Abstract
This study aimed at determining genetic associations between production traits with feed efficiency and immune traits pre- (eight to 20 weeks) and post (90 days from on-set of lay) maturity in indigenous chicken. Production traits were body-weight at week 12 (BW12) and age at first egg (AFE). Feed efficiency included residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Immunity included natural antibodies binding to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH-IgM) and specific antibodies binding to Newcastle disease (NDVIgG). Heritability estimates in the two periods across traits varied from 0.10 to 0.51. Genetic correlations showed that BW12 was negatively correlated with RFI but positively with FCR, KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG in the growing period. Post maturity, AFE was positively correlated with RFI but negatively with FCR, KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG. Results from this study indicate that selection for productivity may have genetic consequences on feed efficiency and immune-competence and this relationship should be considered.
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