Genetic study was conducted in selected line of White Leghorn (IWH)and control lines to evaluate the feed efficiency traits. Residual feed consumption (RFC) was estimated at 4 week intervals for the periods 21–24, 29–32, 3740 weeks. These three periods constitute prepeak, peak and post peak stages of egg production. RFC value was highest during 21–24 week period followed by 37–40 week period. It was negative during the 29–32 week period. These results indicated that the feed conversion was high during 29–32 week period which correspond with the peak egg production period. The heritability estimates of RFC was low in selected as well as control lines for all these periods. Genetic correlation of ASM with residual feed consumption was high and negative. Genetic correlation of 20 week body weight with RFC was negative in direction and higher in magnitude for 21–24 week period, but it turned positive for 37–40 week period. Genetic correlation of 40 week body weight with RFC in 21–24, 29–32 and 37–40 week was positive in direction. Genetic correlation of egg weight with RFC at different periods was positive in direction and medium in magnitude. Genetic correlation of 40 week EP with RFC was negative in direction. Genetic correlation between actual feed consumption and residual feed consumption was negative for most of the periods. Phenotypic correlation of RFC with production traits is more or less similar to genetic correlation estimates.
Residual feed consumption, heritability, ASM, body weights
