Modelling growth in seven chicken genotypes

Abstract

Three non-linear growth models were used to fit weight-age data for seven chicken genotypes: Comparisons were made among these models for goodness of fit, biological interpretability and computational case. Monomolecular and Richards Models overestimated body weight at the early phases of growth. All the three models underestimated the asymptotic mature weight but Gumpertz function gave a better estimate than the other two. Maturing rates were also variable and Richards Model gave the best estimate of K. Using these three non-linear models to describe growth rate of chest girth of the seven chicken genotypes yields a different result from that of the body weight. The point of inflection ranged from - 3 56 for FINA (F/Na) genotype to 28.26 for frizzled (Frx Fr) genotype. Genetic variations in rates of gain, maluring rute und mature size were observed.