Genetic Parameters of Bodyweight and Egg Traits in the Domestic Pigeon

Seven hundred and twenty squabs raised from 180 couples of domestic pigeon were used to study the heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations of body and egg traits. Body weight at hatch, 1- week, 2- weeks, 3- weeks, 4- weeks and at maturity were measured. Age at first egg and weight of first egg were the egg traits considered. The mean mature bodyweight, Age at first egg and weight of first egg were 416.39±1.77 g, 147.26±0.44 days and 18.06±0.10 g, respectively. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.24±0.03 to 0.57±0.07. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between bodyweights at different ages were positive and significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that the body and egg traits evaluated could be improved by mass selection method and any improvement in the bodyweight could lead to a concomitant increase in the associated trait.