Accelerating Progress in Turkey Health and Performance with CT Scanning

CT technology is a diagnostic imaging system that uses X-ray technology to produce multi-dimensional images of the inside of a body. We began using CT technology at our pedigree facility in 2022 to get in-depth information on the various aspects of a turkey’s body such as skin, bones, body composition, airways, and organs. The benefits of CT scanning include accelerated genetic progress while maintaining high animal welfare standards as we can capture individual bird data while they are still alive.

CT scanning is now being used to capture information on body composition, such as breast and thigh yield, which drives economic performance in the market. Preliminary analyses have shown high correlations between muscle volume obtained via CT scan and body weight. Internal simulations have shown that a combination of genomic information, optimal modelling, and improved phenotyping can increase genetic gain for breast meat yield by up to 38 per cent.

To analyze the yield information of individual birds scanned, we use the 3D models created to estimate the total grams of breast meat per kilo of live weight. This information is used to analyze and compare birds and aid in the selection process. The use of CT technology comes as an enhancement, not a replacement to the current data collection efforts in our breeding program. This technology has already made an impact in accelerating progress in these highly desirable yield-based traits.

This technology is also being used to improve livability by collecting data on skin, bones, airways and organs. This additional data addresses key performance factors such as livability and overall health and welfare of a turkey. As body weight of the birds increase over time, it is important to ensure that birds are still healthy and performing. Measuring the size and shape of other organs such as the lungs and heart can provide useful information on blood flow, and the ability of a bird to support increased yields.

CT scans can help with early identification of animals susceptible to circulatory disorders such as ascites, aortic rupture, and spontaneous cardiomyopathy (round heart). These conditions are associated with poor meat quality, lower muscle production and/or high mortality. For example, animals with bulges along the length of the aorta are more likely to suffer from aortic rupture.

Identifying animals with anatomical abnormalities and linking these traits to specific genomic regions provides a crucial chance for genetic improvement in health and livability for turkeys.

In conclusion, the integration of CT scanning technology marks a significant leap forward in genetic improvement. By providing detailed insights into the anatomical and physiological traits of turkeys, we are accelerating progress in selecting for desirable traits, such as meat yield and overall health. As we continue to refine and expand the use of CT scanning and other advanced methods, we pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable turkey industry.