EFFECT OF GENERATIONS OF SELECTION ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF TWO STRAINS OF TURKEY (MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO) AND THEIR RECIPROCAL CROSSES

Abstract

A two generational study was conducted to determine the reproductive performance of two strains of native turkeys. For the generation 1 G1 total of 180 poults were produced from a foundation stock of white, black, main (white male X black female) and reciprocal cross (black male X white female). A four breeding group was formed according to the foundation stock. (45 poults per breeding group) which were replicated thrice (15 poults per replicates). At 8 weeks, 1 tom and two hens with higher body weight were selected per replicates and are used to collect reproductive data. Same procedure was applied to generation 2 G2 to collects data. Data generated were subjected to the General Linear Model (GML) procedure of SAS, differences among the strains and their crosses in terms of reproductive traits were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher egg number (5.15±0.16), (4.66±0.16) (per week) and body weight at first egg laid (3632.88±48.98) (3532.53±48.98) (kg) in generation two over generation one. So turkeys can be selected for improved 8- weeks body weight to improved reproductive traits. Whereas fertility (72.70 and 63.49) and hatchability (56.76 and 41.09) were higher in generation one over generation two. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed among strain in all the reproductive traits measured in generation one except in hatchability but in generation two, white strain and main cross had significantly (p<0.05) higher (5.4 and 5.0) egg number (per week) and early age at first egg lay (26 and 27 weeks), so they are recommended for reproduction.