JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

Data of 1200 male and female chicks from 90 sires were used to estimate the heritabilities as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations of body measurements and carcass characteristics in three genetic groups, namely, crosses of native chickens with an exotic breed (group A), native chickens which were selected for two generations on the basis of 8th week body weight (group B) and a native control group (group C).

The effects of genetic group, sex and system (litter vs. cage) on body measurements (shank and breast traits) and carcass characteristics were studied. Data of body measurements were collected at 6th week of age, and carcass traits were recorded at slaughter time at 10th week of age (except breast angle which was recorded at 8th week).

All carcass traits and body measurements except shank were significantly affected by genetic groups (P<0.05). Sex and system of rearing did not have any significant effect on body measurements and carcass traits. Estimated heritabilities for body measurements and carcass traits showed a wide range. Breast and shank measurements had the lowest and those related to abdominal fat had the highest heritabilities. Phenotypic correlations for all of the body measurements were lower than genetic correlations among these traits. Genetic correlations between body measurements and carcass characteristics were mostly significant