Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for selection within Ugandan indigenous chickens
Date
2023-02-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropical Animal Health and Production
Abstract
The high genetic variation within indigenous chickens (IC) which provides an opportunity to select superior stock for sustainable production and conservation is under-exploited. This study is aimed at estimating heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients of productive and reproductive traits of Ugandan IC as a basis for selection. Data on traits were collected across two consecutive generations, weight (W) and shank length (SL) of chicks at hatching (HW) as well as at 2 (W2; SL2), 4 (W4; SL4), 6 (W6; SL6), 8 (W8; SL8), and 12 (W12; SL12) weeks of growth. Body weights at onset of lay (WFE) were also measured. In addition, egg number (EN-60), egg weight (EW), clutch number (CLN-60), and clutch size (CLS-60) over a period of 60 days were recorded. Genetic parameters were estimated using the univariate animal model analysis with restricted maximum likelihood procedure using the variability package of R, version 4.1.1. Heritability of traits ranged from 0.30 and 0.72 except SL4 (0.02), SL12 (0.14), and EN-60 (0.17). The traits EN-60 and W4 were negatively phenotypically correlated (− 0.49). Body weight at first egg was highly genetically correlated (0.99) with SL8. Egg number was significantly, negatively, and genetically correlated (− 0.96) with SL12. In conclusion, shank length is a potential phenotypic marker when selecting for live weight at onset of lay and egg yield. The shank length could, therefore, permit selection of superior chickens at an early age.
Description
Keywords
Variation, Selection, Trait, Indigenous chicken, Phenotypic marker
Citation
Beyihayo, G. A., Kugonza, D. R., Ndyomugyenyi, E. K., Echodu, R., Okot, M. W., & Anjos, F. D. (2023). Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for selection within Ugandan indigenous chickens. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 55(2), 100.