Investigating Level of Inbreeding and Its Effects on Productive Traits of Napri X Broiler Chickens
Adejoh-Ubani Elizabeth Ojoma *
National Animal Production Research Institute, Poultry Unit, Shika Zaria, Nigeria.
Rufina Obioma Okeke
National Biotechnology Development Agency Lugbe Airport, Road Abuja, Nigeria.
Edward Christopher Dung
Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Biola Lisa Bodamisi
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Suleiman Ibrahim Onotu
Department of Animal Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.
Stanley David Oziegbe
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Danjuma Reuben Tom
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Inbreeding refers to the mating together of individuals that are more closely related than would be the case if mating was at random. In this study, we investigate inbreeding and its effect on productive traits in NAPRI X broiler chickens. Traits measured were bodyweight and morphometric traits (Neck length, back length, keel length, breast length, thigh length and shank length). Pedigree information which consists of the base generation, 1060 (sire line) and 341 (dam line) birds; in generation 1, there were 565 (sire line selection), 859 (dam line selection), 433 (sire line control), and 592 (dam line control); and in generation 2, there were 595 (sire line selection), 764 (dam line selection), 457 (sire line control), and 654 (dam line control) were used to calculate inbreeding using J.M.P genomics software. Inbreeding significantly (p<0.05) influenced bodyweight and morphometrics in a positive direction (0.020 -1.052) though some of the traits are tending to zero. The trend in inbreeding coefficient was quadratic from the base generation to the second generation with a range of 0.38-0.81 in SLS, 0.41-0.96 in DLS, 0.51-0.80 in SCL and 0.30-1.03 in DCL. It is therefore concluded that there is a gradual build-up of inbreeding in NAPRI X population thus, the use of mate allocation programs is hereby recommended to put a limit or constraint on the level of inbreeding for the future progeny of NAPRI X broiler chickens.
Keywords: Chicken, inbreeding, traits, NAPRI X, productive