This study was conducted to estimate heterosis effects, specific and general combining abilities existing within growth traits. A 3 x 3 diallel mating system involved three indigenous chicken genotypes namely Potchefstroom Koekoek (P), Venda (V) and Ovambo (O) was used to produce three purebreds (P x P, V x V, O x O), three crossbreds (P x O, P x V, O x V) and three reciprocals (O x P, V x P, V x O). The body masses of 225 chicks recorded at ages 0, 4, 8 and 10 weeks, were used to make an estimation of heterosis, specific combining ability (SCA) and general combining ability (GCA). Results indicated that the crossbreed between P sires and O dams provided the uppermost heterosis for growth traits (30.07%). GCA and SCA showed the importance (P ≤ 0. 05) for body weight from hatch up to 10 weeks of age. P genotype gave the positive effects of GCA and P x V crossbreed resulted in positive effects of SCA. It thus, be concluded that Potchefstroom Koekoek genotype might be used in the crossbreeding with other indigenous chicken genotypes to improve growth traits.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Agronomy and Crop Science