EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION Factors Affecting Broiler Breeder Performance. 4. The Interrelationship of Some Reproductive Traits

ABSTRACT A series of experiments was conducted to determine the interrelationship of some reproductive traits in pullet and force-molted broiler breeder females. Correlation coefficients were obtained among fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, egg shell quality (specific gravity), hen-day produc-tion, and body weight. Body weight was negatively correlated with all traits except egg weight. Egg shell quality exhibited a consistently significant positive correlation with fertility. Eggs with specific gravities of <1.080 had lower fertility and hatch and higher early and late embryonic mortality than eggs with specific gravities>1.080. Additionally, duration of fertility was longer in hens producing eggs with higher specific gravities. Fertility was also positively correlated with hatch and hen-day production in pullets but not with force-molted hens. Hatch and hen-day pro-duction were found to consistendy exhibit a positive correlation