Genetic and phenotypic parameters of carcass and organ traits of broiler chickens

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic and environmental parameters for carcass, carcass part, and organ weights in a paternal strain of broiler chickens that was selected mainly for body weight at 42 days of age (BW42) to provide support for poultry genetic improvement programs. A total of 1448 chickens were used that resulted from the expansion of a pure paternal strain named TT, which was developed by Embrapa Suínos e Aves. The following weights were evaluated: BW42, chilled carcass, wing, drumstick meat, thigh meat, breast meat, breast fillet, back, liver, heart (HRT), and gizzard (GIZ). The variance component was estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method using a multi-trait animal model. The general model included the additive genetic and residual random effects and the fixed effect of the sex-hatch group (10 levels). The heritability estimates ranged from 0.27 ± 0.06 for HRT to 0.44 ± 0.08 for GIZ. These results indicated that all the traits have enough additive genetic variability to respond to selection. The genetic correlation estimates between BW42 and the carcass and carcass part weights were high and positive. However, the genetic correlation estimates between BW42 and organ weights were Genetic parameters of economic traits in broiler chickens low. In this population, the carcass traits might respond indirectly to selection applied to BW42. It can be concluded that selection to increase BW42 is not effective in improving broiler organ weight. Therefore, to obtain suitable genetic improvement for these traits, the selection indexes for broilers should include organ weight-based criteria.

Genome-wide association study reveals novel loci associated with body size and carcass yields in Pekin ducks

“…We found highly positive genetic (0.74) and phenotypic correlations (0.63) between BW42 and BMW. Venturini et al [18] also found genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients of 0.86 and 0.84 between BW42 and BMW, respectively, which were consistent with our results. However, compared with Venturini et al’s result (0.7), we found a smaller genetic correlation between BW42 and LMW (0.3), likely due to the use of a different species.…”

Estimating the genetic parameters for liver fat traits in broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat

“…The heritability estimate for LW obtained from our population was 0.17. This was lower than the estimate of Venturini et al (2014), who reported a heritability of 0.33 for LW in broiler chickens. The heritability estimate for LP in this study was 0.18; this value is similar to that obtained by Wang et al (2011), who reported a heritability of 0.21 for LP in 20-week-old Rugao yellow chicken.…”

AIREML estimation of genetic parameters and study of factors affecting growth and fertility performance of sire line of IBL-80 broiler chicken

“…Significant effect of hatch on BWT2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks was reported by Adeyinka et al (2006). Gaya et al (2006) and Venturini et al (2014) reported significant effect of hatch and gender on body weight variables in their study. Effect of generation on body weight variables has been found to be significant in a study where data on four generation were analysed (Larivière et al 2009).…”

“…20, 210.46, 744.33, 1351.30 and 2428.10 grams, respectively in Naked Neck broiler chickens. Venturini et al (2014) reported BWT42 to be 2224.39 grams in broiler chicken parent line which was evaluated for body weight, feed conversion and carcass traits. The mean values for body weight at 6, 20 and 40 weeks of age were 1190.2±4.1 g, 2125.9±3.7 g and 3086.26±3.8 g, respectively (Mishra et al 2006).…”

“…BWT0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks were 0.32, 0.22, 0.31, 0.24 and 0.20, respectively in naked neck broilers (Adeyinka et al 2006). Venturini et al (2014) used WOMBAT tool for heritability estimation in broiler chicken and observed the BWT42 to be 0.41±0.08. Larivière et al (2009) estimated the BWT11 heritability in Ardennaise chicken breed in Belgium and observed moderate heritability of 0.11 and positive response in selection for body weight in four generations.…”