The impact of genetic and hereditary anomalies on the productivity of agricultural poultry

Aim. Aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of genetically determined diseases and hereditary abnormalities in farm poultry. Methods. The article is review-based and is based on the analysis, generalisation and systematisation of scientific sources. Results. As a result of the generalisation of scientific data, it has been established that more than 80 hereditary abnormalities have been described in farm poultry, most of which are of mutational origin and are caused by the action of lethal and sublethal genes. The most common defects relate to the development of the skeleton, nervous and immune systems, and metabolism. A significant proportion of these mutations manifest themselves during the embryonic period and lead to the death of embryos or reduced viability of young birds. It has been established that the frequency of genetic abnormalities increases with inbreeding, which justifies the need for genetic control and culling of carriers of undesirable alleles. Studies have also shown that pigmentation disorders and other phenotypic variations can persist in populations under conditions of reduced natural selection. Conclusions. Timely identification of mutations, the use of molecular genetic control methods, and rational selection are key factors in maintaining health, increasing productivity, and improving the economic efficiency of modern poultry farming.