Prediction of Body weight and other linear Body Weight Measurements of Leghorn Versus Two Egyptian Strains of Chicken

The aim of this study was to undertake the relationship between body weight and linear body measurement traits in three different chicks' strains, as well as to develop some regression equations to estimate body weight from linear body measurement. A total of 600 chicks (200 each from Fayomi (F), Golden Sabahia (GS) and White Leghorn (WL)) were used for this research. Result showed that males of the three strains were significantly higher body weight (bw) and other body measurements. Comparison of three strains also showed that GS bird was significantly better than F and WL birds for all traits under study. Lower correlation value was obtained between BW and back length (BL) and significant in male WL strain at 8 weeks old. At 12 weeks old, high, positive and significant values were observed between BW and circumference breast (CB) in female WL strain. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that BW was best predicted using shank length (SL), keel length (KL), CB, BL for male WL, SL, CB, BL for female WL, GS and male F. Meanwhile, BW was best predicted using SL and CB for male GS. It was concluded that breed differences do exist between the strains under study and some of body measurements can be used as accurate indicators to improve body weight. Therefore, breeding programs designed for genetic improvement of body weight in the population of Leghorn, Golden Sabahia and Fayoumi chicks can use selection of different body measurements as selection criteria.