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Growth and Physical Measurements of Dwarf and Normal Crossbred Chicken Under Farm Condition

M. A. Rashid
Poultry production Research Division, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

M. A. R. Howlider
Department of Poultry science, BAU, Mymensing, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An experiment was conducted with 3 crossbred genotypes through crossing RI R, WLH and FO (Fayoumi) cocks and LO adw ( Local autosomal dwarf) hens, with a total of 108 healthy straight-run wing handed day-old chicks. The chicks were reared on the floor up to 8 weeks of age separately in 3 treatment groups, replicated 3 times each and investigated their group basis growth and physical measurements. After 8 weeks of age considering the shank length according to the description ofpandey (1996) the birds identified as dwarf (5cm. Or below) and normal (5 cm.or above) and transferred into individual cages to investigate their individual growth and physical measurements up to sexual maturity. After separating 3 genotypes of normal and dwarf; 6 genetic groups of chicken RIR (normal and dwarf), WLH (normal and dwarf),FO (normal and dwarf) were obtained. In this study, dwarf birds performed better than their normal sized counterparts at all ages. However, more live weight depression, reduced feed intake, improved feed conversion and higher survivability due to dwarfism were recorded for dwarf WLH crossbred in comparison with other normal and dwarf crossbreds (p<0.01). From the result of this study, it may be concluded that the advantages of adw gene in terms of reduced adult bodyweight, shank length, body height and width, reduced feed intake, improved feed conversion and livability could better be exploited by introgressing adw gene from indigenous to exotic smaller breed like White Leghorn.

Keywords: Autosomal dwarf gene, Crossbreds, Growth, Physical Measurements.

Location: Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Chicken

Objectives:

1. To compare the growth performance of 3 dwarf crossbreds ( RIR x LO adw; WLH x LO adw and FO x LO adw ) with their normal sized counterparts.

2. To record the different physical features ( shank length, body length, width and height) of dwarf and normal genetic groups of 3 crossbred genotypes.

Methodology:

The trial was accomplished with a total of 108 straight-run wing banded day-old chicks of 3 different crossbred genotypes (RIR x LO adw: WLH x LO adw and FO x LO adw) up to their sexual maturity. The chicks were randomly distributed according to 3 genotype, treatment groups, having 36 chicks in each and reared up to 8 weeks of age for investigating their group basis growth and physical measurements. The chicks were reared on a rice husk littered floor at a depth of 7.5 cm giving a floor space of 900 cm²/ bird and maintained an ideal brooding environment for first 4 weeks. The dwarf type was distinguishable during 6-8 weeks of age. Thus, at 8 weeks the birds were separated as dwarf and normal of each genotype according to the description of Pandey (1996) and transferred into individual cages giving a cage floor space of 1200 cm²/ bird to investigate their individual growth and physical measurements upto sexual maturity. After separation of normal and dwarf among 3 croosbred genotypes, the total genetic groups become 6; RIRx Lo adw ( normal and dwarf); WLH x LO adw (normal and dwarf) ; FO x LO adw (normal and dwarf). The identical care and management were under taken to all the birds during the experimental period. Dry mash ration, formulated with the available local feed ingredients following BDS (1988) standard and supplied to the birds on adlibitum basis as starter ration up to 6 weeks and grower ration during 7-18 weeks of age. Fresh and clean water was supplied all the time. The birds were exposed to a lighting system; started with 24 h / day and was lowered @ I hour per week until the night lighting is over. There after, the birds were exposed only to natural day light upto 18 weeks of age. Strict hygienic and sanitation were maintained and the birds were vaccinated against Baby Chick Ranikhet, Ranikhet, Fowl pox and Fowl Cholera diseases.

Source of Information: Ban. J. An. sc. 2003. 32 (1-2): 17-26, (ISSN 0003-3588)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Considering the results of the present study, it was concluded that introgression of adw gene from indigenous to exotic breed should decrease the adult body size as well as feed intake of crossbred dwarfs in comparison with their normal sized counterparts. The advantages of adw gene could better be exploited by introgressing it in smaller breeds like White Leghorn.

Knowledge Management: Journal