Grouping of hen lines according to some productive indicators through a combination of mathematical approaches

Abstract

The object of this study includes the following lines of hens: egg-type hens (line D, line B, line CZ-80M, line CZ 80B) and dual-purpose type hens (line NG, line E, line Ss, line StR, line ChS). After some measurements, biometric data were obtained, related to the following groups of indicators: reproductive traits of lines of hens (fertility% and hatchability%); body weight of 1-day old chickens: male, female (g); body weight of 5-month-old: male, female: (kg); body weight of 10-month-old hens (kg), egg production for 180 days (number), average egg mass (g), age of sexual maturity (days). The main objectives in the present study are two: on the one hand to group the indicated lines of hens into clusters according to similarity in the relevant groups of indicators and on the other hand to determine which features have the greatest impact in the formation of the individual clusters. Two mathematical methods were applied that provide objective and comprehensive information about the questions asked. A hierarchical cluster analysis was first used, followed by a factor analysis using the method of the main components. For the lines in the egg-type hens group, it was found that line D was farthest from the rest of the examined lines according to most of the analyzed indicators. The same is Line ChS from dual-purpose-type hens.

Keywords

• cluster analysis
• factor analysis
• hens
• productivity