Genetic variation of plasma growth hormone and its genetic association with growth traits in young chickens.
A pedigreed, randomly mated population of 25 sire families was assessed for genetic variation in body weight, gain, and plasma growth hormone (GH) under conditions of reduced temperature brooding (26.7 C) from day of hatch to 7 days of age. Heritability estimates (h2) for 7-day body weight and gain were moderate to high. The calculated h2 for GH was moderate. Plasma levels of GH were not phenotypically or genotypically correlated with body weight or gain.
Scott
T R
TR
Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Washburn
K W
KW
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*
D013006:Growth Hormone