1Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.)-243122, India
2 Registrar, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna (Bihar)-800014, India
3Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kishanganj, (Bihar)-855115, India
4Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.)-243122, India
5Design of experiments division, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi (110001), India
*Corresponding author E mail: skgicar@gmail.com
Aseel, one of the most important Indian native chicken breeds, has unique fighting ability, aggressive demeanour and elegant gait, known for its high-quality meat. However, models predicting body weight at targeted market age based on early body weights are very scarce although desirable in chalking out strategies for maximizing economic gain to the poultry farmer. This investigation was carried out to predict market age body weight with the help of earlier body weights. Body weights were recorded on 1054 progenies from day-old to 20-weeks, the market age. JMP Module of SAS 9.0.0 (2010) was employed for step-up multiple regression analysis. Best prediction equations were drawn based on R2, Adj-R2, MSE, RMSE, AIC and BIC values. Body weight at 18 weeks of age, BW16 and BW14 either singly or in any combination with earlier weights predicted BW20 with an accuracy of 91%, 83% and 70%, respectively. Prediction equation, 14.350 +1.248* (BW16), was found to be the best prediction equation for BW20, hence recommended for economic Aseel farming. This investigation has generated baseline data regarding prediction equations and such equations can be generated for other native chicken breeds also that can predict body weight at market age based on earlier weights.
Aseel, Body Weight, Chicken, Market Age, Multiple Regression, Prediction Equations
