genetic question for breeders with experience

[KatyTheChickenLady]

This is not a question of color or sex linking

A few of us over on the meat bird thread were discussing the old time belief that one should use the male line to breed for body type and the female line for maternal traits. Instinctively I would argue this, however my experience is with mammals. Of course on the meat bird thread we are looking at leg & breast size, breadth, fertility etc.
I know there are a lot of experts on genetics over here and was hoping I could get a chime in from someone (or a few) with more experience and knowledge than I.
thanks!

 

[pinkchick]

 

[Chris09]

In my experience the female in the breeding pen has more influence on the outcome of her off spring than the male. The male is still 50% of the breeding pen, but the female stamps more influence of greatness on the off spring. You cant have good offspring without a great hen...


Chris

 

[Shaffer]

Katy,
Did you try and contact a University, many of them like Texas A&M have done studies on many subjects.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

My understanding is that there is very little known about the genes that determine type (why is a cochin round versus a leghorn slender; etc.).

 

[Henk69]

In theory the rooster contributes more especially to his daughters (sexlinked traits).

Selecting for male traits on cockerels and female traits on pullets makes sense because the other way around you can't spot the traits you aim for (eg laying capacity on cockerel

). But genetically it is a different story.