INTERACTION BETWEEN SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND DIFFERENT GENOTYPES IN SOME EGYPTIAN LOCAL STRAINS OF CHICKENS

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the productive performance of three Egyptian local genotypes (Fayoumi, crested Dandarawi and non-crested Dandarawi) under Egyptian hot climatic conditions using two dietary protein levels (14 and 16 %) in parent stock rations and testing the interaction between strains and dietary protein treatments. Moreover, introducing the (Na) gene into offspring flock and investigate the interaction between strain and the resulting genotype. In parent stock, Fayoumi breed was associated with the highest body weight, the highest feed consumption, the lowest .feed conversion, the highest body measurements, the highest giblet percentage, the highest plasma total protein, calcium and phosphorus contents, the lowest packed sperm volume (PSV %), the lowest blood's H I L ratio, the latest age at sexual maturity, the highest egg number, the highest Haugh units, the lowest eggshell breaking strength and finally intermediate fertility and hatchability percentages. Regarding to dietary protein treatment effect, the high dietary protein level resulted in higher body weight, higher weight

gain, lower feed consu_

mption, better feed conversion, longer comb

and wattle, higher weight of some carcass parts, higher concentration of T3 and T4 hormones, less sperm abnormalities, less H/L ratio, latter age at sexual maturity, higher egg mass number, less Haugh units, higher eggshell breaking strength and finely less fertility and hatchability percentages. These results suggest using high level of dietary protein to obtain better productive performance.