Diallel crossing for estimation of general and specific combining abilities for growth traits in four selected genetic groups of Philippine native chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus Linn.)

Based on the overall body weight of both sexes, the four genetic groups of native chickens can be compared (from the highest to the lowest) as follows: ParaoakanBanabaCamarinesBolinao. In terms of average egg production, Camarines exhibited the highest number of eggs compared with Paraoakan but insignificantly different with those of Bolinao and Banaba. The average percent fertility and hatchability, the four genetic groups as well as the mating types were similar. Inter sex mating of the genetic groups produce progenies with improved body weight and weight gains at 4,8,12 and 16 weeks of age. Various progeny types showed similar trends in terms of feed conversion ratio. Variances accounted for by general combining ability (GCA) were significant for body weight at 8 and 16 weeks of age and weight gain in 0-4 weeks of age period. The specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for 8-week body weight and highly significant at 16-week body weight, weight gain and feed conversion in 8-12 weeks and 12-16 weeks age periods. Reciprocal effects were observed for 16-week body weight, weight gain in 12-16 weeks and feed conversion in 8-12 weeks age period. Estimation of the GCA and SCA in the different production traits at various growth stages showed Paraoakan and Banaba to be superior over Bolinao for 8-week body weight and for Banaba and Bolinao for 16-week body weight. For weight gain at 0-4 weeks of age, Paraoakan was noted to be better than Bolinao. The SCA effects on various progeny types indicated superiority of BC for body weight and weight gain and BD for feed conversion ratio. Among the reciprocal crosses, DB was found to be superior over BD for body weight at 16 weeks of age and weight gain in 12-16 weeks age period. For feed conversion, DA was observed to be better than AD during the 8-12 weeks age period. Evaluation of percent heterosis of various production traits at different growth stages of progenies showed that heterosis were exhibited in body weight, weight gain and feed conversion until 12 weeks of age. The heterogeneity of growth and reproductive performances of the parental stocks as well as the progenies of diallel matings indicate that the genotypes of the four genetic groups of Philippine native chickens were different from each other. The genotypes were heterogenously adaptive to their specific habitats.