Genetic relations of yolk proportion and chick weight with production traits in a White Leghorn line

Abstract

1. The main purpose of this study was to estimate genetic correlations between yolk proportion, chick weight and production traits using an animal model. 2. Direct-direct genetic correlations were estimated between yolk proportion and age at first egg (-0.34), body weight at 20 (0.10), 40 (0.58) and 60 (0.52) weeks of age, egg number (0.56), egg mass (0.59), feed intake (0.64) and feed conversion (-0.25). 3. Maternal-direct genetic correlations were estimated between chick weight and age at first egg (0.40), body weight at 20 (0.57), 40 (0.66) and 60 (0.56) weeks of age, egg number (-0.50), egg mass (0.21), feed intake (0.45) and feed conversion (0.17), respectively. 4. In conclusion, the results suggest that selection on a higher yolk proportion would not have any unfavourable effects on egg production. Maternal-direct genetic correlations between chick weight and production traits resembled direct-direct genetic correlations between egg weight and production traits found in other studies

Published in

British Poultry Science
2003, volume: 44, number: 2, pages: 186-191
Publisher: CARFAX PUBLISHING

SLU Authors

• Johansson, Kjell

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rydhmer, Lotta

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Strandberg, Erling

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0007166031000096489

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/434