Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Commercial poultry production relies on hybrid crossbreeding systems to produce high-performing broilers (meat-type) and layers (egg-type) by utilizing heterosis (hybrid vigor).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the given statements:
- Statement (A): Commercial hybrid chickens are produced by crossing specific, specialized lines.
A male-only line (sire line) is selected for growth rate and meat yield, while a female-only line (dam line) is selected for egg production and hatchability, making Statement (A) correct.
- Statement (B): The superiority of crossbred offspring over the average of their parents or the better parent is defined as heterosis or hybrid vigor (not the di-allele phenomenon).
Therefore, Statement (B) is incorrect.
- Statement (C): In flock mating, the recommended male-to-female ratio is based on the body weight and activity of the birds:
For light egg-type birds (layers), 1 male is mated with 10 to 12 females.
For heavy meat-type birds (broilers), 1 male is mated with 8 to 10 females to ensure high fertility rates.
Therefore, Statement (C) is correct.
- Statement (D): An ideal broiler should possess a broad, blocky, rectangular, or "U" shaped body conformation to support maximum breast meat development.
A "V" or wedge-shaped body conformation is characteristic of high-producing egg-laying hens, not broilers.
Therefore, Statement (D) is incorrect.
Since only statements (A) and (C) are correct, option (B) is the correct choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The true statements are (A) and (C) only.