Evaluation of multi-trait selection indices for improving egg production in White Leghorn

Abstract

The relative efficiency of different multi-trait selection indices weri evaluated for improving egg production to 40 weeks of age by incorporating various traits in 'c' strain of White Leghorn. The index incorporating all the 5 traits gave the maximum improvement in egg production (3.6838 eggs) but there was simultaneous decline in egg weight (-0.1479. g). The restricted selection index with 50% restriction on egg weight would be a desirable proposition for improving both egg weight and egg number. Among all the indices studied, the multitrait-multisource indices were the most efficient in improving the egg production (4.0296 eggs).