Association of Genotypes for Rate of Feathering in Broilers with Production and Carcass Composition Traits.

Abstract

Five genotypes for rate of feathering in broilers (K/K,K/k+, and k+/k+ in males and K/W, k+/W in females) were produced from matings of grandparent stocks of a common genetic background. Genotypes were compared for differences in growth and feed conversion. Means among the male genotypic groups differed significantly (P<.05) for body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion; differences were generally in favor of the slower feathering genotypes. Female genotypic groups did not differ significantly from each other but were significantly below males in performance. Subjective feather scores differed significantly (P<.05), according to feathering genotypes. Sexes and diets contributed to differences in performance. Diets did not interact with genotypes.