Genetic variation of broiler feed consumption and efficiency corrected for differences in test body weights

Feed consumption and feed efficiency data obtained over nine generations from three selected strains of broilers were adjusted for differences in either initial or initial and final test BW (at 28 and 42 d, respectively). Genetic and environmental variables were estimated for each strain using an animal model with restricted maximum likelihood procedures to avoid bias due to reduced genetic variation caused by selection. Variance component and heritability estimates before and after adjustment of these traits for differences in test weights were evaluated. Adjustments of feed consumption data for either initial test BW or both initial and final test BW reduced additive genetic and environmental variation. Reductions were relatively greater for additive genetic than for environmental variance, thereby reducing the heritability of the adjusted trait. Adjustment of feed efficiency for initial test BW altered additive genetic variation little and reduced environmental variation slightly; however, correction for both test BW reduced variation of both components. Heritability of adjusted feed efficiency was 40% larger (.33 to .35 vs .21 to .28) than for uncorrected feed efficiency, but phenotypic variation of the adjusted feed efficiency was reduced 42% (5.82 to 6.13 vs 10.30 to 11.35). Heritabilities of feed consumption and efficiency were essentially the same (.34 and .36) after adjustment for both test weights. Changes in genetic and environmental variation and heritability due to adjustments were similar for the three strains.