait. Concerning the potential usefulness of the Naked Neck gene in poultry production, present-day results show on the whole an encouraging perspective at ambient high temperature, either for broiler or for egg production. At low or moderate temperatures an obvious defect associated with the Naked Neck gene is a deterioration of feed efficiency, either for growth or for laying, but the results cited suggest that this defect may be suppressed by a more precise control of the environmental temperature and possibly, as concerns egg production, by combining the Naked Neck and the sex-linked dwarf genes.