Understanding the genetic structure of economically important traits in dairy cattle is a fundamen-tal requirement before designing any effective breeding program. This study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters, including heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlations, for 305-day Milk Production (P305), Calving Interval (CI), Dry Period (DP), Peak Yield (PY), and Days to Peak Yield (DPY) in Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle in Indonesia. The data were collected from 2017 to 2024 and analyzed using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure. The overall least-squares means were 8,178.04 ± 23.08 kg for P305, 395.37 ± 1.21 days for CI, 66.60 ± 0.53 days for DP, 40.60 ± 0.12 kg for PY, and 78.00 ± 0.58 days for DPY. Heritability estimates were moderate to high for P305 (0.40 ± 0.02) and PY (0.48 ± 0.02), low for CI (0.18 ± 0.02) and DP (0.10 ± 0.02), and very low for DPY (0.03 ± 0.01). A strong positive genetic correlation was found between P305 and PY (0.99). These re-sults provide useful baseline information for developing a National Dairy Cattle Improvement Program in Indonesia's tropical management conditions.
In this study, the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactococcus lactis and Bacillus licheni-formis on broiler performance, metabolizable energy, intestinal morphology, and ileal microflora were evaluated. A total of 300 unsexed Cobb strain broiler chickens were divided into three treatments. Treatment T1 served as the control with a basal diet plus 0.1% CaCO₃ placebo, T2 received a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% Lactococcus lactis and Bacillus licheniformis at 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹, and T3 received the same probiotic combination at 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹. Probiotic supplementation improved growth performance, as indicated by increased body weight gain, improved feed efficiency (FCR), and higher metabolizable energy. Regarding intestinal microflo-ra, T2 reduced Escherichia coli populations, whereas T3 increased lactic acid bacteria; however, the increase in lactic acid bacteria in T3 was not accompanied by a reduction in Escherichia coli (P<0.05). Treatment T3 produced the lowest FCR value of 1.49 compared to the control (1.60) and the highest metabolizable energy of 3372 kcal kg⁻¹, indicating improved nutrient utilization efficiency. Histological evaluation showed a tendency to increase intestinal villus height, with the highest value observed in treatment T2 (1175.39 μm), suggesting improved intestinal absorptive capacity. It was concluded that Lactococcus lactis and Bacillus licheniformis supplementation has the potential to improve performance, intestinal health, and metabolizable energy in broiler chickens, although the ef-fects on microbial populations depend on the dosage.
Proteases are valuable industrial enzymes, yet most commercial preparations in Indonesia remain imported, underscoring the need to identify local, efficient producers. This study reports, for the first time, the production and characterization of an extracellular protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SLBD, isolated from horse feces. The crude extracellular enzyme was collected at different growth phases and evaluated for proteolytic index, specific activity, and catalytic properties using N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide as substrate. The crude enzyme exhibited a specific activity of 8.82 U mg-¹, Km of 0.519 mM, Vmax of 192.31 μmol min-¹, and kcat/Km of 1.23×105 M-¹ s-¹. Optimal activity was observed at pH 7–8 and 50 °C, with more than 80% stability retained between pH 6–10 and tem-peratures up to 60 °C. Activity was moderately affected by organic solvents but remained above 70% in methanol and ethanol, and was largely unaffected by nonionic detergents. Metal ions such as Zn²+ slightly enhanced activity, whereas Hg²+ and EDTA caused strong inhibition, implying partial metal dependence. Collectively, the enzyme demonstrates broad operational stability and tolerance to diverse physicochemical conditions. The findings highlight B. amyloliquefaciens SLBD as a promising feces-derived strain producing a robust, solvent- and detergent-tolerant extracellular protease suitable for bio-technological and industrial applications.
