Genetic Estimates and Reproductive Traits of Two Local Turkey Variants and their Reciprocal Hybrids in Zaria, Nigeria

A two-generation experimental study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of two indigenous turkey strains. From a foundational population composed of white, black, main cross (white male x black female), and reciprocal cross (black male x white female) birds, a total of 180 poults were generated. Each breeding group contained 45 poults, replicated three times. At eight weeks, the heaviest tom and two hens per replicate were chosen to record reproductive data, a process repeated for the second generation (G2). Data analysis employed the General Linear Model (GLM) in SAS, and differences among strains were evaluated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Heritability was estimated through variance component analysis. Results showed that egg production (5.15±0.16 and 4.66±0.16 eggs/week) and body weight at first lay (3632.88±48.98 g and 3532.53±48.98 g) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in G2 compared to G1 (first generation). Fertility (72.70% and 63.49%) and hatchability (56.76% and 41.09%) declined in G2. No significant strain effects were found in G1 reproductive traits except hatchability; however, in G2, white strain and main cross showed superior egg production and earlier age at maturity. Heritability estimates ranged from low to moderate, indicating stronger environmental influence. Keywords: Genetic Parameters, Reproductive Traits, Indigenous Turkeys, Reciprocal Crosses, Poultry Breeding