Abstract

Predicting body weight plays a vital role in poultry breeding, as it significantly affects the productivity and economic viability of poultry operations. Within the field of animal breeding, researchers have identified linear body measurements as effective indicators for estimating body weight. A study of 397 mature hens (155 Australorp; 154 Boschveld; 88 Sasso) was conducted to assess body weight and linear body measures, including neck length (NL), Body Circumference (BC), Body Length (BL), Shank Length (SL), and Shank Circumference. The results showed significant differences in BWT, BC, BL, SC, and SL for all chicken breeds, with p-values less than 0.05. However, there was a slight difference in neck length and shank circumference, with p<0.05. Australorp had the highest weight and largest size, followed by Boschveld and Sasso. The study found that Boschveld chickens had the strongest association coefficient with body weight, with a 0.50 correlation between shank circumference and neck length. Sasso chickens showed a positive association with body weight and body dimensions, but the overall relationship was weaker. Australorp chickens can predict body weight by direct selection of the neck length. Australorp chickens had the highest body circumference, body length, shank circumference, and neck length. Linear body measurements as sole predictors of body weight were ineffective, with values ranging from 0.02-0.34, 0.03-0.15, and 0.05-0.27 for SC, AC, and BC, respectively. The most effective multiple linear regression model correlating body weight and linear body measurements was presented by Boschveld (R2 = 0.50). However, its applicability, particularly in smallholder agricultural contexts, remains subject to debate. The study concluded that linear body measurements may not be effective sole predictors of body weight in the Australorp, Boschveld, and Sasso chicken populations of Zimbabwe, and that other predictive models that fit quadratic or cubic growth may need to be explored. Furthermore, the size and body weight of chicken breeds differ, with Australorp being notably larger and heavier. This study illuminates the genetic and environmental elements that affect poultry body weight, allowing breeders to make better-informed choices. Subsequent studies could explore the integration of body weight prediction models with genomic selection techniques to enhance the precision of breeding values and develop prediction models specific to different genotypes in poultry.