Research on sustainable alternative feed ingredients is important to reduce the significant depend-ence on expensive soybean meal. In this study, the effects of heat-treated hemp seed cake (HSC) and phytase supplementation on the nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, physicochemical properties, and sensory traits of broiler chicken meat were evaluated. A total of 210 unsexed Ross day-old chicks were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments with six replicates each: soybean meal-based diet (control), 15% HSC with or without phytase (1000 FTU/kg), autoclaved HSC (120°C, 10 min) with or without phytase and oven-heated HSC (120°C, 20 min) with or without phytase. Meat dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and ash contents were not affected by dietary treatments. Thigh meat pH was lower (P<0.05) for autoclaved HSC, and lower (P<0.05) for phytase-supplemented unheated HSC diet compared to the control. HSC supplementation enhanced breast meat redness and yellowness and in-creased thigh meat lightness and yellowness (P<0.05) without affecting breast meat lightness. The in-clusion of HSC decreased total saturated fatty acids, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 contents and resulted in a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio (P<0.05). Unheated HSC nega-tively impacted breast meat appearance, odor and chewiness (P<0.05) while heat-treated HSC did not impair meat sensory quality compared to control diet. In conclusion, feeding 15% of HSC with or with-out phytase could partially replace soybean meal without negative impacts on meat quality and im-prove the fatty acid profile of broiler meat.
A feeding trial investigated the effects of C. erectus leaf extract supplementation on growth per-formance, nutrient digestibility, microbial population, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chick-ens. A total of three hundred one-day-old broilers were allocated in a completely randomised design to evaluate five dietary treatments with five replicates of twelve broilers each. The experimental diets were formulated by supplementing the basal diet with C. erectus leaf extract at 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%. Feed and body weight were recorded weekly; digesta samples were collected on the slaughter day. Results showed that dietary supplementation with C. erectus leaf extract did not affect (P > 0.05) growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The 0.75% and 1% C. erectus leaf extract enhanced (P<0.05) relative ileum length, whereas 0.5% increased (P<0.01) relative ileum weight. The relative gizzard weight was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed 1%, whereas the lowest in birds given 0.25%. Birds receiving 0.25% and 0.5% C. erectus leaf extract showed a significant reduction (P<0.01) in Escherichia coli numbers, whereas dietary inclusion of 0.75% resulted in an increase (P<0.01) in Sal-monella numbers and improved (P<0.05) the gut morphology. In conclusion, C. erectus leaf extract at 0.25 %could be supplemented to the broiler diet, resulting in improved intestinal morphology, reduced Escherichia coli numbers without any detrimental impacts on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility.
The study examined the effect of lyophilized fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy chicken donors on growth performance, haematological indices and intestinal morphology of Kedu chickens during the starter phase. A number of 120 Kedu chickens (0-6 weeks old) were randomly as-signed to T0 (orally inoculated with 1 mL PBS), T1 (inoculated with 0.5 mL FMT) and T2 (1.0 mL FMT). Body weight and feed intake were weekly recorded, while blood and intestinal segments were collected at week 6. Results showed that live body weight and body weight gain were highest (p<0.001) in T1, and the lowest in T0 group. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (p=0.001) in T1 and T2 compared to T0 group. Feed intake was lower (p=0.014) in T2 than in T0 and T1 groups. The FMT administration tended to increase erythrocytes (p=0.054) and haemoglobin levels (p=0.056) of Kedu chickens. The relative weight of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon were lower (p<0.05) in T1 and T2 compared to those in T0 group. The FMT administration had no effect (p>0.05) on duodenal and jejunal villi height, crypt depth and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth of Kedu chickens. In conclusion, daily low-dose lyophilized FMT was associated with improved growth perfor-mance and feed efficiency in starter Kedu chickens, while haematological and intestinal morphological responses were limited.
