Differences in body fat of six inbred lines of white leghorns derived from a common base population

Genetic differences in body fat, body weight, follicle number, and egg production were found among six inbred lines of White Leghorn hens derived from a common outbred base population. High positive genetic correlations of body fat with body weight were found between inbred lines as well as between inbred parents and line-cross progeny. Heterosis of fatness, body weight, egg production, egg weight, and liver weight were observed. Large follicles and liver weight were unaffected by inbreeding and crossing of lines.