Some genetic parameters involving poststress performance traits in chickens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Estimating genetic parameters for economic traits is crucial for poultry breeding programs.
• Understanding the impact of stress on egg production is vital for maintaining flock productivity.
• White Leghorn hens are a key breed for commercial egg production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate genetic parameters for post-stress egg production traits in White Leghorn hens.
• To investigate the genetic correlations among economic traits under control and stress conditions.
• To identify early indicators of stress resilience and post-stress recovery in laying hens.

Main Methods:

• Genetic parameters were estimated for 11 economic traits over an 18-week post-stress period.
• A randombred population of 1800 White Leghorn hens was utilized.
• Statistical analysis compared genetic correlations between control and stress groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences (P < .05) in genetic correlations were observed for 6 of 11 traits between control and stress groups.
• Hens with earlier sexual maturity demonstrated faster stress recovery and higher overall egg production.
• Early egg production (20-40 weeks) was a more reliable predictor of later post-stress performance (55-73 weeks) in the stress group.

Conclusions:

• Maturation rate is a key genetic factor influencing stress resilience and egg production recovery in laying hens.
• Early performance metrics can be valuable selection tools for breeding stress-tolerant poultry.
• Genetic correlations shift under stress, highlighting the need for stress-specific breeding strategies.