Optimizing the breeding strategy in Vanaraja female parent line chicken by monitoring the genetic variability for the major performance traits.

Objectives: Vanaraja is a highly successful backyard chicken variety developed by crossing males of Vanaraja male line (PD-1) with females of Vanaraja female line (PD-2). Vanaraja was improved over the generations through selection in parent lines. This study was designed to estimate the genetic parameters and trend for major traits in PD-2 line in order to determine the future breeding strategy in the population.

Methods: Seven generations data of PD-2 population was utilized to precisely examine the existing additive genetic variability for the major growth and production traits. Egg mass at 52 weeks of age (EM52) is the primary selection trait. The best-fitted model for each trait was utilized out of the six models to obtain the genetic parameters. Subsequently, estimated breeding values were used to plot genetic trend for the major production traits.

Results: Models with maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects were identified as the best-fitted for most of the body weight traits. Model 1 with direct additive effect only as random effect was adjudged as the best for the primary selection trait EM52. EM52, was low heritable with the estimates as 0.13±0.03. The average estimated breeding value of EM52 increased linearly and significantly as a direct response to selection in PD-2 line and was 0.47 kg after seven generations of selection.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, PD-2 population still has sufficient genetic variability for the selection trait and other performance traits. The present breeding program can continue in order to produce genetic improvement in the Vanaraja chicken.