Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation of body weight gain in the indigenous and exotic turkey
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic parameters of growth traits on the exotic (White Nicholas), Nigerian indigenous black and Nigerian indigenous white genotypes of turkey.The specific objectives were to: estimate the heritability and genetic correlation of growth traits in the three turkey genotypes.This research was conducted at UmuchigboIji Nike, Enugu, Enugu East local government area. A total of 100 random bred and unselected male and female turkeys comprising the exotic (White Nicholas), local black and local white genotypes formed the base population. 27 males and 48 females comprised the acquired stock used for the research. The birds that formed the base population were raised till maturity to generate progenies that were used for the actual research. A total of nine mating groups was used for the research, weighing (body weight) was done 4th weekly from day old till 12weeks. Heritability (h2 ) of body weight and genetic correlation (rG) for body weight between day old and body weights at 4, 8 and 12weeks was done. h 2 was calculated using paternal half sib (Becker, 1992) and genetic correlation was calculated using covariance and variance of weight at day old with body weights at 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively.The h2 at day old was mostly low ranging from 0.14 – 0.34 owning to the fact that common environmental effects were remarkable at day old. h 2 was high between 4weeks to12weeks ranging from 0.34 – 0.89 but the highest heritability average when comparing all ages was at 12weeks meaning there will be high response to selection for body weight and genetic progress determination at 12weeks.Average heritability of body weight at day old was 0.23 whereas from 4 – 12 weeks it was 0.61. Genetic correlation(rG)was generally high and positive for all ages ranging between 0.10 – 0.84 meaning that as the animal gets older, body weight increased. This means that the difference in live weights was mainly due to physiological factor which increases as the birds get older. However, being a genetic tool and a key parameter for determination of response to selection in our indigenous genetic stock when given a chance for selection.
Authors: *Iloghalu, O. G *Iloghalu, O. G, Ndofor, H. N Ndofor, H. N, Iloghalu, C. M Iloghalu, C. M
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411458381