Study of genetic parameters in white leghorn

Data from 2277 progeny of 412 dams mated with 58 sires of two generations were analyzed for egg production up to 250 days of age, body weight (g) at 20 weeks, 24 weeks and 34 weeks, egg weight (g) and age at sexual maturity (days). The heritability of above traits was 0.169±0.34, 0.679±0.054, 0.630±0.053, 0.506±0.50, 0.365±0.045, and 0.157±0.33 respectively. Phenotypically and genetically egg number had negative correlation with all the traits except 20 and 24 weeks body weight while 20 weeks body weight was positively correlated with 24, 34 weeks body weight and egg weight but negatively correlated with age at sexual maturity. 24 weeks body weight was positively correlated with 34 weeks body weight and egg weight (at 40 weeks of age) and negatively correlated with age at sexual maturity. 34 weeks body weight was positively correlated with egg weight and had no relationship with age at sexual maturity. Egg weight (at 40 weeks of age) had also insignificant relationship with age at sexual maturity.