Performance evaluation and construction of multi-trait selection indices in a randombred population of White Leghorn

Records of 912 pullets of a randombred strain of White Leghorn maintained by a commercial poultry breeder were analyzed to evaluate the performance and to construct the multi-trait selection indices for overall genetic improvement of the Hock. Twenty six multi-trait selection indices were constructed by assigning relative economic weights for all traits as 1with the negative sign for 12-WKBW and 36-WKBW and ASM. The index I1 which included all the five traits viz, 12-WKBW, ASM, 36-WKBW, 40-WKEP and 32-WKEW was adjudged best as it showed highest aggregate genetic gain of 59.66 units with rill value of 0.39. The expected genetic change in individual traits due to this index were -21.444 g, -1.094 days, -36.672 g, 0.453 egg and -0.140 g. The indices constructed with four traits at a time were compared on the basis of reduction in DH values. When a particular trait was excluded from the index, it was observed that 36-WKBW, 12-WKBWASM, 40WKEP and 32WKEW were found to be important in this order.