Genetic variability of hatchability estimated based on multiple-trait model

Abstract

To verify whether hatchability rates in successive hatches of egg-laying chickens may be regarded as separate traits, 8 generations of layers from a maternal Rhode Island White (4200 hens) and paternal Rhode Island Red (2600 hens) lines were involved. (Co)variance components were estimated by means of the REML method using the multiple-trait animal model. The birds' breeding merit was assessed with the BLUP method. There was no ground for regarding the successive hatches as separate traits. The number of chicks hatched in consecutive hatches is a measure of the same trait assessed in various periods. High genetic correlations between the particular hatching periods facilitate assessment of birds' breeding merit on the basis of the first hatch results. Thus, it would be possible to verify the breeding stock rank and to select family flocks for subsequent reproduction of the offspring. © GSP, India.