selection in two environments in relation to plateauing in egg production选择两个环境与鸡蛋生产停滞不前的状况.pdfVIP

SELECTION IN TWO ENVIRONMENTS IN RELATION TO PLATEAUING IN EGG PRODUCTION 1)( M. VAN ALBADA M. P. F. C. A. TIMMERMANS Department of Poultvy Husbandry Agric. University Wageningen (The Netherlands) SUMMARY In Random Sample Tests of Putten and Ploufvagan plateauing on a low level is observed in a trait with low heritability i. e. mortality, where selection is directed for low levels and an absolute border is present at o p. 100.No plateauing is till now observed in a trait with high heritability i. e. egg weight. In a trait with medium heritability, i. e. p. ioo lay plateauing has occurred for different periods but was broken through some times. A selection experiment in two environments, one variable, the other constant showed quite different responses according to trait and environment. Loss of heterosis by mating crossbreds was much more pronounced in a variable environment than in a constant environment. It would be largely recovered by one generation of selection in one sex only. Selection responses for different traits are discussed. INTRODUCTION Poultry breeders will rarely be content with their achievements in improving egg production by breeding and crossbreeding in poultry. Especially when they look at the rapid advances made in breeding for meat production during the last two decades, they may become disappointed in comparing the slow progress -if any mdash; obtained by dogged perseverance in their own branch. This lack of under continued selection termed « u-needs our progress plateauing attention. Cet article a été présenté lors de la reunion du groupe d