Some genetic parameters involving poststress performance traits in chickens

Genetic parameters of several economic traits associated with an 18 week period of poststress egg production were estimated in a randombred population of 1800 White Leghorn hens. Genetic correlations among 6 of 11 traits associated with poststress egg production were different (P less than .05) between the control and stress groups. Earlier maturing birds recovered from stress sooner than later maturing birds and had higher egg production. Early egg production (20 to 40 weeks of age) was a better indicator of poststress egg production (55 to 73 weeks of age) in the stress group than in the control group. Rate of lay from the 9th to the 18th week after stress was higher in the stress group, but overall poststress rate of lay was higher in the control group.