Selection for Increased Hatchability at High Altitude

Abstract

A line of medium white turkeys developed at an altitude of 105 meters above sea level was reproduced and reared at 1524 meters above sea level for seven generations. One half of the population was selected for seven generations for increased hatchability based on individual hen performance. The other half of the population was selected at random each year. Records were kept of percent hatchability, percent fertility, average number of eggs set, average egg weight, body weight at two, eight, and 20 weeks of age for all birds in each generation. When the birds were thirty-two weeks of age, body depth, keel length, and shank length were recorded for each bird in generation 6 and 7. Percent hatchability increased in both the selected and the nonselected groups during the first four generations but decreased during the last three generations. Percent hatchability and fertility in the selected group was consistently higher than in the nonselected group each generation. Average egg weight decreased in both lines. No consistently significant correlations were found between hatchability and any of the traits measured.

Response to Selection for Hatchability in Turkeys at Three Altitudes

“…Ells and Morris (1947), Meshew (1949), and Stephenson (1950) reported on the effects of adding supplemental oxygen during the incubation period. Cramer et al (1974) reported on results of selecting for hatchability at an elevation of 1524 meters. In addition to reporting on the improvement in hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) resulting from selection, Cramer et al (1974) reported that the selection procedure had no adverse effects upon mature body weight and body conformation.…”

“…Cramer et al (1974) reported on results of selecting for hatchability at an elevation of 1524 meters. In addition to reporting on the improvement in hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) resulting from selection, Cramer et al (1974) reported that the selection procedure had no adverse effects upon mature body weight and body conformation. Moore and Price (1948) reported on the effects of altitude stressing upon body weights and the weights of organs of reproduction in various mammalian species.…”