This paper attempts to identify and evaluate the contributions of genetics to the continuing rise in productivity that has been evident over the past 40 years or more. The importance of the fowl in establishing the validity of Mendel's laws of inheritance is shown, together with the findings that made the bird the species of choice for much of the early work on animal genetics. The early development of the egg production industry is outlined and the impetus given to this new commercial venture by the application of genetic principles, described. The poultry meat sector is also reviewed. The role of the geneticist in increasing productivity in terms of numbers of eggs laid, meat produced and quantities of food required to produce both products is discussed and quantitative data presented. The prospects for further improvements in productivity are assessed, particularly in the context of climatic and social environmental factors. The prospective role of genetic engineering is also considered.
