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GENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST EIGHT WEEKS BODY MEASUREMENTS OF HUBBARD BROILER BREEDER CHICKENS IN SHIKA, NIGERIA
Abstract:
This study “Genetic analysis of the first eight weeks body measurements of Hubbard broiler breeder chickens in Shika Nigeria” was undertaken to estimate the genetic parameters of body weights and linear measurements at different ages and to ascertain the extent to which linear body measurements could best predict weight at 8 weeks. Data from 160 Hubbard broiler breeders at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika, Zaria was used for the study. Bi-weekly linear body measurements in centimeters were taken using a measuring tape, while body weights measured in grams were taken weekly for 8 weeks using a digital scale. Body conformation traits measured included; back length, chest circumference, chicken height and shank length. The heritability (h2) estimates for body weight and conformation traits from 2 to 8 weeks were low to moderate. Genetic correlations for body weight ranged from low to high but were positive in most cases except for correlations between 1 and, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks body weights. Phenotypic correlations for body weights also ranged from low to high and were positive in all cases (0.007-0.963). Genetic and phenotypic correlations for body weight and conformation traits at 2 weeks were positive in most cases and ranged from low to high while the genetic correlations for body weight and conformation traits at 4 weeks were high and positive in most cases except for correlations between body weight and chicken height which was low and negative, while phenotypic correlations ranged from moderate to high (0.330-0.744). At 6 weeks, the genetic and phenotypic correlations for body weight and conformation traits were all high and positive, while genetic correlations at 8 weeks were positive and ranged from moderate to high, whereas the phenotypic correlations were all high and positive. From this study, chest circumference at 6 weeks could be used for selection as parents of the next generation, while back length at 8 weeks was the best predictor of 8 week body weight.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST EIGHT WEEKS BODY MEASUREMENTS OF HUBBARD BROILER BREEDER CHICKENS IN SHIKA, NIGERIA
