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Genetic parameters and cellularity of adiposity in layer-type chickens
Poultry Science
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Selective breeding for abdominal fat pad weight in layers shows moderate heritability. While fat pad weight correlates with growth, it does not impact egg production, with genetic selection influencing adipocyte size, not number.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Poultry Science
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Abdominal fat pad weight is an economically important trait in poultry production.
- Understanding the genetic basis of fat deposition is crucial for improving meat quality and bird health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate genetic parameters for abdominal fat pad weight in a layer-type population.
- To investigate the relationship between fat pad weight, growth, and egg production.
- To examine the cellularity of fat pads in relation to sire selection.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of progeny from sires in the upper (U) and lower (L) 10% for fat pad weight.
- Measurement of abdominal fat pad weights and adipocyte cellularity.
- Calculation of heritability estimates using half-sib correlation and offspring-on-sire regression.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for abdominal fat pad weight were moderate (.29 +/- .36 and .27 +/- .06).
- Fat pad weight was highly correlated with growth but not with egg production.
- Progeny of U sires had heavier fat pads and larger adipocytes than progeny of L sires, with no difference in adipocyte number.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal fat pad weight is a heritable trait in layer-type chickens.
- Genetic selection can alter adipocyte size, influencing fat pad weight.
- Selection for reduced fat pad weight is unlikely to negatively impact egg production.
