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Evaluating Genetic Variance of Reproductive Traits across Ten Years of Selection in the Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Tuesday, August 19, 2014: 5:00 PM
Bayshore Grand Ballroom D (The Westin Bayshore)
Jennfier Proulx , Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Owen W Willems , Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Benjamin J Wood , Hybrid Turkeys, Kitchener, ON, Canada
Recorded Presentation (flv)
Abstract Text:

At the primary breeder level, female line turkeys are intensely selected for reproductive traits, consequently, these traits should be monitored to ensure that changes in genetic variances are identified. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ten years of selection on genetic and phenotypic variances, and heritability of egg production (EP), fertility (FERT), and hatch of fertile eggs (HOF). Evidence of a significant difference was found for genetic variances of HOF while no significant change was found for EP or FERT. Although there were no significant differences in phenotypic variances and little difference in genetic variances for all three traits, a large variation in genetic correlation estimates was observed. Overall, due to the variations observed, genetic parameters should be re-estimated frequently. Modifications to selection indexes should be implemented in order to account for changes due to selection.

Keywords:

heritability

selection index

genetic correlation

See more of: Genetics of Trait Complexes - Reproduction
See more of: Genetics of Trait Complexes: Reproduction
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