Performance of different strains of white leghorn layers

Abstract

An essential tool for the formulation and assessment of selection programmes is the estimation of genetic parameters for performance traits. According to the findings of several studies, it is essential to identify and make use of birds with higher genetic potential. In order to estimate the least square mean and standard error, heritability, and genetic and phenotypic correlations for a variety of traits, including body weight at 20 weeks (BW20) and 40 weeks (BW40) and age at first egg (AFE), total eggs produced up to 40 weeks of age (EN40), egg weight at 40 weeks (EW40), and total egg mass produced up to 40 weeks of age (EM40). Some researchers reported a high value, but others reported a heritability value that was between low and moderate. The inconsistent results may be due to variations in the strains, lines, and makeup of birds utilised in the estimation procedures as well as variations in the techniques and software used to estimate genetic parameters. Planning effective breeding programmes in animal husbandry requires an understanding of genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Animal geneticists can decide whether or not a specific characteristic can be enhanced by selection, by changing management practises, or by both methods based on their heritability estimates. Egg production efficiency has increased as a result of successful selection for performance traits. Since farmers are incharge of poultry farms, which has a tiny, scattered population and minimal pedigree history, the performance testing, selection, and breeding programmes have not been carried out throughout time. Because of changes in management, a growth in the number of flocks, and an increase in flock size, estimation of phenotypic and genetic performance over time is required. For reliable genetic evaluation and the development of breeding objectives, more precise estimates of genetic parameters are needed, particularly heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations between economic traits.