Genetic influences on seasonal decline in the fertility of female turkeys

Poult Sci. 1990 Mar;69(3):365-8. doi: 10.3382/ps.0690365.

Abstract

Daughter-dam pairs of white, large-bodied, turkey breeder hens (108) were reared under similar husbandry conditions, and their egg production and fertility were monitored from the onset of lay for 6 mo. On a monthly basis, percentage fertility was compared by daughter-dam regressions to estimate heritabilities. The heritability estimates were 18.36, and 38%, respectively, for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mo of lay; but no estimates could be made for Months 1, 5, or 6. The heritability of percentage fertility for Months 2, 3, and 4 combined was 42%. The proportion of hens that remained above 75% fertility declined each month for both dams and daughters, except in one case. Thus, the seasonal decline in fertility appears to have a genetic component.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / genetics
  • Female
  • Fertility / genetics*
  • Oviposition / genetics
  • Regression Analysis
  • Seasons
  • Turkeys / genetics
  • Turkeys / physiology*