The present study aimed to evaluate the productive and intestinal response of nursery pigs supple-mented with distillery vinasse as a feed additive. The trial was conducted on a pig production farm in Orellana, Ecuador. A total of 80 pigs, 73 days of age, from a Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc cross were randomly assigned to two treatments: a control group and a vinasse-supplemented group. The animals were housed in 16 pens, with five pigs per pen and eight pens per treatment. The experimental period lasted 40 days, and vinasse was administered daily at 1.5% of dry matter intake. Physicochemi-cal, health, productive, and intestinal histometric indicators were evaluated. The vinasse had character-istics compatible with its use as a feed additive. Animals receiving vinasse showed no enteric or pneu-monic disorders or cannibalism, unlike those in the control group, and exhibited greater weight gain (25.67 vs. 23.38 kg), higher average daily gain (641.75 vs. 584.50 g/day), and an improved feed con-version ratio (2.98 vs. 3.27). In addition, they had greater villus and crypt dimensions in the duodenum and ileum. Supplementation with distillery vinasse produced favorable effects on intestinal health and productive performance in nursery pigs.
This study evaluated heat shock protein 70 polymorphism and its association with growth perfor-mance and circulating corticosterone concentration in Chai-Aree crossbred native chickens. A total of 150 birds were genotyped using PCR-RFLP, and circulating corticosterone concentration was deter-mined by competitive ELISA. Three genotypes (CC, CG, and GG) were identified with frequencies of 0.40, 0.44, and 0.16, respectively, whereas allele frequencies of C and G were 0.62 and 0.38. Observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.44 and 0.47, respectively, indicating moderate genetic diversity. The population conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (χ² = 0.66; p>0.05). Growth performance and corticosterone concentration were analyzed using a general linear model. HSP70 genotype had no significant effects on body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or circulating corti-costerone concentration (p>0.05). These findings indicate that polymorphism at the HSP70 locus did not influence growth performance or systemic stress response under the experimental conditions. Alt-hough HSP70 contributes to genetic variation in crossbred native chickens, it has limited value as a standalone molecular marker. Future studies should investigate multiple candidate genes and genotype × environment interactions, particularly under heat stress conditions.
Chicken meat is an important source of animal protein widely consumed worldwide. The IPB D1 chicken is a crossbreed between local chickens and broilers, characterized by rapid growth, high adaptability, and desirable meat characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the effects of different feed formulations on the micronutrient content and lipid profile of IPB D1 chicken meat. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments and three replications. The dietary treatments consisted of control feed (P0), control feed supplemented with Zn and Cr (P1), feed containing lemuru fish oil (P2), and a combination of lemuru fish oil with Zn and Cr (P3). The results indicated that feed formulation significantly affected mineral content, vitamin E concentration, cholesterol level, and fatty acid composition. Treatment P3 produced the most favorable micronutrient and lipid profile, notably increasing mineral content and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids while improving the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. The P3 feed formulation was the most effective in enhancing micronutrient content and improving lipid profile characteristics of IPB D1 chicken meat.
Animal-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential applications in livestock systems, particularly in regenerative medicine and reproductive biotechnology. In tropical settings, the development of cost-effective and enzyme-free isolation methods is important to support research and applications under limited laboratory resources. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate bovine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) isolated using a non-enzymatic method, focusing on in vitro morphology, marker expression, chromosomal profile, and post-cryopreservation viability. Adipose tissue from Ongole Grade cattle was processed using an explant culture approach. The isolated cells exhibited fibroblast-like morphology, expressed CD44 and CD166, and lacked expression of the hematopoietic marker CD45. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed CD44 expression at the protein level, with a high proportion of CD44-positive cells. Karyotype analysis showed that most cells retained the normal diploid chromosome number (2n = 60), although minor variations in chromosome morphology were observed. Post-thaw viability remained above 90%, with no observable decline when evaluated using the same cell populations. These findings provide preliminary evidence that non-enzymatic isolation can support the establishment and maintenance of bovine ADMSCs. This approach may serve as a cost-effective and practical alternative for MSC isolation and biobanking in tropical livestock research systems.
