This dissertation considers three aspects of broiler breeding: definition of breeding goals, selection schemes for specialized lines, and the usefulness of local breeds for China. Economic values in broiler breeding were derived based on a deterministic model. A systematic design for the application of gene flow methodology to derive cumulative discounted expressions for production and reproduction traits was developed, and the effects of factors on the magnitude of cumulative discounted expressions were quantified. A breeding goal and a realistic scheme for the application of combined crossbred and purebred selection in a specialized dam line were defined, and the relative value of purebred and crossbred performance information in such a scheme was appraised. The potential role of local breeds in China in commercial breeding programs was discussed in relation to both providing high quality meat and meeting the objectives of genetic resource conservation.