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The Genetic and Phenotypic Relationship Between Feed Efficiency and Pendulous Crop in the Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Thursday, August 21, 2014: 4:00 PM
Bayshore Grand Ballroom D (The Westin Bayshore)
Owen W Willems , Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Nico J H Buddiger , Hybrid Turkeys, Kitchener, ON, Canada
Benjamin J Wood , Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Stephen P Miller , Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Abstract Text:

This study used multiple-trait linear animal models to calculate the heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations between pendulous crops (PCs), feed efficiency and body weight traits. Estimates for heritability were 0.15 and 0.11 for PCs in sire and dam lines, respectively. Genetic and phenotypic correlations in the dam line were close to zero between PCs and feed efficiency traits. Feed efficiency traits had low to moderate genetic correlations with PC in the sire line. Genetic correlations between PCs, feed intake and residual feed intake were -0.23 and -0.22, respectively. The correlations between PCs and feed efficiency traits show that PC should be included in the selection index whenever a feed efficiency trait is also included.

Keywords: turkey, feed efficiency, pendulous crop, genetics

See more of: Genetics of Trait Complexes - Feed Intake and Efficiency (Swine & Poultry)
See more of: Genetics of Trait Complexes: Feed intake and efficiency
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