Genetic variability in growth response of chicks to cold brooding temperature

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Brooding temperature significantly impacts poultry growth and development.
• Understanding genetic adaptation to varying temperatures is crucial for efficient poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genetic variability in adaptation to reduced brooding temperatures.
• To compare body weight gains of poultry progeny under different brooding conditions.

Main Methods:

• Compared 1 to 14-day body weight gains of 28 sire families.
• Utilized Athens-Canadian randombred population.
• Assessed growth at standard (32.2 C) and reduced (26.7 C) brooding temperatures.

Main Results:

• Reduced brooding temperature (26.7 C) significantly depressed 1 to 7-day weight gain.
• 7 to 14-day weight gain was not significantly affected by reduced brooding temperature.
• Heritability estimates for weight gain were higher at the reduced temperature (.55-.67) compared to standard temperature (.23-.35).
• Heritability for the difference in weight gain between temperatures was high (.78).

Conclusions:

• Genetic factors influence adaptation to reduced brooding temperatures in poultry.
• Selection for growth at cooler temperatures may be effective due to higher heritability.
• Poultry populations exhibit adaptability to suboptimal brooding conditions over time.