Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation of body weight gain and growth curve parameters in Korean native chicken

Objective: This study estimated the genetic parameters for body weight gain and growth curve parameter traits in Korean native chicken (KNC). Methods: A total of 585 $F_1$ chickens were used along with 88 of their $F_0$ birds. Body weights were measured every 2 weeks from hatching to 20 weeks of age to measure weight gain at 2-week intervals. For each individual, a logistic growth curve model was fitted to the longitudinal growth dataset to obtain three growth curve parameters (${\alpha}$, asymptotic final body weight; ${\beta}$, inflection point; and ${\gamma}$, constant scale that was proportional to the overall growth rate). Genetic parameters were estimated based on the linear-mixed model using a restricted maximum likelihood method. Results: Heritability estimates of body weight gain traits were low to high (0.057 to 0.458). Heritability estimates for ${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$, and ${\gamma}$ were $0.211{\pm}0.08$, $0.249{\pm}0.09$, and $0.095{\pm}0.06$, respectively. Both genetic and phenotypic correlations between weight gain traits ranged from -0.527 to 0.993. Genetic and phenotypic correlation between the growth curve parameters and weight gain traits ranged from -0.968 to 0.987. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study population, we suggest that the KNC could be used for selective breeding between 6 and 8 weeks of age to enhance the overall genetic improvement of growth traits. After validation of these results in independent studies, these findings will be useful for further optimization of breeding programs for KNC.