Predicting crossbred performance in chicken: A genomic simulation study on Jharkhand native × commercial breed combinations

Abstract

Systematic crossbreeding between indigenous and commercial poultry breeds is a key strategy for enhancing productivity while retaining valuable adaptive traits. This study utilized genomic simulation to predict and evaluate the effects of heterosis in F₁ crosses between the resilient Jharkhand native chicken and three specialized commercial breeds: White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Cornish. A simulated population of 1,200 purebred individuals was generated based on breed-specific performance parameters and a genomic architecture of 1,000 SNP markers. Crossbreeding simulations were conducted to produce 250 F₁ offspring per combination. The Jharkhand × Rhode Island Red cross exhibited the highest heterosis for both egg production (14.9%) and body weight (18.2%), making it an optimal dual-purpose choice. The Jharkhand × White Leghorn cross showed significant heterosis for egg production (10.7%), suiting layer-focused systems. The Jharkhand × Cornish cross yielded the highest body weight heterosis (11.7%), demonstrating its potential for specialized meat production. The results provide data-driven recommendations for targeted crossbreeding programs, highlighting the critical role of indigenous genetic resources in sustainable poultry improvement.