Prediction of the Weight and Number of Eggs in Mazandaran Native Fowl Using Artificial Neural Network

Abstract

Traditional poultry production has changed to a considerable industry after few decades. Now, poultry industry is one of the main sectors to obtain the required protein for human consumption. Prediction of the weight and number of eggs according to economic traits can improve the efficiency of production and the profit of producers. In present study, the weight and number of eggs in Mazandaran native fowl were predicted using artificial neural network (ANN). The information of BW at birth, 8 and 12 weeks of age, weight and age at sexual maturity and the polymorphism of prolactin gene were used for the prediction. The results showed that ANN is reliable method for predicting the weight and number of eggs based on available information