Effect of early feathering gene on body testis and comb weights in Iraqi local brown male chicken.

Abstract

This study was conducted at local chicken Experimental Station in Abu-Ghraib which it was belong to Iba'a Centre for Agricultural experiments, to find the influence of rate of feathering sex-linked gene hold on sexual chromosome (Z) on some Iraqi local cockerel traits (Brown males).250 rapid and slow feathering cockerels were used. Classification of chicks depends on length of primary, secondary and covert feathers.Body, testis and comb weight traits were studied from 5 to 25 weeks of age.The results showed that:a- There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in body weight of 15 weeks of age.b- There were significant increases in testis weight at 7, 9, 11,13th weeks of age. c- There were significant ( P ≤ 0.05) raised in comb weight at 5, 7, 9, 11th weeks of age.