Changes in production traits in IWJ-WLH hens by selection for antibody response to sheep erythrocytes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of divergent selection for antibody response to sheep red blood cells on egg production traits in 141 WLH female birds viz. first egg weight (FEW), egg weights at 28 (EW28), 40 (EW40) weeks, part egg production upto 28 (EP28), 32 (EP32), 36 (EP36) and 40 (EP40). The effect of divergent selection for sheep erythrocyte response was not significant on EW28 and EW40 but was significant on FEW. However, relatively higher mean values of these traits were recorded in low line in comparison to high line. The present findings revealed that the age at first egg was significantly higher in low line than in high line. The part egg productions were not significantly affected by divergent selection. However, high line showed comparatively higher mean values of these traits than in low line. Hatch effect was not significant on any of the egg weight and egg production traits except on AFE. The effect of sire on EW40 and EP28 and dam on EW28 were only significant. Present investigation revealed that divergent selection for humoral immune response had no adverse effect on layer economic traits in WLH hens.