USE OF REDUCING PLUMAGE GENES IN IMPROVING SOME ECONOMIC TRAITS IN CHICKENS

Abstract

This study was carried out at poultry breeding farm, Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of • naked neck (Na) and frizzle (F) genes on body weight and some economic traits m chickens under Egyptian environmental conditions. The weight of Nana chicks at hatching was higher than that fully feathered (nana) sibs. This result could be attribute to less egg weight loss during incubation period for eggs carrying Nana genotype compared to nana one. The presence or absence of frizzled (F) could be recognized almost completely with accuracy at 5 days of age. The Naked neck (Na) and frizzle (F) genes had a favorable ' effect on body weight and body measurements (keel length, shank length and body depth) during early growth period from one day old up to 16 weeks of age. The heavier body weight associated with Na and F genes could be attribute to good expression of these g ::nes at high ambient temperature (32°C) during experiment. The Na and F genes had longer comb and wattle length. This in tum, enhanced the releasing of additional heat during high ambient temperature. An improvement in feed conversion ratio observed in heterozygous Nan a and Ff females from 8 up to 12 weeks of age when compared with fully feathered (nana & ff) counterpatts.