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Heterosis and combining ability for body weight in a diallel cross of three chicken genotypes

Tropical Animal Health and Production volume 45, pages 965–970 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate heterotic and combining ability effects for growth in nine chicken genotypes. A 3 × 3 complete diallel mating system involving two indigenous breeds named Venda (V) and Naked Neck (N) and one commercial broiler breed named Ross 308 (R) were used. The nine genetic groups of crosses were reared up from hatch to 13 weeks of age in deep litter open house. Body weights of 180 chicks (20 chicks per genetic group), recorded at 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 weeks of age, were used to estimate heterosis, general combining ability (GCA), and specific combining ability (SCA). Results showed that the Ross 308 had the heaviest body weight at all weeks of measurement except for hatch. With respect to crosses, the V × R and its reciprocal cross, R × V had the heaviest body weights at 13 weeks. Heterosis estimates for body weight were higher in the Venda male × Ross 308 female and Venda male and Naked Neck female crosses. GCA was significant (P ≤ 0.01) for body weight from hatch to 13 weeks of age while SCA and reciprocal effects were both significant (P ≤ 0.05) for body weight at all ages of measurement except for hatch. The Ross 308 gave the highest positive effect of GCA for body weight except for hatch. V × N gave the highest and positive effects of SCA for body weight.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    Njedbo A. Siwendu, David Norris & Jones W. Ngambi

  2. African Center for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X1106, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

    Hussein A. Shimelis

  3. Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa

    Kow Benyi

Authors
  1. Njedbo A. Siwendu
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  2. David Norris
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  3. Jones W. Ngambi
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  4. Hussein A. Shimelis
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  5. Kow Benyi
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Correspondence to David Norris.

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Siwendu, N.A., Norris, D., Ngambi, J.W. et al. Heterosis and combining ability for body weight in a diallel cross of three chicken genotypes. Trop Anim Health Prod 45, 965–970 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0317-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0317-8

Keywords

  • Diallel mating system
  • Heterosis
  • Combining abilities
  • Purebred
  • Crossbreds