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Estimation of Phenotypic and Genetic Parameters of Feed Efficiency and Its Component Traits in Two Meat-Type Chicken Populations
Thesis Abstract:
The phenotypic and genetic parameters of feed efficiency and its component traits were estimated in two meant-type chicken populations, based on the individual weekly and cumulative body weight and feed consumption of a total of 830 chicks.
Results showed that the two populations at various ages differed in mean body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and income over geed cost. The coefficients of variability of feed efficiency and its component traits were relatively high, which is typical of segregating populations.
The phenotypic and genetic correlations of weight gain with feed efficiency and income over feed cost were rather high. Phenotypic correlations of feed consumption with weight gain, feed efficiency and income over feed cost varied from low to moderate, while the genetic correlations between these same traits varied from moderate to high.
Heritability estimates of weight gain were moderate to high, while heritability estimates of feed efficiency and income over feed cost were low. Differences between heritability estimates based on half-sib and full-sib covariances were generally small for the traits studies, indicating that most of the sources of genetic variability were due to additive effects.
Results of the study indicate that improvement of feed efficiency or income over feed cost could be effectively and economically achieved through selection for body weight.