Heritabilities and genetic correlations in related dwarf and normal broiler populations¹

Part of the Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the Ohio State University, Cloumbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

1. Heritability estimates were higher for 8‐week body weight in dwarf than in normal broiler populations due to the maternal effects of dwarf dams.

2. The dwarfing gene dw did not induce new genetic variability for egg weight, 30‐week body weight and age at sexual maturation.

3. Genetic correlation estimates showed that the selection for 8‐week body weight will increase egg weight in dwarf pullets more than in normals.

4. Within a dwarf population it should be possible to increase 8‐week body weight without influencing the mature size of pullets.

Notes

Part of the Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the Ohio State University, Cloumbus, Ohio 43210, USA.