WHY do sex links lay so much?

[fatcatx]

Hoping some flock masters will indulge my silly inquiry... I guess this boils down to a genetic question. I love the genetic component of chickens - feeds my inner wannabe biologist.

I have a general question re: sex links and their egg-churning abilities. I know many hatcheries use propriety production reds to make them. But many others do not. For example they state their red sex link is a RIR over a Delaware, or that their black is RIR over barred Rock.

I get there is a component if synergy between the two breeds which can boost the frequency of their laying. But considering their lineage is based on breeds that can lay fairly well into their 3rd & 4th year, why do sex links churn them out so fast and generally peter out so quickly?

There may not be a clear-cut answer (or maybe the synergy is the answer?). Just trying to understand the genetics behind the egg production.

 

[sourland]

Hybrid vigor.

 

[kitkat5505]

Interesting question. My BSL finally took one day off after a full month straight of laying every day. She's my favorite and it makes me sad to think that her prolific laying could mean a shorter lifespan.

 

[Molpet]

"Plant scientists have provided a new solution to an old debate on why species hybrids can be more vigorous than their parents. The researchers found a type of genetic "noise" caused by a surprising degree of variation in gene activity even for highly similar traits in closely related species. They found that when species hybridize, some of the variation in gene activity may be canceled out, leading to greater vigor"
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720212921.htm

 

[fatcatx]

Too funny that you posted that article. Exactly the one I was reading before I posted! I guess I should refine my question by asking is there any reasons that the egg laying capabilities always result in heterosis? In nature it would not necessarily be a good thing to pump out more eggs than you could possibly incubate and care for. Positive for us, negative for offspring.

 

[Molpet]

Ha we have the same reading tastes
it doesn't always.. a good egg layer over a CX gave me a terrible layer