Estimates of Phenotypic and Genetypic Parameters for some Production Traits in Sudanese Large Baladi Chicken

The objective of this study was to estimate phenotypic and genotypic parameters for egg production, egg weight, body weight and body weight gain in Sudanese indigenous chicken . The experimental flock consisted of 216 chicken (162 females and 54 males) of Sudanese large Baladi chicken type. Each three pullets were randomly assigned for mating with one cockerel in a rotational system. Fertile eggs were collected on daily bases, pedigreed and stored in a cold room(17oc) for a week before being incubated. Hatch chicks were weighted wing banded and transferred to floor brooders. Individual body weight of chicks was taken at weekly intervals. Harvey program (1990) was used for statistical analysis and hence the estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters for body weight at various ages. The average egg production rate during six month experimental period was 23% , whereas the average egg weight was 38g. Fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs were 55% and 50%, respectively. The mean body weight ranged from 25.3± 2.52 at hatch and 359.89 ± 82.22 at 12 weeks of age. Overall average weekly weight gain was 19.5 -347.5gram at 2-12 weeks respectively. Heritability estimates for body weights calculated from full sibs analysis, ranged from high (0.79) at 2 weeks of age to moderate(0.36) at 12 weeks of age. The genetic correlations between body weights at various ages ranged between high (0.84) at 12 weeks and moderate (0.33) at hatch whereas environmental correlation ranged between low(0.23) at hatch and moderate (0.50) at 12 weeks