Association of plasma 5'-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase with production traits in chickens: genetic and phenotypic variability

Heritability of plasma alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase enzyme activities at 20, 35 and 50 weeks of age ranged from 0.047 to 0.275. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among enzyme activities at the three ages were positive and high. Genetic correlations of enzyme activities with production traits indicated that the bird having higher activities of these enzyme will grow faster, mature earlier and produce heavier but fewer eggs.