Genetic parameter estimation for feather damage in laying hens

Abstract

Feather damage (FD) in laying hens is an economic and welfare issue globally. FD can be influenced by environmental, genetic, and nutrient factors. It is worth understanding the inheritance patterns and influencers of FD in layers for further improvement of feather quality. In the present study, tail and neck feather coverage of White Leghorn (WL) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens were recorded to evaluate FD. The genetic parameters of FD and their impact on the production performance were estimated. The heritability of the tail and neck FD for White Leghorn is 0.22 and 0.09, respectively, and the genetic correlation between them is 0.40. The heritability of neck FD of Rhode Island Red is 0.27. FD had a limited influence on egg production. Collectively, FD is influenced by many factors, including genetic factors, appropriate breeding strategies, and improved feeding environments, which are necessary to reduce FD in laying hens.

Estimation of Heritability and Genetic Correlation of Quantitative Traits as a Basis for Selection Program of Indonesian Native Chickens

“…Previous studies have examined genetic parameters, especially heritability and genetic correlation of several quantitative features of local chickens [20-22, 12, 13, 16, 17]. Genetic parameters that are widely measured include characteristics related to body weight and growth [23,24,16], egg production [25-28, 10, 13], reproduction [29][30][31], perch habit-related traits [32], and feather-related traits [33,34].…”