Author : Pittor Hasadungan Hutabarat

Summary : The phenotypic and genetic parameters of feed efficiency and its component traits were estimated in two meat-type chicken populations to serve as basis for determining the appropriate breeding systems for the improvement of feed efficiency. The individual weekly body weight of three to eight weeks old and the weekly individual feed consumption of five to eight weeks old of 830 meat-type chicks were observed. Weekly and cumulative feed efficiency expressed in terms of feed per unit gain and income over feed cost was determined from five to eight weeks old. Results showed that the mean body weight, gain in weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency and income over feed cost differ between the two populations at various ages. The coefficients of variability of feed efficiency and its component traits were relatively high which is typical of segregating populations.