Influence of Genetic Selection on Rearing Parameters and Production Performance of Two Leghorn Type Pullets, 1940 Random-Bred Control Versus W-36 (2016) Commercial Strain Grown under the Same Regimen

Abstract

The aim of this study was to expand the period of selection history by evaluating the pullet growth characteristics of two genetic stocks of Leghorns reared under identical conditions 1940 Leghorn Strain (WL40) from the University of Arkansas and a 2016 Commercial Hy-Line W-36 (WLCC) from Hy-Line were housed in the same environment, comparing rearing production characteristics from the day of hatch until 16 weeks of age. All chicks were hatched at the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University and raised in the same cage-rearing facility, with 14 birds per brooding cage then reduced to 10 birds per cage. Pullets were weighed bi-weekly, and feed weigh-backs were concurrent to determine body growth, feed consumption, and utilization. Pullet starter was fed from 0-6 weeks, a grower from 6-12 weeks, and a developer from 12-16 weeks. Diets were provided ad libitum, and mortality was recorded daily. The experiment was a randomized block design using a 2 ×3 factorial design, 2 genetic strains, and 3 dietary phase regimens and all data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. Both strains responded similarly, showing an increase in body weights with the 2016 commercial strain exhibiting heavier weights with no significant differences (P>0.05) in all feed phases. Results from this data suggest that layer selection over the years had neutral adverse effects on body weights or feed conversion reared in the same environment and current commercial diet. This indicated that selection preferences for desirable traits such as body weights and feed conversion have been successfully implemented for optimal performance benefiting the 2016 pullet.