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of selenium (Se) from selenomethionine and vitamin E (VE) from α-tocopherol acetate supplementation in a fish oil-based diet on broiler performance, visceral organs, fatty acids, VE, and Se in meat. A total of 200 one-day-old Cobb broiler chickens were reared for 35 days using a completely randomised design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates. The treatments were T0: control diet containing 3% fish oil; T1: T0 + Se (0.3 ppm) + VE (200 ppm); T2: T0 + Se (0.6 ppm) + VE (300 ppm); T3: T0 + Se (0.9 ppm) + VE (400 ppm). The treatments did not affect broiler performance (P>0.05). Compared to the T0, the T3 group improved Se and VE levels in meat by 105.4% and 83.2%, respectively, and had a lower colon length than the T0 and T1 groups (P<0.05). The T2 group increased total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and omega-6 compared to the T0 and T1 groups (P<0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of 400 ppm VE and 0.9 ppm Se in a diet rich in fatty acids effectively enhanced the deposition of Se, VE, and omega-3 in the meat as well as reduced colon length without adverse effect on the production performance of broiler chickens. The combination of 300 ppm VE and 0.6 ppm Se was the optimal dose for increasing the deposition of MUFAs, PUFAs, and omega-6 in the meat.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of encapsulation of Medinilla speciosa fruit extract in feed on the oxidative status, amino acid digestibility, and performance of broiler chickens raised at high stocking densities. The M. speciosa contains polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. This study used 290 unsexed Ross strain broiler chicks aged 8 days, with an average body weight of 196.01 ± 1.12 g. M. speciosa fruit extract (MSFE) and encapsulated M. speciosa fruit extract (EMSFE) were used as sources of phytobiotics. This study was designed with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments tested were T0: normal density of 10 birds/m² without MSFE or EMSFE; T1: high density of 16 birds/m² without MSFE or EMSFE; T2: high density of 16 birds/m² + 0.08% MSFE; and T3: high density of 16 birds/m² + 0.08% EMSFE. The results showed that the addition of MSFE and EMSFE to the diet had a significant effect (P<0.05) on performance (feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio), protein and amino acid digestibility, oxidative status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), as well as total lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli, and small intestine pH. The conclusion is that incorporating 0.08% encapsulation of M. speciosa fruit extract notably enhances the overall health, absorption of essential amino acids, and growth of broiler chickens raised in high-density conditions, suggesting its promise as an effective phytobiotic feed additive.
This study aimed to release the heat shock protein 70 by applying heat shock exposure programs at early ages on physical semen characteristics and blood constituents of Hi-Plus buck rabbits under hot conditions. A total number of 40 Hi-Plus buck rabbits were divided into four equals treatments: the 1st treatment (C), bucks served as control. Rabbits of 2nd, 3rd and 4th treatments were exposed to heat shock program. The 2nd treatment (HSE30) exposed at 30 days of age, the 3rd treatment (HSE60) exposed at 60 days of age and the 4th treatment (HSE30+60) exposed at 30+60 days of age. HSP70 and blood metabolites were increased (P≤ 0.05) in the rabbits of HSE groups compared to control group. Triiodothyronine hormone was increased (P≤0.05) in HSE groups as compared to control group. Corticosterone hormone decreased (P≤0.05) in the rabbits of HSE groups as compared to control group. Physical semen quality was improved (P≤0.05) in rabbits of HSE groups as compared to control group. In conclusion, early heat shock exposure programs for buck rabbits might increase release of HSP70 which positive reflect on enhance physiological responses and physical semen characteristics under severe heat stress conditions.
