Heritability and repeatability estimates of growth traits in FUNAAB Alpha and Noiler chicken genotypes

Abstract

Genetic improvement of animals has greatly been encouraged as it has proved very efficient in improving
productivity, health status and general management of animals. Hence, this research on heritability and
repeatability of growth traits of FUNAAB Alpha and Noiler chickens. The study lasted for eighteen weeks
and growth data were collected on weekly basis. Four hundred (400) day-old chicks, with 200 a piece for
the two chicken genotypes were generated from parent stocks (5 cocks and 25 hens per genotype) with good
pedigree data. Growth data were analysed using Generalized Linear Model of SAS and least significant
difference (LSD) test was used to separate significant means. Computed variances and covariances of
Generalized Linear Model of SAS were used to estimate heritability and repeatability of growth traits of
interest. Noiler chicken genotype had a better body weight and linear body measurements from week ten to
eighteen. Noiler male chickens were superior in all traits considered from week twelve to eighteen for
genotype by sex interaction. Heritability and repeatability estimates were generally high in both chicken
genotypes for all traits at the early stage while a decline was observed at the late stage. The highest
heritability estimates for body weight observed at week seven in Noiler chicken and all linear body
measurements (body circumference, breast girth, shank length, thigh length and wing length) observed at
weeks 4, 12, 4, 2 and 4, respectively in FUNAAB Alpha is an indication that breeders can select for these
traits at the aforementioned weeks.