Influence of Inheritance and Age of Hen upon Initial Egg Quality

IN THE evaluation of genetic information, not all evidences of hereditary transmission are of equal importance. Demonstrations of differences between breeds and strains are indicative of genetic effects, but not particularly helpful to the breeder. Proof of family differences within strains offers further evidence of the genetic determination of the character observed and indicates the possible effectiveness of selection. Development of lines of stock differing in a character and the behavior of crosses between such lines permits the collection of much more valuable information involving the heritability of the character, the complexity of its inheritance, and the determination of such conditions as dominance and recessiveness, sex-linkage, complementary gene action, etc. It is only when studies have progressed through the more extensive selection and breeding programs that the breeder can be advised most efficiently how to develop the genetic worth of his stock. In this review, it will be evident that…