The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous Gmelina arborea leaf extract (GALE) on reproductive, postpartum and lactation performances of rabbit does under tropical conditions. A total of 80 chinchilla rabbits (aged 7–8 months with average body weight of 1.10–1.14 kg) were used in the 16- week study. The study was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with rabbits randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (GALE0 = 0 ml GALE /l of water, GALE 300= 300 ml GALE /l of water, GALE 600 = 600 ml GALE /l of water, and GALE 900= 900 ml GALE /l of water), replicated four times with five rabbits per replicate. Results revealed that GALE significantly (P ˂ 0.01) influenced reproductive, postpartum, and lactation parameters. Does administered GALE 600 recorded the highest conception rate (95%), kit survival to weaning (84.4%) and lowest pre-weaning mortality (15.6%). GALE 900 inclusion reduced feed and water intake and depressed litter survival. Postpartum body weights, feed and water intake were improved at GALE 600 with reduced lactation weight loss (90.60 g). Similarly, kits from GALE 600 exhibited the highest birth and weaning weights and greatest pre-weaning daily gain (11.26 g/kit/day). In conclusion, GALE 600 optimized reproduction in rabbit does under tropical conditions.
The objective of this study was to clarify in vitro ruminal fermentation of complete feeds with different ruminal degradable protein (RDP) - non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) ratios. The four complete feeds were formulated using local feed ingredients. Four feed treatments of RDP-NFC ratios were T1 = 0.32 (10.35:32.70); T2 = 0.29 (9.89:34.49); T3 = 0.26 (9.61: 37.45) and T4 = 0.23 (9.36:39.78). The parameters assessed were in vitro gas production (IVGP), feed rumen fermentability and microbial protein synthesis (MPS). The results showed that cumulative IVGP in T1 and T2 were higher than in T3 and T4 (P<0.05). However, the IVGP efficiency in T3 did not differ significantly from that observed in T1 and T2, nor was there a significant difference in T4. The molarities of individual VFAs were not differ significantly between treatments (P>0.05), other than isobutyrate. The isobutyrate molarity in T2 was lower than the others (P<0.05). The concentration and efficiency of MPS in T2, T3, and T4 were higher than in T1 (P<0.05). In conclusion, an RDP-NFC ratio of 0.26 (9.61:37.45) in complete feed has optimal effects on ruminal fermentation and MPS.
Genetic parameters for egg production traits in the KU-Phuphan black bone chicken, a native Thai breed, were analyzed to estimate heritability, investigate genetic correlations, and provide essential genetic data for developing effective breeding strategies to improve egg production performance. The study focused on traits age at first egg (AFE) and cumulative egg production at 180, 270, 300, and 365 days. Data were collected from 541 hens across three generations raised in an open-house system. Ge-netic parameters, including heritability and genetic correlations, were estimated using the AIREMLF90 software with the average information restricted maximum likelihood method. The results revealed moderate heritability for AFE (0.41) and higher heritability estimates for cumulative egg production traits (0.30–0.50). Genetic correlations among egg production traits were high (0.93–0.99), indicating that these traits were influenced by similar genetic factors. However, the genetic correlations between AFE and egg production traits were low (0.18 to -0.02), suggesting that these traits were influenced by different genetic factors. In conclusion, the potential was highlighted for genetic selection to improve egg production traits in this breed. Therefore, in designing breeding programs, breeders should consid-er the high heritability of egg production traits and the low genetic correlations between AFE and egg production.
