Author(s): M. Farghaly, M.F. Shawer, M.A. Kosba and S.A. Zaidan
Article publication date: 1987-04-01
Vol. 5 No. 1 (yearly), pp. 23-34.
150
Keywords
turkeys, animals, body weight, heterosis, hereditability
Abstract
Two commercial strains of turkeys, the Black Bronze (BB), and the White Ros (RR) were used in this study. The study lasted two years and different matings produced parental strains, F1 crosses as well as backcrosses to both parents. Results revealed that mean 12, and 16 week body weights were higher for RR than BB. Mean body weight for F1 crosses at these two ages was intermediate to the parental strains. Heterosis was evident for only 12-week body weight. Average heritability estimates for 12 week body weight were 0.62, 0.74, and 0.68 as based on sire, dam and sire plus dam components, respectively. The estimates of maternal effects were 0.03 amd 0.13 for 12 and 16 week body weights, respectively.