Multi-trait selection indices for genetic improvement in broiler line for feed efficiency Pandey A K1, Scientist(SS), Singh R V2, Director GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145 (UA). 1 NBAGR, Karnal-132 001, India. 2 Cenlral Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122. Abstract The relative efficiency and genetic gain of various selection indices comprising two, three, four, and five traits were constructed and compared in broiler lines offeed efficiency. The data were recorded on synthetic strain of broilers feed efficiency line maintained from 1991–94 at Poultry Research Centre, Pantnagar University. The traits incorporated in this study were day old body weight (WDO), body weight at 5 and 8 weeks of age (W5W and W8W), weight gain during 5–8 weeks (WG), feed consumption during 5–8 weeks (FC) and feed efficiency during 5–8 weeks (FE). A total of 35 selection indices were constructed as per Hazel's (1943), the method suggested by Karam et al. (1953) considering hatch and sex as fixed effect and sire and dam as random effect. Accuracy (RIH) of all the selection indices was on higher side except four traits selection indices. Index I6, incorporating W8W and FC had highest accuracy (RIH=0.783) with genetic gain of 25.97 units. Index I10, incorporating WDO, W8W, and FC and I22 incorporating WDO, W8W, WG, FC and FE had slightly higher aggregate genetic gain (28.49 and 29.64 units, respectively) as compared to 16, with accuracies 0.554 and 0.457. Above three selection indices were found better for genetic improvement in broilers offeed efficiency line and recommended for use. Top Key words Selection index, broiler production, genetic gain. Top |