Authors : T.A. Adedeji, A.O. Adebambo , M.O. Ozoje , L.O Ojedapo and A.O. Ige
Abstract: Egg laying performance of 120 pullets sired by four different strains- three Nigerian indigenous (Naked-neck, Frizzle feathered and Normal feathered) and one exotic (White Leghorn) was studied over an 18-week period. The traits considered were egg number and egg weight. Sire genotype significantly (p<0.05) affected mean egg number and egg weight while season had no significant effect (p>0.05). Frizzle feathered progeny laid more eggs (4.61±0.27- 6.25±0.35) comparable to the progeny of White Leghorn while Naked neck progeny laid heavier eggs (44.26±1.12-47.76±1.41 gm). Estimate of heritabilities (h2s) was low for egg number (h2s = 0.07) and moderate ((h2s = 0.31) for egg weight (genotypes combined). Negatively low genetic and phenotypic correlations were recorded between egg number and egg weight. This study therefore revealed the existence of genetic variability and potentials for genetic improvement in egg traits amongst the Nigerian local chickens.
Adedeji, T.A. , A.O. Adebambo , M.O. Ozoje , L.O Ojedapo and A.O. Ige , 2006. Preliminary Results of Short-Term Egg Laying Performance of Pure and Crossbred Chicken Progeny in a Humid Environment. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 670-673.