This study investigated factors influencing milk production in terms of quantity (raw milk yield) and quality (%fat, %protein, %lactose, %total solids, and log somatic cell counts (log SCC)) and exam-ined the associations among these traits in the morning (am) and evening (pm) milking sessions. Data were collected from the Herd Health Unit under the supervision of the Livestock Regional Office 3, Northeastern Thailand, during 2022 to 2025. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess fixed effects, Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test for mean com-parisons, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Fixed effects included diurnal difference, groups of tem-perature-humidity index (THI), milk collecting center types (MCC type), and their interactions. The interaction between diurnal difference and MCC type significantly affected raw milk yield, %fat, %lactose, %total solids, and log SCC (P < 0.001). Morning milk yield was highest in dairy cooperatives (10.80 tons; P < 0.05), while evening fat percentages were highest in private organizations (4.02%) and dairy cooperatives (3.97%) (P < 0.05). Lactose percentages were significantly lower in the university affiliated centers for both morning (4.55%) and evening (4.56%) sessions (P < 0.05). Morning total solids were highest in private organizations (12.8%) and dairy cooperatives (12.6%) (P < 0.05), and log SCC values were generally higher in the morning across all MCC types. The THI significantly influ-enced %lactose and %total solids (P < 0.001), with THI class A (72 to79.9) exhibiting higher lactose (4.7%) and total solids (12.6%) than other classes (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses demonstrated signif-icantly positive associations between the traits in the morning and evening sessions (r = 0.52 to 0.79), positive correlations between raw milk yield and milk composition across diurnal differences (r = -0.05 to 0.83), negative correlations between milk composition and log SCC (r = -0.38 to -0.01), and low positive correlations between raw milk yield and log SCC (r = 0.08 to 0.11). These findings demon-strate that milking time, MCC type, and heat stress all contribute to the composition and yield of milk, providing insights for the optimization of dairy management in tropical conditions.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaf meal waste to feed on stress indicators, immune responses, and performance of growing quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Two hundred female quails 3-week-old were allocated in a completely randomized design with four treatments: 0% (P0), 1.5% (P1), 3% (P2), and 4.5% (P3), each with five replicates of 10 birds. The Observed variables included oxygen saturation, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, leukocyte profiles, and clearance ability against Salmonella pullorum. Growth performance was measured through feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Results showed that 3% basil leaf meal waste improved oxygen saturation and SOD activity, reduced H/L ratio and MDA level, and produced the highest bacterial killing ability. The best growth performance and most efficient feed conversion were also observed in P2. It can be concluded that 3% inclusion effectively reduces oxidative stress, enhances immunity, and improves quail performance.
The objective was to assess the behavioral indicators of cattle housed in different shade surface availabilities under dry tropical environmental conditions carried out in the summer-autumn period. During 63 days the usual social and agonist variables were recorded in 1,040 bulls housed in 16 pens (4 replicas/treatment, 65 bulls/pen). Ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were record-ed, and the humidity index (THI) was estimated. The shade surfaces tested were 1) conventional shade (S12%), 2) double shade (S24%), 3) shaded 100% without fans (S100), and 4) shaded 100% with fans (S100F). The average maximum value for AT, RH and THI was 38.1°C, 90.7% and 87.6 units. The shade surface influenced the proportion of animals under shade, eating, ruminating, and mounting, and decreased the proportion of animals panting. Pens S24 showed a higher proportion of animals eating and resting (quadratic component, P=0.05). Providing ventilation increased (P=0.01) 2.7 times the pro-portion of animals eating and decreased (P=0.01) 6.5 times the proportion of animals panting. At 0800h a greater proportion of animals eating and riding was observed, while from 1130h onwards the proportion of animals under shade, ruminating and resting increased. At 2:00 p.m., the highest percent-age of animals were panting. It is concluded that a shaded surface of 12% of the pen area is enough to alleviate behavioral patterns in animals under high environmental heat load. Shade plus ventilation was shown to be a strategy in reducing panting and increasing the proportion of animals in feed bunks.
The Transforming Growth Factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) gene is one of the cytokine genes that plays an important role in regulating growth processes and disease resistance. This study aimed to analyze the association between the TGF-beta 2 gene and growth performance in Kedu chickens. A total of 130 Kedu chickens, consisting of 72 males and 58 females, were observed for 10 weeks. Growth parameters measured included body weight, feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Identification of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TGF-beta 2 gene was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. The association analysis between the g.640 T>C SNP polymorphism of the TGF-beta 2 gene and growth performance was conducted using analysis of variance under a General Linear Model (GLM). The results showed that the g.640 T>C SNP of the TGF-beta 2 gene was polymorphic and not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The TT genotype exhibited better growth performance (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) than the CC genotype, particularly at 10 weeks of age in both female and unsexed chickens.
