Genotype by environment interactions in relation to growth traits in slow growing chickens

Abstract

Since feed conversion ratio (FCR) is higher in slow-growing "Label Rouge" chickens than in broiler chickens, it is important to work on its improvement in this breed. However, this involves rearing animals in cages (C), an environment very different from that used for selection (in floor pens, S) and production (outdoor, E). The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of genotype by environment (G × E) interactions between S, C, and E environments, to find the best way to select for FCR, using 2002 related animals. Growth curve parameters were estimated and body composition measured. Individual feed conversion ratios (FCR) were recorded between 8 and 10 weeks in C. The presence of G × E interactions was assessed by the genetic correlations between the same trait recorded in different environments. Moderate but significant G × E interactions were detected for carcass traits, a significant one was observed between E and S or C for growth curve parameters but none between C and S. If G × E interactions are set aside, i.e. selecting on traits recorded in C, abdominal fatness is the best indirect selection criterion for FCR but if they are taken in account then leg yield or growth curve parameters in S and growth curve parameters in E are better.

Genetic parameters and effect of selection for body weight in lines of mink (Neovison vison) on ad libitum and restricted feeding

“…The heritabilities estimated for weight (Table II) were in the order of those found by N'Drie et al (2007) in poultry and by Lagerkvist et al (1994) and Hansen and Berg (1997) in mink, but larger than those observed by McPhee and Trappett (1987) and Urrutia and Hayes (1988a) in mice and by Cameron (1994), , , and Nguyen and McPhee (2005a, b) in pigs. The reported heritability of 0.19 for animal size in mink (Koivula et al, 2011) is considerably smaller than the above reported heritability estimates for weight in mink.…”

Detailed analysis of the individual feeding behavior of male and female mule ducks 1 , 2

“…Although breeders show much interest for this trait, feed efficiency is included in duck breeding schemes only by way of the indirect selection of correlated traits. This represents a substantial loss estimated at approximately 30% of genetic progress that could be obtained with direct selection (N'Dri et al, 2007).…”

On farm observations to increase genetic gain in breeding schemes for village poultry production – A simulation study

“…Significant GxE in poultry has been reported in a number of studies (Bekele et al, 2009;Chen et al, 2009;Horst, 1985;Kapell et al, 2012;Mathur & Horst, 1994;N'Dri et al, 2007) and reviews (FAO, 2010;Mathur, 2003). GxE could reduce potential genetic gains of a breeding program.…”