Heritabilities and genetic correlations of conformation and plumage characteristics in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Data were obtained from 588 pedigreed pheasants of an unselected population. Body weight, shank length (SL), plumage measurements, and plumage score were analyzed to estimate heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations. All measurements were made at 28 and 120 d of age. The h2 estimates (sire component) were the following: .27 and .30 for BW at 28 (BW28) and at 120 d (BW120), respectively; .34 and .79 for SL at 28 (SL28) and at 120 d (SL120), respectively; .30 and .13 for rectrices length (RL) at 28 (RL28) and at 120 d (RL120), respectively; .14 for primary remex at 28 d (PR); .21 for primary remex 1 at 28 d (PR1); .23 for secondary remiges length (SRL); .34 for body weight gain (BWG); .35 for shank length gain (SLG). Negative genetic correlations between BW and SL with plumage traits at 120 d were found. The magnitude of heritability indicates that selection for BW is possible but the negative association with plumage traits must be carefully considered. The improvement of housing conditions could lead to birds with a well-developed plumage, because environment influenced variability of plumage traits.