Genetic Parameters for Early Reproduction Traits in Ostriches

Abstract Text: Genetic and phenotypic parameters were derived for first-season reproduction of 517 pair-mated ostrich females. Traits were age at first egg (AFE), the interval from the first egg to the last egg (INT), the interval from mating to the first egg (TTL), total egg production (TEP) and total chick production (TCP). South African Black females had an increased INT, a reduced TTL with a higher TEP than Zimbabwean Blue birds. First-time breeders mated to older males had a higher TEP and TCP compared to females mated to young males. Heritabilities were 0.14±0.08 for AFE, 0.15±0.08 for INT, 0.26±0.10 for TTL, 0.34±0.09 for TEP and 0.17±0.07 for TCP.  Genetic correlations among traits were mostly favourable. Despite the limited data, first-season production was heritable. Genetic correlations of first-season production with subsequent records has to be derived to determine if early for selection would ensure current flock gains.

Keywords: egg production