Articles | Volume 69, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-411-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-411-2026
Original study
 | 
17 Aug 2026
Original study |  | 17 Aug 2026

GH-mRNA expression and prediction of genetic improvement using selection index for body weight traits in turkeys

Mohamed H. Khalil, Alaa A. Abd El-Motaleb, Manal M. Abdel-Rahman, Emad M. Amin, Ibrahim Abousoliman, and Mostafa K. Shebl

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Cited articles

Abdalla, E. A., Wood, B. J., and Baes, C. F.: Accuracy of breeding values for production traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) using recursive models with or without genomics, Genet. Sel. Evol., 53, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-021-00611-8, 2021. 
Abd El-Motaleb, A. A., Khalil, M. H., Abdel-Rahman, M. M., Amin, E. M., Abousoliman, I., and Shebl, M. K.: Association of Cytochrome and NADH genes polymorphism with growth traits in turkeys selected for higher body weight, Egyptian Poultry Science Journal, 45, 1–17, 2025. 
Ali, S. A. M., Kosba, M. A., Eldlebshany, A. E., Abd El-Rahman, M. M., and Soliman, A. S. A.: Evaluate the impact of selection for body weight on growth performance in Alexandria local chickens, Egyptian Poultry Science Journal, 44, 111–122, https://doi.org/10.21608/epsj.2024.354786, 2024. 
Amin, E.: Effect of repeated backcrossing for two generations between the local black Baladi and white Nicholas turkeys on egg production and hatch traits 1-egg production traits, Egyptian Poultry Science Journal, 34, 187–211, https://journals.ekb.eg/article_5312_ebc349249e8dc5f8a6bb92d6cf37750a.pdf (last access: 15 August 2019), 2014. 
Antar, R. I., Shosha, S. M., Elazab, M. E., and Esmail, R. S.: Genetic and Hormonal Difference between High Growth Rate Breed (Cobb Broiler chicken) and Low Growth Rate Breed (Native Fayoumi chicken), Benha Veterinary Medical Journal, 39, 28–33, https://doi.org/10.21608/bvmj.2020.36634.1229, 2020. 
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Short summary
This study evaluated a selection index based on body weight, shank length, and breast width to improve turkey performance, examining its relationship with growth hormone (GH) gene expression. Selected turkeys showed higher expected genetic gains and significantly increased GH expression in both sexes, indicating a positive association between GH expression and body weight, and its potential use as a genetic selection marker.
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