Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters of economic traits in White Leghorn.

The data on age at first egg (ASM), 16 and 40 week body weight (Bw16, Bw40), 28 and 40 week egg weight (Ew 28, Ew40) and egg production up to 40 weeks age (En40) pertaining to 2558 progeny belonging to 50 sires and 300 dam of IWN strain were formed the basis of this study. The mean values ASM, Bw 16, Bw40, Ew28, Ew40 and En40 were 151.38 days, 1.097 kg, 1.563 kg, 50.47 g, 54.04g and 102.81, respectively. The heritabilities of ASM, egg weight and egg production was low to moderate. Higher heritability was recorded for body weight characters. Positive correlation was observed between both egg weight characters on genetic and phenotypic scale as well as between body weight characters. Negative correlation was noticed between ASM and En40 on both genetic and phenotypic scale.