The hypothetical question whether a selection plateau limits further i
mprovement of broiler performance may be relevant if one considers onl
y the age at a fixed final weight. However, genetic improvement involv
es an increasing number of traits, and no limit is in sight for the to
tal merit including feed efficiency, carcass value and constitutional
criteria. To benefit from the increasing genetic potential for efficie
nt growth, traditional production systems should be supported by a com
bination of specific lighting programs, modern feeder and drinker equi
pment and computerized environment control. Between extreme demands fr
om the animal welfare side and economic arguments from the producers'
side, the overall goal must be to keep the efficiency of broiler produ
ction competitive and to make the product achievble to a growing perce
ntage of the world population.