Using factor scores in multiple linear regression model for predicting the carcass weight of broiler chickens using body measurements

Abstract

Information on the relationships among pre- and post-slaughter traits of broiler chickens is valuable to poultry farmers and\nresearchers as it allows early selection, as well as giving a chance to make an early evaluation of the breeding programme.\nIn this study, factor and multiple regression analysis were combined to examine the relationship between carcass weight and\nsix body measurements (live weight, body length, breast circumference, thigh circumference, shank length and wing length)\nof 8-week old Arbor Acre broiler chickens in a sub-humid environment of Nigeria. In the varimax rotated factor analysis,\ntwo factors were extracted which explained 87.53% of the total variability in the body measurements of chickens. The first\nfactor, termed Form Factor, had its loadings for body weight, body length, breast circumference and thigh circumference\nrespectively. The second factor was characterised by shank length and wing length, and was thus referred to as Length\nFactor. These two factors together accounted for 84.50% of the variation in carcass weight when their scores were\nconsidered as independent variables in the fitted multiple linear regression equation.