Genetic parameters studied in leghorn line 004c

The purpose of the study was to determine the genetic parameters because they vary from one line to another and from one generation to the next, to enable us observe the genetic basis of selection in the surveyed line. The following genetic parameters were studied: heritability (0.0147 for the age at the first egg), egg production (h2 = 0.067); egg weight at 26 de weeks (h2 = 0.17and at 34 weeks (h2 = 0.137. The estimated value for the body weigh heritability was 0.302; the production index had a heritability of 0.128. The genetic correlations of the surveyed traits ranged between -0.5116 for the trait pair egg production and body weight at 34 weeks; 0.8992 for the trait pair egg weight at 26 weeks and at 34 weeks. The phenotypic correlations ranged between -0.3451 and 0.7272 for the trait pairs: body weight and production indicator; egg production and production indicator. The environmental correlations had a minimum value of -0.3121 for the trait pair body weight and production indicator; the maximal value was observed for the trait pair egg production and production indicator. The knowledge of the phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations of the economically-important traits was required by the establishment of a correct selection basis for the simultaneous improvement for two or more traits. The surveyed parameters outline quantitatively and qualitatively the improvement of line 004C used for the production of Albo SL 2000 hybrid.